Given the cost, mess and time involved in putting a roof together, you may be forgiven for thinking that it will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, roofs have a limited shelf-life, and flat roofs have a shorter life than others. Below are the top five common problems your flat roof will experience in its lifetime:
CHEAP IS NOT CHEERFUL
It’s all too easy to just settle on the cheapest price for installation, rather than the quote from someone with years of experience and rave reviews. With roofs, and flat roofs in particular, quality is key and you really will get what you pay for. Shop around, look at all your options, and choose a roof-type based on your environment and building size. The Planning Portal can tell you whether your project requires planning permission.
BAD WORKMANSHIP
Badly designed flat roofs can mean sagging that allows water to pool (and penetrate), inadequate drainage outlets and substandard or poorly used materials. Ask for references from your workman and then follow them up, you’ll be glad you did come winter. Roofs need to breathe, for more information take a look at BuildingConservation.com.
POOR QUALITY MATERIALS
Speaking of bad workmanship, using poor quality materials can cause splitting as your roof settles, moves and flexes according to the weather but its covering doesn’t. Look for a roof surface that’s flexible and can withstand the temperature ranges your house is usually exposed to. Different materials will work better for different environments, so do your research.
LACK OF MAINTENANCE
Regardless of the type of surface, your roof will require maintenance. Make sure you know what you’re doing, when you need to do it, and what protective footwear is required to protect your roof while you’re clambering around on top of it. It’s remarkably easy to puncture your flat roof by wearing the wrong type of shoe, so be cautious when approaching maintenance as it can be just as destructive as ignoring your roof once it’s in place.
TOO OLD TO COPE
It may just be that your flat roof has reached the end of its lifespan. Roofing materials degrade over time; exposure to the sun and elements will take its toll regardless of how much maintenance you perform. Tackling roofing projects should be left to the professionals, like us, who have years of experience and knowledge. If you’re in the Thame, Chinnor, Sydenham and Watlington areas then give us a call for your free quote.
