At LC Joinery and Roofing, flat roof repairs in Edinburgh (be that a school or hospital, outhouse or storage) are one of our specialities.
There does come a time when emergency fixes suffice, and others when a permanent flat roof repair job is required.
For safety purposes, never use a simple step ladder when repairing a flat roof – due to the height, even on low roofs, use scaffolding or a stable platform which can be a longer set of ladders. Ensure there is no public risk.
Flat Roof Repairs Edinburgh
Although they are named flat roofs, they all should in fact be slanted to a gradient of at least 1 in 80.
This allows for water to run off it and prevents water from pooling in areas that may sag over time and get further damage from exposure to harsh seasonal elements.
Flat Roof Coverings
Different coverings include:
- Reinforced torch-on felt / built-up felt
- Single ply membrane
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer – M-class) rubber
- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
- PVC membranes
- Polymer modified mastic asphalt
- Sheet metals (zinc, stainless steel or copper)
How Can You Tell If A Flat Roof Needs Repaired
Long before the dripping through the ceiling starts, dark brown patches of moisture can develop, as damp from a damaged flat roof seeps slowly through.
It is at this stage that you need to get the leak fixed or at least investigated to check whether it is a small joint fix that is required or something bigger.
Another factor to determine is the age of the roof.
If the roof is old and in an exposed area, its timbers may have become rotten over a sustained period of time. Timber can also sag under pools of accumulated water and old chipboard decks can break up/disintegrate when damp – look for concentric circle stains from dried up water in low spots on the roofing too and not just for pools of water.
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Assessment: Repair or Replace
When we get that first call to ask if we can carry out a flat roof repair job, we will assess whether a repair is the most cost effective option or whether we would advise to completely renew the roof itself, as damage to the woodwork underneath flat roofs could lead to more cost in the long run.
Locating the source of the leak
Locating the source of the leak is not as easy as looking directly above where the damp patch is on the ceiling.
Water can get under the surface and run in any number of directions between layers before it leaks through the boarding and into the room below.
Flat Roof Repairs Edinburgh
Asphalt Roof Repair
Common damage issues include blistering (bumps of trapped moisture which can burst) in the asphalt from heat conditions, cracks, wrinkles and/or splits, and sagging.
EPDM – Rubber Roof Repair
Common damage on rubber roofs can come from falling debris, such as roof tiles or slates, causing tears, deep cuts or holes.
Felt Flat Roof Repair
Old pour and roll felt roofing can crack, get puncture holes (usually from impact), or the felt could split. Edging can also lift, or old flashings against the wall could leak. The surface may also suffer from dips or hollows.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Flat Roof Edinburgh
Constructing a flat roof is quicker and cheaper than a traditional pitched roof, flat roofs require fewer materials which they cost much less to install. They are also much simpler so are a better choice for most.
With flat roofs, you really need to get a reliable roofer out (like ourselves) to inspect the roof before giving a quote, as it can be difficult to assess the condition of the timber underneath the felt, without getting up on the roof and physically checking it.
Though some roofing contractors will be happy to give you a separate quote to replace the wooden decking over the phone so you know how much it could cost in the worst place scenario.
If the wood under the felt is in good condition, then this is obviously good news as it will reduce the costs of replacing the roof.
But if the wood is rotten and sagging, then fitting new felt onto a rotten base is obviously not a good idea.
Another point to consider is that flat roofs should have a slight slope so that rainwater will run off the roof and into the gutter.
Contact LC Joinery For All Your Flat Roof Repairs in Edinburgh
If you are looking for a quote or a quick repair then give us a call today and explain your situation. We will then book in a visit to determine the cause of the leak/damage and present you with our recommendation and quote.
Edinburgh – 0131 300 0494 or email us on [email protected]
