Let’s start by defining what a flat roof really is in the roofing industry.

A flat roof is a roof that is almost horizontal or level generally with a pitch of 1-10 degrees. Which means flat roofs are not really flat but have a slight pitch which allows water to run off the roof preventing water damage. Water should be able to flow off the roof and into a gutter system for proper water disposal. The slight pitch in the roof helps prevent water from pooling or puddling in order to avoid water damage. Most flat roofs are found on commercial and industrial structures but can also be found on many residential patios, add-ons, and garages. There are several types of roofing systems that are used on flat roofs in the United States including, TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, PVC, and BUR or Built-Up Roofing.

You can now find rockwall roofing contractors who specialize in flat roof repair.

The TPO roofing system is a single ply roofing membrane made up of synthetics and reinforcing scrim. The EPDM roofing system is a rubber roofing membrane made primarily of ethylene and propylene similar to what goes into making tires. A Modified Bitumen roofing system consist of several layers of roofing felt applied to the roof using hot-mopped asphalt. PVC roofing systems are a single ply flexible membrane made from polyvinyl chloride or plastic. And a BUR or Built-Up roofing system is made up of several layers of bitumen and then covered with an aggregate such as small stones or gravel.

It is not uncommon for roofs of any pitch to occasionally experience roof damage, or have water leaks including flat roofs. Mother Nature is still the greatest threat for any roofing system. Each year severe weather threatens homes and businesses with high wind, hail, heavy driven rain, electrical storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and extreme heat and cold. And though there have been great strides made in manufacturing flat roof quality roofing products, there will remain a need for roof repair for the unforeseen future.

Flat roof repair can range from a simple fix to a complex reconstruction project. Even a small screw backing out of the decking can cause a huge problem. In some instances a large section may need to be removed and be replaced due to damage such as a large tree limb falling on the roof. The type of repair that is needed will depend on what type of roofing system has been used. When repairing TPO or PVC roofing a qualified professional with necessary experience, tools, and materials is needed.

For minor repairs such as small holes, and punctures rubber sealant will easily remedy the problem by cleaning the area with a cleaning solvent and applying roofing sealant directly to the area. Roofing sealant comes in a tube (caulk) or can for easy application. A spreading tool such as a putty knife and a utility knife will be needed on many of the patches. Bubbles or blisters should be carefully cut open using a sharp utility knife. Once the bubble has been cut open make sure it is dry then apply the roofing sealant and cover with a patch that is proper for that particular flat roof system. For convenience there are now patches available with peel-off adhesive backings that don’t require roofing adhesives.

For Built-Up roofs cut away the damaged area, apply roofing sealant or tar onto the area, smooth out the sealant and place an appropriate patch over the damaged area, apply more sealant and smooth it out. Finish the repair by pouring the matching aggregate over the patch.

In short, for simple flat roof repairs, adhesive patches should be used on rubber and synthetic membranes, while roof sealant with bitumen should be used on asphalt flat roofs.