A Flat Roof Repair Can Be Tricky
Doing a flat roof repair is a bit different than a regular house with typical roofing. If you have a roof inspection at regular intervals, you might never have to concern with getting a leak and needing a flat roof repair in your roofing. But if you see water leaking or feel dampness in any of your rooms, it would be wise to call a professional for a roof inspection.
When you are dealing with a roofing problem on a flat roof, there could be a few different reasons why you have a leak. First, there could be blisters in the felt. What your professional roofer will do is to clean the surface around the blister. He’ll then probably cut through the layers and peel them back. What is of utmost importance to him is to make sure the area is dry so he may use a heat gun to dry the roofing area completely. What is tricky about his part of the flat roof repair is that if you apply too much heat, you will melt the felt. Then the repair becomes much larger and much more costly.
Another problem with your roofing could be that you have a split or tear. A flat roof repair professional will fix this without any problem. If you try to undertake this yourself, it might end up costing you more that it would have at the beginning.
Other problems needing a flat roof repair is lifting overlaps and repairs to flashings which also can be pretty tricky. But once you get a roof inspection you will know if this is necessary or not.
Obviously the most advantageous option if you have more than one area in need of repair is to get a whole roofing treatment. This will increase the life of your entire roof and probably save you money in the long run. The most common products that are used for this is a bitumen based product, a mastic based product or an acrylic based one.
As long as a roof repair specialist is fixing the problems and applying the product, whichever one they suggest, you should get many more years out of your roof. Remember, most serious issues happen when your roof has not been inspected for a long while. If you do that, you will save much money in the end.
Watch this video about flat roof contractor
Addition Roof That was installed incorrectley using the wrong type of adhesives, Removed the 13 year old roof and replaced sheathing and Installed new 1/2″ 4′ x 8′ over areas of the roof that was dry-rotted, Install a new 1/2″ Insulation board and a new fiberglass base sheet and installed a Torched down Single Ply application of 160 Modified Bitumen over the base sheet, Then we applied an Aluminum Roof Coating over the entire Flat roof and flashing areas. Hauled away all the debris from the … Please help to answer the question about flat roof contractorWho is the best bay area foam roofing contractor?
I live in the California, bay area, near San Francisco (more specifically Palo Alto). Which contractor is the most trustworthy / or most experienced in the Bay Area?
We have an Eichler flat roof and we have decided we want to get foam instead of tar and gravel, bur, or rolled roofing because we want to conserve energy (and save money on our electrical bills). We read a lot of articles on Eichler network, and they have some preferred sponsors. However, we were hoping to get an answer from someone in the community who was happy with their contractor.
We are also considering our options with solar power for homes, but we don't know much about this yet, or even what it would cost. If there's a local contractor that can do both foam and solar it may be better for us if we decide to get solar power in the future.
So.. in summary: which Foam Contractor would you recommend, and are there any that can also do solar power roof installations?
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April 23rd, 2011 | by roofing contractor |
By thegurlupstairs on Mar 9, 2010
Make sure it's in writing as to how they'll charge if water damaged sheeting is found, ie, time and materials, or will you supply the material and they repair. They won't know if there is damage until the roof is exposed.
Absolutely ask for references.
Check the BBB.
Don't hesitate to get more than one estimate.
Find out what kind of roofing material they plan to install…is it good quality or some cheapy stuff? That info should be included in the contract and can be verified at your local lumber yard.
How will the roof be loaded? Is a truck with a boom bringing it in? If so, how will the contractor ensure that your yard won't be hammered.
Who will be responsible for getting rid of the debris? Easier for them to do it…just get it in writing!
Ask that it be in writing that they "sweep" the yard (with a magnet) to get rid of any nails that fall to the ground. Even if they tarp the area, nails bounce
As far as meeting with the foreman, it might not be a bad idea. Good to know beforehand if you'll be able to communicate with him.
Best to you!
By Trey on Mar 9, 2010
It depends entirely on how strong the addition was made. If the roof is just 2×4 studs instead of 2×6 or greater, you have a good chance of problems. And if the waterproofing of the flat surface may break if you try to use it to walk on a lot in all kinds of weather and poke through with chair legs, etc.
The usual solution if the strength is there is to build the "patio" almost like you were making a deck near the ground: a strong sill atfached to the house and pads to rest on the roof and spread the force. Then the waterproofing of the addition stays intact and the deck can be level even if the roof has some slope for drainage.
If the floor of the house is very close to the level of roof, then there isn't really space to do that above. I would suggest getting someone to design it or ask for estimates based on a design being described to you and see how much trouble they think it will be.
By starlight on Mar 10, 2010
Definitely a rubber roof requires a great deal let maintenance and will last 15 to 20 years. This will be a true water proof roof system. Paper and tar is old method and will last 7 to 10 years before needing replaced. UV rays effect both but tar faster. Long term Rubber. Short term is moving in 5 years paper and tar.
By bellshouse1 on Mar 11, 2010
You need to check with your local Registrar of Contractors to see if there are any open or previous infraction by the builder. You will also be able to see how long the builder have been in business for (the longer the better). When comparing estimates, you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. A $20k spread is huge for a small project so somehow, one of the bids are missing services, whether it is demolition, hauling fees, materials to match existing, etc. If you're putting concrete tiles on the new gable roof, does it happen over a large expanse of windows/sliding door? Any of those builders include additional support on the header and foundation due to the increased load?
Just compare the differences in terms of included scope of work from each builder. By doing so, it may give you a better understanding of the price discrepancies.
By mealking on Mar 12, 2010
A metal roof is not a good idea. Ponding water will leak through the seams even if they are soldered because expansion and contraction will open up the seams. Ponding water will also cause the steel roof to rust prematurely.
A better option is a rubber membrane roof. Warranties as long as 40 years are available. A reputable roofing contractor will make quick work of the roof job and be around for any problems that may develop … in other words, they will be around to take care of any warranty problems.
Good luck with your roofing project.
By arjzv on Mar 13, 2010
You can do one of two things. Either ask a competitor to come inspect the roof and give you an itemized list of what's wrong with it *just tell them what happened and that you are looking for someone who can show you what's wrong and what needs repaired* or you can contact your insurance company who can set you up with someone who can check it for code. Once you get the documentation showing the lack of work done you can put in writing your complaint and demand it be redone. If they refuse, you have it in writing that you are unhappy with the product and also paperwork showing what damage is done. Take pictures! That way if they DO try to sue you for the money you can have that on your side. They won't get a DIME if you're in the right.
Do NOT pay until all the above has taken place or they can claim you damaged it etc. you wouldn't have paid if you weren't satisfied etc. and you won't get it fixed by them.
By e on May 13, 2010
Nice post.