What Are The Signs That Your Flat Roof May Be At The End Of Its Lifespan?

Posted on: 21 June 2023

There are many different roofing materials that can be used on flat roofs. This includes PVC, TPO, BUR, EPDM, modified bitumen, and spray-on roofing materials. While each of these materials is different, many of them give off similar signs when the roofing material is nearing the end of its lifespan. Knowing what these signs are allows you to call in a professional to replace your roof before major damage, such as water leaks, occurs. Here are a few of the key signs that indicate that a flat roof may be at the end of its lifespan. 

Water Is Pooling On The Flat Roof

The term flat roof does not accurately describe the roof. While flat roofs appear to be flat, they actually have a small slope to them. This slope allows water to drain from the roof or drain towards a drain positioned on the roof. This helps to prevent water from sitting or pooling on the roof. If you can see puddles of water on your flat roof that are not draining, your roof is likely at the end of its lifespan. 

Your Flat Roof Is Cracking, Peeling, or Bubbling

One of the key indicators that your flat roof is likely at the end of its lifespan is seeing damage to the exterior of your roof. If you see your exterior roofing materials are cracking, peeling, or bubbling, this is a tell-tale sign that the roof is not able to function correctly and needs to be replaced. 

There Are Gaps in the Seams of Your Roofing Material  

The final sign that may indicate that your flat roofing material is at the end of its lifespan is gaps between the seams of your roofing material. Most flat roofing products are rolled out in long sheets, much like wallpaper. There are seams between the different sheets. As your roofing material ages and is exposed to sunlight, it slowly starts to shrink. This creates gaps between the seams of your roofing material. If this issue is present, your roofing materials should be replaced.

If you notice that water is pooling on your flat roof, your flat roof is cracking, peeling, or bubbling or there are gaps between the seams of your flat roofing material, your flat roofing is likely at the end of its lifespan. A professional roofing company can inspect your roof, determine the condition of the roof, and make an assessment as to whether repairs or replacement is needed.

For more information on flat roofing, contact a professional near you.

Share