The Ultimate Flat Roof Maintenance Guide For Maryand & DC Homeowners
This article outlines the qualities that make flat roof maintenance unique from other types of roof maintenance. It discusses the flat roof maintenance process as well as how to tell when you should consider a flat roof replacement.
If you're a Maryland or DC homeowner -- living near Baltimore, Columbia, Bethesda, or Silver Spring -- and have a flat roof that is in need of maintenance, read this article to learn about how you can solve your current roofing dilemma.
What is a Flat Roof?
A flat roof, unlike a traditional sloped roof, is almost completely horizontal in structure.
Flat roofs are usually popular in the construction of row homes, while traditional sloped roofs are often preferred for individual homes.
Because of its unique structure, a flat roof must be built from special roofing materials. Traditional flat roofs use a tar-based surface which helps prevent most roof leaks.
However, because these materials cannot withstand the extreme weather conditions sometimes present in the Baltimore, Washington DC area, most DC and Baltimore City roofing is constructed from a special membrane covering applied with special sealants and adhesives as one continuous sheet.
Other materials that can be used in the construction of flat roofs (though they are a bit more expensive) include interlocking metal panels made from either copper or tin.
How is a Flat Roof Maintained?
Flat roof maintenance involves a number of different steps that must be performed to ensure the roof functions to its fullest potential. These steps include:
- Regular Inspections: Plan to inspect flat roofs at least three times a year. During roof inspections, make sure all roof drains are free of debris that may cause clogs and eventually lead to major leaks. Also, pay special attention to the roof's flashings. Make sure flashings are secure and are not penetrating into the roof's structure.
- Removing "Ponding" Water: After a heavy rainfall or snow storm, homeowners should inspect their roofs within 48 hours to ensure any water build-up is properly drained. The quicker you get the water off the roof, the less chance there is for a roof leak to occur.
- Repairing Blisters: Flat roof maintenance that involves fixing blisters may require professional repair help. The repair process involves removing old gravel when the tar is brittle, cutting the blister open, and covering it with plastic cement and mesh.
Practicing proper flat roof maintenance will ensure a long life for your roof.
Although the average life span for a flat roof is approximately 10 years, with the right maintenance, this time can be extended to 20-30 years!
When is Regular Maintenance Not Enough?
Although the right flat roof maintenance can do wonders to extend your roof's life expectancy, there will come a time when you will need to hire a qualified roofing contractor to for a roof replacement.
If you are not sure whether it is time to replace your current flat roof, one suggestion is to contact local roofing contractors to come out to your home and provide you with estimates for both the cost of repairing your roof and the cost of replacing your roof.
When the cost to repair your roof is higher than the cost of a replacement, it's time to replace your roof!
The four most common types of flat roof replacements include:
- Asphalt Roll Roofing: This type of flat roof replacement usually lasts approximately 10 years and involves one layer of organic or fiberglass base felts being applied over standard roof felt.
- Single-Ply Membrane Roofing: This product lasts approximately 10-12 years, and requires flat roof maintenance by the owner. It can be self-adhered to the existing flat roof, installed with hot asphalt, or by heating the underside of the sheet.
- Multiple-Ply Roofing: This type of flat roof lasts approximately 10-30 years, depending upon the materials used to construct it, but flat roof maintenance for this type of roof can be difficult.
- Flat-Seamed Metal Roofing: This type of roof can last for many decades, depending on the materials used to construct it and the maintenance it receives from the homeowner. It is usually constructed by soldering small pieces of sheet metal.
These flat roof replacements range in cost from as low as $2.00 per square foot (asphalt roofs) to over $20.00 per square foot (metal roofs).
What Qualities Do The Best Roofing Contractors Have?
As most homeowners already know, not all roofing contractors are the same.
So, how can you tell if the contractor you want to hire is reputable and will stand behind his work even after it's completed?
Take note, a reputable roofing contractor will:
- Have a permanent business address and phone number, and tax ID
- Hold a legitimate, state-issued business license
- Be a member of a regional or national industry association, such as NRCA.
- Have years of experience in the roofing industry
- Have proof of liability and workers' comp insurance
- Present a list of client references and completed projects for review
- Have no complaints on file with the local Better Business Bureau
- Offer a written and signed proposal that offers a complete description of the project, including start date and payment options
- Offer various warranties or guarantees to back up their work
In addition, when soliciting flat roof maintenance or replacement quotes from different roofing contractors, always beware the lowest bid.
As the old saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
Price is only one of the many considerations when choosing a roofing contractor. Keep in mind that professionalism and high-quality workmanship also should weigh heavily on your decision.
Why A-1 Roofing's Kanga Roof Is the Perfect Roofing Contractor for You?
A-1 Roofing's Kanga Roof is a full service roofing company that offers services in the repair and replacement of roofs of all sizes and varieties.
Our dedicated staff is proud to serve you and is standing by to help you with any roofing challenge you may currently be facing.
Our motto, "We Hop to It!" is one we proudly live up to. We promise to quickly respond to all of your needs and help you solve any roofing challenge, no matter how big or small.
But you don't have to take our word for it, just read what one of our customers has to say:
I Would Recommend Them To Any Of My Friends!
"My wife and I hired Kanga Roof last year to inspect the flat roof of our Maryland home. It was the best decision we ever made! Not only did Kanga Roof come out to our home and do a thorough inspection of our roof, but they also immediately repaired all of the problems they found! We would have been facing some major leaks if it hadn't been for the excellent service provided by Kanga Roof.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would recommend them to any of my friends who needed help inspecting their roofs. Thank you Kanga Roof!"
– Paul McDermott, Silver Spring, MD In case you're still not convinced…
A-1 Roofing's Kanga Roof is a member of the Better Business Bureau and is a certified Recommended Roofer that specializes in residential roofing repairs and replacements.
Our company is licensed and insured, and we proudly display the Technician Seal of Safety, which indicates that all of our employees are drug-tested, background-checked and professionally trained.
You can rest assured that when you call our company only the highest caliber people will show up at your door.
To serve you whenever you need us, your call is always answered by a live team member who will spring into action immediately to help.
So if you live near Baltimore, MD, Silver Spring, Bethesda, or the surrounding area, call us today at 410-799-1600 or request a free estimate by filling out our online form.
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