Maintenance Tips For Flat And Low Slope Roofs

Low slope roofs (and all roofs) rely heavily on the maintenance of a homeowner and local roofers to ensure it stays durable and long-lasting. In order to be well-maintained, there are some vital tips for homeowners and business owners to follow in order to uphold the integrity of their low-slope roof.

1) Perform Regular Roof Inspections ️‍

Every roof should be visually inspected every year. This is when you can spot things like cracks, pooling water, debris, or leaks. But a more thorough inspection by a professional should be performed every 3-5 years, if not more.

2) Trim Overhanging Trees

Overhanging trees are a major risk to your roof. If a large storm comes through and a tree topples onto the roof or even large branches fall onto the roof’s surface, it can crack, dent, or penetrate your roofing material. So keep them trimmed back so they don’t hang over the roof’s edge.

3) Keep The Roof Free Of Debris

It’s natural for debris like leaves and sticks to blow onto your roof, but the longer they sit, the more risk you are for mold growth or clogged gutters. Both of which can cause roofing issues and leaks.

4) Check Seams For Leaks

If you have a low slope roof, be sure to keep an eye on the seams. Over time, they can loosen and cause leaks. Regularly check them for any signs of wear or tear and you can easily reseal them with your top coating or re-apply the roofing material over the damaged seams.

5) Limit Foot Traffic

While some commercial flat roofs can expect to have foot traffic for maintenance on HVAC or other structural repairs, limiting how often people are up there can ensure the roof lasts longer. Heavy work boots can scuff or even rip seams on an aging flat roof— so best to keep the same walking areas that are reinforced so the roof stays protected.

6) Have A Proper Drainage System

While a flat roof technically has a low slope to ensure water drainage, it still can struggle with draining water, snow, and ice. And without a proper drainage system, that gets even harder. There should be gutters with gutter guards and downspouts to draw any rainwater away from the structure.

7) Schedule Professional Snow And Ice Removal

While you may be able to clear the majority of snow and ice off your low-slope roof, it’s best to leave the job to professionals. They have special equipment that can safely remove any build-up on your roof without damaging the roofing material or causing any further issues.

8) Don’t Put Off Repairs

Failing to repair your roof when you first see the damage can be detrimental to the health of your roofing system. If you have homeowner’s insurance you can also file a claim on bigger repairs— but the sooner you act, the better.

9) Check For Blistering Or Cracking

Constant sun and weather exposure can wreak havoc on your low slope roofing materials causing them to blister or crack. Watch for these during your annual inspection to catch leaks before they happen.

10) Watch For Pooling Water

Pooling water can happen when you don’t do any of the above maintenance steps. And when water pools on your low slope roof, it can eventually cause a roof collapse or massive leak. So spotting pooling water can actually help pinpoint those weak spots in your roof that need reinforcement or replacement.

When you’re doing roof maintenance, safety comes first. Never get up on a roof that is unsafe and always have a roofing harness on. Also, working with a friend can help ensure you are safe and you always have a ladder partner. But ultimately, leaving both installation and maintenance to the pros can help keep your roof in the best condition— and keep you safe from falls or mistakenly voiding your warranties.