Flat Roof Repair

Flat roofs are gaining popularity these days with the advent of new technologies and structural systems. It is supposed to represent pure geometry and reflect the broad horizontal lines of the natural landscape. A majority of modern houses have flat or very gently pitched roofs. However, this type of roofing leaves the homeowners with the task of frequent repair and maintenance as flat roofs are highly prone to leaks and cracks that creates all sorts of havoc. One can get their roof repaired by a professional, however, the flat roof repair cost can be a little heavy on the pockets as it has to be done frequently. Moreover, flat roof repair isn't that difficult and you could do it yourself!

How to Repair a Flat Roof
Following simple and easy steps will help you in the process of flat roof repair. Have a look at them.

Things Required:

• Roofing cement
• Roofing nails
• Nail gun
• Utility knives
• Putty knives
• Brooms
• Towels

Repairing a Crack or Open Area

Step 1: Flat roof repair should be done in cool weathers when the roof is dry. Sweep the roof using a broom to dust away the dirt.

Step 2: Locate the crack or leak on the surface of the roof. Metal barriers between the roof and the chimney or a plumbing stack are known as flashings and are the most prone to develop cracks or little openings.

Step 3: Brush off the gravel and dirt away from the working area. This should be done so that all the possible damage is visible and the cement that you will apply will adhere properly to the roof surface.

Step 4: Cut around the cracked or damaged areas and remove the bad section carefully. See that you cut only through the top layer without damaging the felt underneath. Make the cut of a uniform shape like a rectangle or a circle. Soak up the water in the crack, if any.

Step 5: Now, cut a replacement piece of shingle, using the cutout pieces as patterns. Apply a thin layer of roofing cement under the edges by sliding a putty knife inside.

Step 6: Firmly press the new shingle into the opening. Nail the shingle with roofing nails on all sides. Remember to cement only the bottom layer. The other upper layers can be nailed down together.

Step 7: Seal the entire repaired patch by spreading roofing cement all over it. The cement should be spread in such a way that all the nail heads are covered.

Treating Bubbles or Blisters

Step 1: Separation or a crack in the top layer of the flat roof may result in formation of large bubbles or blisters. Look for such blisters when the roof is dry.

Step 2: Once the blister is located, clean the area around it with a broom. Now, using a razor knife, cut a slice down the middle of the blister. Cut only through the top layer and not through the underlying felt.

Step 3: Open up the cut edges and force roofing cement on the bottom of the edges. Then firmly press down the edges of the blister.

Step 4: Tack down the edges of the cut with roofing nails. Cover the entire patch with cement to cover all the nail heads and let it dry properly.

This was all about flat roof repair. It was quite simple, wasn't it? So, set a ladder, climb up onto your roof and fix the problem following the steps mentioned above! Hope you found the article helpful!