Importance of Regular Maintenance
Maintaining a flat roof, especially a commercial flat roof, is not just about dealing with problems as they arise; it's about preventing them in the first place. A well-maintained flat roof can withstand the elements and protect your home for years, but neglecting it can lead to costly repairs or even replacement.
Regular resealing is a crucial component of this maintenance. It helps preserve the roof's integrity, ensuring it remains waterproof and insulated against temperature extremes. Ignoring this critical step can result in leaks, which may cause structural damage, mold growth, and a host of other issues that compromise the integrity of your roof.
A flat roof should typically be resealed every 5 to 7 years to maintain its protective qualities.
Factors Affecting Resealing Timelines
Arizona's unique climatic conditions can significantly impact the frequency at which you should reseal your flat roof. With our long, hot summers, intense UV radiation, and low humidity levels, flat roofs in this region are subject to accelerated wear and tear.
The relentless heat causes roofing materials to expand and contract more frequently, which can lead to cracks and a breakdown of the sealant. Additionally, Arizona's rainy season brings sudden, heavy rainfalls that can exploit any weaknesses in the roofing system, leading to potential leaks and water damage.
Meanwhile, dust storms, common in Arizona, also contribute to the wear on a flat roof's surface. Fine dust particles can settle into small gaps and abrasively affect the roofing material, gradually diminishing its effectiveness.
Regular inspections should be conducted to address any emerging issues promptly, allowing homeowners to maintain the integrity and longevity of their flat roofs in an Arizona climate.
Identifying the Signs That Your Flat Roof Needs to Be Resealed or Recoated
Recognizing the early signs that your flat roof needs resealing or recoating is pivotal in preventing damage and costly repairs. Regular professional inspections (at least once a year, twice a year for commercial properties) can help you spot issues before they escalate, ensuring your roof continues to provide adequate protection.
In between your annual inspection, pay attention to the condition of your roof, looking for signs that it may need resealing or recoating:
- Visible cracks or splits: Look for obvious cracks or splits in the roofing material, indicating that the surface is compromised and susceptible to leaks.
- Ponding water: If water remains pooled on your roof for more than 48 hours after a rainstorm, it may mean the sealant has degraded and is no longer functioning effectively.
- Blisters or bubbles: These are caused by trapped moisture and suggest that the waterproof layer is no longer intact.
- Discoloration or fading: UV damage can lead to noticeable discoloration, a sign that the protective coating has worn thin and needs to be refreshed.
- Peeling or flaking: When the sealant starts to peel or flake off, it indicates that your roof needs resealing.
If you notice any of these signs, contact Lyons Roofing as soon as possible. Our flat roof specialists can assess your roof's condition, identify what's causing your issues, and guide you in selecting the right sealants or coatings to resolve the problem.
Schedule a flat roof inspection online or call (520) 447-2522.
