If you are experiencing a pesky leak, pinpointing its source can be one of the most frustrating scenarios inside of a flat roofing system. Flat roofs are usually designed with a slight pitch to prevent water from ponding. Sometimes water can enter through the top layer of the roofing system and then flow between the other layers. Water always follows the path of least resistance which means that it will follow gravity and can easily travel substantial distances before emerging on the interior of the building many feet away from it's initial entry point. To really source the leak, you will need a certified contractor to perform a hose test on your roof.
In many cases, your roof's membrane will not leak until it is far beyond the point of no return (meaning it will need to be replaced). We agree with the NRCA's recommendation to have your roof regularly inspected, which will catch minor problems before they become major issues.
Should your decide to tackle the inspection(s) yourself, don’t ignore the details - there are over 150 points that need to be closely detailed from the interior and exterior of most flat roofing systems. Problems can start at flashings, penetrations, seams, etc. The NRCA (National Roofing Contractor’s Association) recommends inspecting your roof in the spring, to prepare for summer expansion/ contraction and again in the fall, to winterize any weak points on the roofing system.
In addition to inspections, some commercial roofing companies offer annual maintenance contracts that can extend the life of your roofing system by 7-10 years and usually cost less than the savings that they generate. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs and coverages in high quality inspection & maintenance plan.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
This saying comes to us from Benjamin Franklin. In addition to being a writer, Franklin was a printer, political thinker, politician, scientist, inventor and diplomat. He was also one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
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