Flat Roof Repair

Proudly Serving Our Neighbors in Arvada

Flat Roof Repair Made Easy

Roofs can typically be flat or pitched (sloped). A flat roof is just that—almost or completely flat, and many homeowners prefer this type of roof for its clean lines and simplicity. Flat roofs are a fairly new entrée to the roofing scene and only became mainstream in the early 20th century. Some folks refer to flat roofs as low-slope roofs, because all roofs should have some slope to drain water down.

According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, a flat roof should have a slope no greater than 25 percent, or 3 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches horizontal.

How are Flat Roofs Different from Typical Roofing Systems?

Flat roofs are different from typical roofing systems in many different ways. First, they are almost flat and allow you to use more space on your rooftop to plant a rooftop garden.
With a flat roof, you can also install a rooftop heating and cooling system, and free up space in your yard. Sloped roofs are the type you will see in most residential homes, and give the top of homes a triangular shape.

Pitched roofs offer a longer lifespan, and require less maintenance than flat roofs, but on the downside are generally  more expensive to install upfront. Another potential negative of a sloped roof is with regards to aesthetics, where they might not fit the architectural style if you’re designing a contemporary or modern home.

What are the Pros and Cons of Having a Flat Roof?

Flat roofs are an aesthetically pleasing, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional sloped roofs. However, they’re not perfect, and despite their advantages, it’s important to consider the drawbacks of flat roofs too.

Advantages of Flat Roofs

Flat roofs take up less space, therefore use less material than sloped roofs, resulting in lower upfront costs. This not only makes the initial installation cheaper but also means great savings in the event of extensive repairs. A flat roof is more versatile because it allows you to do more with the flat space on your roof such as building a rooftop garden or roof deck.

Speaking of versatility, with flat roofs, you can build top-floor apartments and finished attics without the sloped walls produced by sloped roofs, allowing you to enjoy maximum interior space.

Flat roofs are much easier to access than sloped roofs. You can climb them easily to inspect them, but care and caution must be taken when climbing any type of roof. Another noteworthy advantage of a flat roof is energy efficiency.

Flat roofs are great at keeping home utility costs low, especially in warmer climates, because they don’t trap unwanted warm air or let cooled air escape.

Disadvantages of Flat Roofs

Let’s start with the materials, which for flat roofs are can be bit more scarce, especially as the supply and demand issues disrupt the nation’s construction industry. Luckily, RoofTec Precision Exteriors partners with only the top roofing materials suppliers to ensure deliverability. 

Bitumen, TPO, Thermoplastic Polyolefin, EPOM, or rubber are the typical roofing materials you will hear about. Rubber is generally used for rolled roofing of the majority of flat roofs. These materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to install – as long as you have the right roofing contractor at your side.

Materials used in the construction of flat roofs have a limited lifespan, somewhere between 10 and 15 years.

Rubber shingles and materials such as PVC and polycarbonate roofing are also available for flat roofs, but they are more expensive.

One of the biggest downsides of flat roofs is drainage or lack of it because they don’t drain as efficiently as sloped roofs.

Water accumulation on your roof can damage the roofing material, resulting in leaks in your home.

Why are There So Many Flat Roofs in Arvada?

Most flat roofs in Arvada are typically seen on commercial buildings, but occasionally can be found on residential properties. Homeowners in Arvada who wish to maximize their space install flat roofs, or those who don’t have the upfront budget for a sloped roof installation.

How to Repair a Flat Roof?

Repairing a flat roof can be extremely frustrating, and can range from somewhat simple to incredibly complex fixes. The first thing to do is locate the source of the leak in your flat roof, which is usually easier to find on a sloped or pitched roof. You can probably repair small leaks using the appropriate tools, but if you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best to call professional help.

After you’ve located the leak in the interior of your home, measure the distance from the leak to the two nearest walls, and use these measurements to locate the leak on the outside of the flat roof.
The choice of repairing methods depends on the type of roof you have like rubber roofing materials and roofing tar.

Potential Concerns When Repairing a Flat Roof

Your safety is the biggest concern when attempting to repair a flat roof. Further, not many homeowners have the skills to use the tools and materials needed to repair a flat roof.
Another concern is getting on the roof to perform the repair–you have to proceed with extra caution using a sturdy ladder that can hold your weight.

Also note that if you have a leak in your PVC or TPO flat roof, you’ll want to work with a professional roof repair company that specializes in this type of repair. Like, us.

Why Choose RoofTec Precision Exteriors to Repair Your Flat Roof?

Several reasons, starting with our combined 30 years of experience in roof repair in Arvada!
We are also OSHA Certified and are long-standing members of the National Roofing Contractors Association, the Better Business Bureau, and the National Women in Roofing organizations.

Whether big or small, a damaged flat roof can lead to a serious problem if not fixed properly, so give us a call or fill out this short form below and we will get right back with you!