DIY Flat Roof Repair: Do it Yourself or Call a Professional?
Flat Roof Repair Houston TX are usually one of the more expensive types of roofing systems to install because of the materials used and the difficulty involved in installation. If you own a flat roof, odds are it's already leaking or will start to leak soon if your flat roof has been installed within the past 5-10 years, and even if it's relatively new, it probably isn't very stable. If your flat roof needs repair, then this article is just for you!
To understand how to perform an emergency flat roof repair on your own, you need to understand a little bit about flat roofs. When a flat roofing system is pitched with asphalt shingles, the roofing material is typically made up of a few layers. The first layer is the membrane, which protects the metal and concrete underneath the shingles and provides a smooth surface. The second layer of materials is called the flashing, which allows water to move up and down the roof, while preventing hot air from accumulating above the flashing. Finally, there is the support layer, which helps the roof stay straight and doesn't allow the roofing materials to sag or flex. Without these layers, the roof leaks.
There are many different ways to perform a flat roof repair on your own, depending on the location of the leak and the severity of the damage. If the leak originates inside the flat roofing, then you should inspect the attic. You'll most likely find moisture condensation between the attic insulation and the ceiling framing, which mean that you need to repair the insulation to prevent moisture buildup. If the leak originates at the edge of the roof or close to it, then you should inspect the valleys in between the rafters for damage, which will allow water to get between the sheetrock and the ceiling joists.
Once you've located the source of the leak, you can decide how to fix it. One way to repair flat roof repair is to apply patching compound directly to the leak spots using a putty knife, or by using an electric orbital sander. After you've patched the area, be sure to apply primer to the area, as the primer will help protect the metal from further damage. Most leak spots should be treated with primer before any paint is applied. Be sure to use plenty of ventilation when working on any area of the roof that has exposed moisture, because the adhesive used to apply the patching compound may warp if the area is left damp.
Another common way that flat roof repair is performed is by allowing excess water to drip into the valleys between the rafters. This causes the sheetrock to become brittle and flake off, causing the water to seep through and eventually leading to splits in the shingles. Brushing the area with a broom or dustpan will clear off the water, but will most likely blister the sheetrock again. Dampened areas should be repaired immediately with insecticide, followed by scraper, or a vacuum to remove any remaining water. Splitter tools are available to help even out the amount of water that is dripping onto the floor.
Another common problem with flat roof repair is caused by improper installation or poor maintenance of the roofing materials. For example, some roofing materials are not installed properly, leading to valleys and cracks. In many cases, these gaps can easily be filled in using DIY flat roof repair materials. If you suspect that your roofing materials are no longer functioning correctly, you may want to call a roofing contractor to inspect and determine the root cause of the problem. Some common roofing problems include flashing that is cracked or missing, valleys where water can leak into the home, or a lack of proper joint reinforcement.
If you have some level of skill in DIY roofing work, many of these problems can be addressed on your own. However, there are occasions when it is better to call in a professional roofing company. DIY flat roofs are becoming more popular because they are very easy to install, but they do require a certain degree of skill in order to avoid problems. For instance, if you are building a shed, the roof may need to be built with an extra strong base in order to withstand years of wear and tear. Likewise, if you are replacing shingles on a deck or patio, you should make sure that you are installing them properly in order to prevent leaks.
The process of DIY flat roof repair is usually much less expensive than hiring a roofing company in the event that the leak is located on the exterior of the house. On the other hand, there is always the chance that the roof leak will continue to cause damage no matter who repairs it. Flat roofs are relatively inexpensive to purchase and can be installed on your own. When the time comes to have your roof repaired, contact roofers who specialize in flat roof repair.
