Repairing Flat vs. Sloped Commercial Roofs: What Every Growing Roofing Contractor Should Know
As a growing commercial roofing contractor, you already know that all roofs are different, and the challenges of repairing them can vary significantly. However, one of the most important distinctions you will encounter is the difference between flat and sloped roofs. Understanding the specific techniques for repairing each type will improve your efficiency and ensure long-term customer satisfaction.
In this blog, I’ll explain the fundamental differences between repairing flat and sloped commercial roofs and provide some insights on how to approach each one.
Understanding Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are typical in commercial buildings due to their cost-effectiveness and space utility. They provide a usable surface for HVAC systems, solar panels, and even rooftop gardens. However, because they have little to no slope (10 degrees or less is typically considered flat), they tend to accumulate water, leading to leaks and deterioration over time.
How to Repair Flat Roofs
The most common issues with flat roofs are leaks and water pooling, which, if left unchecked, can cause extensive damage to the building. Here’s how to approach flat roof repairs:
Detect the Leak: Finding the source of a leak on a flat roof can be tricky. Water tends to travel so that the entry point may be far from the visible damage. Use a moisture meter to trace the source or inspect for cracks, blisters, and seams around flashing and drainage areas.
Patching the Damage: After locating the issue, clean the surface and remove any debris. If necessary, cut out the damaged area. Apply a high-quality patching material like EPDM or TPO, depending on the type of flat roofing system. To create a strong seal, ensure the patch is larger than the damaged area.
Addressing Drainage Problems: One key technique in repairing flat roofs is improving drainage to prevent future water pooling. To encourage water flow, install tapered insulation or add additional drains if necessary.
Sealing the Surface: A crucial step in flat roof repair is applying a protective sealant, such as a silicone or acrylic coating, to extend the roof's life. This prevents leaks and reflects UV rays, reducing heat buildup in the building.
Sloped Roofs: A Different Challenge
Sloped commercial roofs, often made of metal, asphalt shingles, or clay tiles, have a natural advantage over flat roofs when it comes to water drainage. However, due to their steeper pitch and vulnerability to wind damage, they also present their own set of repair challenges.
Repairing Sloped Commercial Roofs
Inspecting the Damage: When dealing with a sloped roof, start with a thorough inspection to identify any missing shingles, cracks, or damaged flashing. Wind and weather damage are common, and even small issues can become more significant problems if left untreated.
Replacing Shingles or Panels: If you’re working with asphalt shingles, remove any damaged ones and replace them by nailing new shingles, ensuring that they overlap correctly for optimal water shedding. For metal roofs, replacing panels involves removing screws and sealing the new panel with a water-resistant sealant.
Securing Flashing: Flashing is critical in sloped roof repair, especially around chimneys, vents, and skylights. If you find gaps or rusted areas, remove the damaged sections and install new flashing, securing it with roofing cement and nails.
Managing Steep Pitch Safety: A crucial aspect of repairing sloped roofs is ensuring worker safety. Always use fall protection, roof anchors, and harnesses, as working on a steep pitch increases the risk of injury.
Key Differences in Repair Techniques
Here’s a quick comparison of the main differences between flat and sloped roof repairs:
Water Management:
Flat roofs require specialized techniques for managing standing water, such as improving drainage systems or installing tapered insulation. Sloped roofs naturally shed water, but damaged shingles, or flashing can disrupt this process and lead to leaks.Material Type:
Flat roofs often utilize membrane systems like EPDM, TPO, or modified bitumen, which require specialized patching techniques. Sloped roofs may be made of shingles, metal, or tiles, each requiring its own method for repair and replacement.Repair Accessibility:
Repairing flat roofs is generally more straightforward in terms of accessibility since they provide a stable, level surface. In contrast, sloped roofs demand extra safety precautions due to the pitch and height.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Both Types of Roof Repairs
As your roofing business grows, being proficient in repairing flat and sloped commercial roofs will be crucial. Each type has its unique challenges, but by developing expertise in both areas, you’ll be able to offer your clients a full range of services and stand out from your competition.
Remember that water management is the number one priority when learning how to repair flat roofs. On the other hand, repairing sloped commercial roofs often revolves around fixing weather-related damage and securing roofing materials. Both require specialized skills, but with the proper knowledge and tools, you can tackle any roofing challenge that comes your way.
Invest in training your crew, stay up-to-date with the latest repair techniques, and always ensure that safety is your top priority. By mastering flat and sloped roof repairs, your business will be well-positioned for success in the commercial roofing industry.
