Did you know flat roofs aren’t completely flat? If they were totally flat, they’d hold water indefinitely—or at least until the sun dried it up. The truth is a flat roof has a low slope so that water drains rather than creating a ponding effect. That said, if you have a flat roof, you’ll need to take a different approach to maintenance. The leading contractor for roof replacement in Dunwoody shares a few of the best hacks for flat roof maintenance. If you try these tips, you can extend the life of your roof.
No Debris Allowed on the Roof
All roofs attract debris, especially during the leaf dropping season. Unlike a sloped roof, debris is more likely to accumulate on a flat roof. The problem with debris is that it can cause damage to the roof if it’s not removed in a timely manner. Depending on what lands on your roof, it could puncture your roof membrane. The Atlanta area sees a significant amount of rainy weather, often accompanied by strong winds. Those winds can drop debris on your roof. You can avoid problems by cleaning the roof a few times a year, especially after fall is over.
Trim Your Trees
Homeowners in Dunwoody love their trees! When you have a flat roof covering your home, you do need to keep your tree limbs from touching the roof. Overhanging branches can scrape against your roofing material and cause damage. If you schedule routine tree trimming, you’ll go a long way toward protecting your roof.
Pay Attention to Drainage Systems
Another unique feature of a flat roof is the drainage system. Unlike sloped roofs, gravity doesn’t direct water to flow down off the roof. You’ll need to check your drainage systems and make sure you remove debris. Ponding water is a good clue your drainage system needs attention. Cleaning may go a long way toward eliminating ponding water. You may also need to level certain areas of the roof so that water flows to the drainage system. The problem with ponding water is that it contributes to premature deterioration. Address the problem as soon as you notice it and you may avoid a roof replacement before you’re ready for one.
Maintain Your Gutters and Scuppers
Your flat roof may use either a gutter or scupper system to drain water. Gutters are the most common type of flat roof drainage system. They catch rainwater as it rolls down and divert it to a downspout. Gutters need routine cleaning to avoid debris accumulation. Scuppers drain water through square openings along the roof’s edge and direct it away from the side of the home. If you have scuppers, they won’t need as much attention since it’s rare for them to develop clogs due to debris.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
These are only a few hacks you can use to extend the life of your flat roof system. One of the easiest tips you can use is to schedule routine maintenance for your roof. If you’re not sure how often you need a roof inspection, check with the manufacturer of your roofing material or your roofing contractor. Of course, if you need emergency roof repair in Dunwoody, don’t hesitate to contact the flat roof experts at Superior Roofing Company of Georgia. We’ll schedule an inspection right away!