Roof Maintenance: Finding Leaks in Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are especially challenging to repair when they spring a leak, primarily because the leak itself can be so incredibly difficult to find. On a sloped roof, you can usually trace the leak quickly because the slope causes the water to flow down. A flat roof, though, does not have a slope so the water from a leak can travel any direction and any distance from the source. It is not at all unusual for water to end up in a location that is far removed from the source.
With flat roofs, the best approach is to go on the roof when it is cool and dry so you can inspect it carefully. Common problem areas include the flashing located in and around any connection points on the roof. Check the flashing carefully to see if there are any cracks, gaps, or loose pieces. Be sure the flashing is installed and integrated with the other roofing in a way that causes water to move away from the connection point rather than toward it.
Flat Roofs
If the flashing appears to be in good shape, the next step is to look for signs of low points in the roof where water has been accumulating. These will usually appear as rings of dirt, each one being gradually smaller until it gets to the lowest spot. When you find the low spot check it for holes, cracks, or other splits that could be the source of the leak.
Seams are also common places for leaks to occur. Any time a connection is made between two pieces of roofing material that seam is a natural weak spot that is more likely to crack or split. Even the best-sealed seams can deteriorate over time, so don’t overlook any of them in your search for the leak source.
If none of these approaches works to identify the leak location, your last resort is to use water and a hose to try finding it. Take it one section at a time, letting the water run for 15 minutes or more because it can take that long for water to work its way from the leak point down into the interior spaces. With a great deal of patience and attention to detail, you should eventually be able to find most leaks in flat roofs.
Ready to get quotes from Roofing & Siding contractors?
Start Here