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Flat Roofs are very popular in Pittsburgh, PA. Flat roofs have typically been used on commercial buildings for many years, but due to their popularity, you can now see them on some residential roofing systems as well. If your flat roof needs to be repaired, continue reading to learn more about the process and what you should do next.
There are two options if you want to repair your flat roof in Pittsburgh, PA. First, you can hire a professional roofing company that has experience working on flat roofs. The other option is to perform the flat roof repair yourself. In the following blog, our experts at McClellands Contracting and Roofing LLC will discuss both options, and which one you should choose to ensure the roof is repaired correctly.
Signs You Need Flat Roofing Repair
If you have a flat roof, you should be aware of the many advantages this roofing system offers. However, a flat roof can sometimes be quite a headache despite all the benefits. If you do not take proper care of a flat roof, problems can arise. Factors such as age and weather conditions can damage your flat roof. If you’re experiencing any issues with your roofing system, you need to have it repaired quickly.
Pooling Water
Pooling or standing water is one of the most obvious signs that your flat roof needs to be repaired. As flat roofs have little or no slope, these systems face difficulty in dispersing water away from the roof. When heavy rains set in and the water does not drain off properly, it can start to collect on your flat roof.
Roof Leaks
One of the disadvantages of a flat roof is that it is prone to roof leaks. Flat roofs are designed to be waterproof, but they can get damaged over time and start leaking. If you notice water stains on your ceiling, or if there is wet spots in places where you don’t expect it (like near windows), there’s a good chance that your flat roof has been leaking for some time.
What Are The Causes Of Flat Roof Leaks?
A flat roof can leak due to the following reasons:
- Storm damages, such as hail storms, and wind storms, can cause your flat roof to leak
- Poor drainage
- Ponding water
Cracks On The Roof
Cracks are a prevalent problem that most flat roof owners face. As the flat roof ages, it starts to develop cracks and blisters. Frequent temperature changes, UV rays, and excessive pressure can cause the roofing membrane to crack. The longer you ignore this problem, the larger the cracks can be. Cracks on the roof can also lead to another roofing problem known as alligatoring.
Mold Growth
Mold growth can damage shingle roofs, and it can also effectively deteriorate flat roofs. Mold can grow on any wet surface, so if there’s water pooling on or around your roof, it can start growing mold. Mildew or mold growth not only degrades the visual appearance of your roof, but it can also lead to many health problems including respiratory issues and allergies.
Mold can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it—and it also means it’s time for some serious repairs!
DIY Flat Roof Repair: How To Repair
Now that you know the signs to determine if your flat roof needs to be repaired, it is time to get started on the repairs to avoid further damage. Suppose you are a homeowner and are thinking of repairing the damage yourself. You might be wondering, is DIY roof repair worth it? Let’s find out.
How To Repair Your Flat Roof?
If you want to repair your own roof, then you need to be extremely careful as this is not an easy job. There are many steps involved in repairing your roof. Here are some of the following:
- Take precautions to avoid hurting yourself. Use a strong ladder and have others help when possible
- Start by looking at the interior of your building for leaks and discoloration
- Try to spot the leaks on the roof
- Look for the holes and patch them with a sealant
DIY Roof Repair: Is It Feasible?
As you can see from the above section, flat roof repair is a challenging task. Whether it is your home or business, the roof is one of the most important parts of a building. Repairing the roof yourself can lead to more damage, and it can have a negative impact on your home or business. Below are some of the reasons why DIY roof repair is not a feasible solution.
You Can Hurt Yourself:
The DIY method involves huge risks. The last thing you want to do is end up injured while repairing your roof. If you try to fix the problem yourself and fall through the roof, you could get seriously hurt! According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls and trips are the second highest cause of workplace fatality in Pennsylvania.
Unless you’ve done this kind of work before, there’s no way for you to know if your actions will fix the problem or make it worse in the long run. It is always best to hire an experienced roofing contractor to make sure your roof is repaired quickly and correctly
You Can Be Charged More For Materials:
In the DIY method, there are chances that you will waste money on materials that are not right for your business. Roofing contractors has experience, and they know which materials will be best for your repair project
Less Peace Of Mind:
If you do the job yourself, you will end up worrying about whether or not your roof will leak and cause more damage to your home.
Why Choose A Professional To Repair Your Flat Roof
The choice to hire a professional company for your flat roof repair is the best thing you can do. You might think you’re saving money by doing it yourself, but if you don’t do it correctly, you could end up with a worse problem than you had before. A professional company will be able to diagnose the problem correctly and fix it at an affordable price.
Here are some of the reasons why you should hire a professional flat roof repair expert to fix your flat roofing system in Pittsburgh, PA.
A Professional Roofer Has Experience
When searching for the best roofers in Pittsburgh for services such as flat roof repair or roof replacement, make sure you consider a company with years of experience. A professional contractor will do a much better job than most people who do not have experience in the roofing industry.
Their expertise can help them to get things done faster and safer than an amateur would be able to do on their own. Repairing a roof takes training and experience, and you will only get this from a professional roofing company.
Professionals Work With Safety In Mind
One of the major reasons why you should choose a professional to repair your flat roof is that it is much safer. A professional has the required knowledge and experience, and they are aware of the precautions they need to take. A roofer is comfortable being on a roof, and they know how to work on them safely.
Suppose you decide to repair a roof yourself. You need to make sure that you have all the required equipment to do the job effectively and safely. Repairing a flat roof will require a ladder, scaffold, torch, safety harness, and flat roof repair kit, and more.
Improve The Lifespan Of Your Flat Roof
Flat roofs are fairly easy to install, but they can be challenging to maintain. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might end up causing more damage to your roof.
Flat roofs are prone to water damage because they have no slope or incline. When you hire a professional for flat roof repair, they will be able to find out what caused the water damage in the first place so that it doesn’t happen again. They will also ensure there are no other issues with your flat roof so that it won’t need repairs soon. An expert will use the right materials and procedures to ensure that your flat roof lasts as long as possible.
Eye For Detail
Flat roofs seem much more straightforward than pitched roofs, but they still have some complications. Flat roofs are made up of many different layers—including insulation, drainage, and a waterproofing membrane. Sometimes what may seem like a small leak at the surface can become a much bigger problem in the future, and you might not be able to see all the damage. On the other hand, roofers will know exactly what to look for.
Roofers train vigorously and can spot issues that might not be visible to the naked eye.
A professional will know how to inspect your roof for signs of damage, and they will know what steps need to be taken to fix them before they become serious problems.
You Can Save Money In The Long Run
Cost is a huge concern when it comes to flat roof repair. Most homeowners feel that the costs of repairing a flat roof are high and therefore they try and complete the repairs on their own. While you may be tempted to do the job yourself, hiring a certified roofer is the only way to repair your roof unless you have experience in the roofing industry. While this might cost more money initially, the benefits will outweigh any monetary concerns.
As we discussed above, certified roofers are fully trained and have all of the right equipment for this type of work. They will be able to fix your roof quickly, efficiently, and safely. Often when the owners attempt to improve their own roofs, they cause more damage than good, leading to costly repairs down the road. Hiring a professional can avoid this problem.
You Can Get Access To Quality Tools and Materials
Hiring a professional to repair your flat roof is your best bet because they have the right tools and equipment to do the job safely. They also are trained to install flat roofing materials of the highest quality. They will also be able to identify any underlying issues with your flat roof that may require further action.
How Much Does Flat Roof Repair Cost?
At the end of the day, the cost is likely to have the most significant impact on the majority of the decision you would take regarding roofing services. The same goes for a flat roof.
According to the Forbes website, the average flat roof repair cost is around $700 and can go over $1100 on the higher end. This will depend on how much damage there is, and the type of flat roofing material such as EPDM or TPO. If the damage is severe and you need to tear off a section of the roof, then you can expect the flat roof repair cost to rise in the range of $3000-$4000.
Get The Best Flat Roof Repair Services In Pittsburgh
If you’re looking for the best flat roof repair services in Pittsburgh, PA., look no further! McClellands Contracting and Roofing LLC is a full-service roofing company with years of experience working on all types of roofing systems.
Our experienced team offers the best flat roof repair and replacement services in the area, no matter the type of roofing material you have installed. Contact us today at (412) 353-5660 and schedule a free roof inspection with one of our experienced team members.
