Flat roof maintenance: Why and How?
Did you know that flat roof maintenance can be a real asset in increasing the value of your property? In fact, re-roofing is one of the most profitable investments you can make. Flat roofs may be discreet and tend to be forgotten by homeowners, but they do not escape the scrutiny of building inspectors.
For these reasons, keeping your roof in tip-top condition is not only a guarantee of peace of mind, it’s also an excellent way to make the most of your investment. Learn more about flat roof maintenance with these expert tips.
Statistics and data
According to the CAA, re-roofing offers a return on investment ranging from 50% to 80%. In fact, completely replacing a roof is rarely necessary! If yours isn’t too old, or if you’ve recently had it re-roofed, maintenance will keep it looking as good as new.
If you have an older roof, you should be aware that some choices may pay off better than others. In fact, the number one renovation to maximize real estate value is energy efficiency: think white roof membranes or green roofs! According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada’s (AIC) 2012 RENOVA survey, you could recoup more than 60% of your investment with this type of renovation, in addition to saving on your bills.
What’s more, if you have a flat roof, green roofs and roof terraces are particularly in vogue and add real value to your property. Find out more about decorating trends in 2024.
Real estate appreciation
According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, replacing a roof is one of the five renovations that generate the highest value for your property. It’s easy to understand: no buyer wants to have to invest in a new roof! That’s why maintaining a flat roof has a positive impact on the value of your property: it helps you maintain its integrity and maximize its lifespan.
What’s more, even if your brand-new kitchen attracts potential buyers, the building inspector will quickly calm their enthusiasm if your roof leaves something to be desired. Between two houses of the same age, future owners will naturally turn to the better maintained one.
Reasons to maintain a flat roof
Because it’s exposed to rain, snow and debris, your flat roof can suffer damage if it’s not properly maintained. A clogged drain can quickly turn into water infiltration!
Neglecting maintenance entails the following risks, such as:
- Water infiltration and leaks
- Mould growth
- Structural damage
- Reduced energy efficiency
This can lead to a cascade of costly problems for homeowners. So how do you maintain your roof?
Steps to maintaining a flat roof
Roof inspection and maintenance should be carried out twice a year, before and after winter. Here are the steps to follow:
- Drain inspection and cleaning
- Membrane inspection
- Check seals, air vents, fans
- Application of sealant and caulking as required
- Surface sweep
- Cleaning the roof
If you’re considering buying a condo, flat roof maintenance is included in your condo fees. For that matter, low fees may indicate that maintenance has been neglected, which could affect the value of your property! Learn more about condo fees.
Inspection and cleaning
When inspecting the membrane, be on the lookout for :
- Major folds
- Cracks
- Curling
- Burst bubbles
- Water accumulation
- Appearance of moss or cracks
For an effective visual inspection, we recommend you start when the roof is dry. Therefore, after a rainstorm, wait at least 48 hours. This will help you detect the presence of any puddles.
Do you notice any deformation or change in appearance? Avoid touching it and contact a roofer as soon as possible; your warranty might be at stake.
When cleaning the roof, first remove leaves and debris to prevent damage and blockage of the drain. Before washing a flat roof, check the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially if you have a TPO or EPDM membrane.
Repairing damage
As soon as any damage – however minor – is detected, such as a crack or weak area, remedying it quickly will prevent the problem from worsening and eventually requiring re-roofing.
If you need to repair any damages, always select materials carefully, taking into account the type of damage and, above all, your membrane. To choose the right materials and carry out effective repairs, we strongly advise you to call on experts in flat roof maintenance.
Call in a professional for roof maintenance
Professional maintenance is a worthwhile investment to keep your roof in top condition, and to make small adjustments when necessary. The FCA Roofing Clinic offers advantageous maintenance plans to free your mind! Contact them to take care of or renovate your roof.