Keep your flat roof leakage free

A flat roof may be the ideal option for sections of your home, especially for extensions. However, one of the inherent problems of flat roofs is that they are at higher risk of leaking. This is due to pools of standing water when the roof is not completely flat. When a roof is sloped, the water runs off so this is not a problem. A leaking roof can cause all sorts of problems. Not only can it create floods, but it can also cause structural damage through rotting and even start electrical fires. Not only is this expensive to fix, it can also be a danger to those living in the home. Here are some simple steps to follow to prevent you becoming a victim. Use a good quality roof Using poor quality roofing can result in early damage occurring. Parts of the roof may sink early to allow water to form pools and cracks may appear on the surface. Using a quality installer may prevent damage from happening. Many poor quality flat roofs will be too flat. The roof should actually have a gradient of at least 1-in-80 to allow rain water to drain off. Anything less and the rain water will eventually form pools. At Bebington Glass, we are an approved installer of Firestone EPDM Rubbercover. Not only does it look good and professional, but it also has a life expectancy of 40 years. It is installed without using heat, which makes it safer to replace your existing roof and it is installed by our trained contractors to a reliable standard. Keep it Clean Leaking can often occur when debris is left on the roof. This prevents water from draining off and allows it to stand on the surface. Make sure you clear your roof regularly, especially after bad weather. Watch for Cracks Cracks can gradually form on the roof during temperature changes. This is due to expansions and contractions in any existing smaller cracks. Make sure you inspect it regularly and fill in any cracks as they become visible. It may save you a lot of money in the future. Keep your Drains Clear Make sure you check the drainage on your roof and make sure there are no blockages. Blockages can cause the water to back up and form pools, which will eventually lead to a leak. Clear any debris regularly to prevent this from happening. If a blockage does form, use a high pressure washer in the drain to clear the way.