Everything You Want to Know About Repairing a Roof

Flat Roof Repairs

A roof is the first layer of defence for your home, and it is important to keep it in top shape so that it can continue protecting you and your loved ones. A flat roof is different from other roofs and is flat instead of being pitched. Since the flat roofs don’t have pitched roofs, water drainage can be a big challenge. Similarly, if there isn’t a proper water drainage system in place, the flat roof can deteriorate over time and need different types of roof repairs. 

If the water stayed on the roof for a long time, it may result in a shortened life span or leakage. Another sign that some roof repairs need to be made is the appearance of excessive cracks on the asphalt. This means that the roof may be structurally compromised and need proper repairs to make it safe to live under.

How to Repair a Flat Roof

If your problem is a leaky roof, the first thing you need to do is inspect the roof to see where the leak is. Brown water spots are the most common ways to locate a leak, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the stain is where the leak is, so inspect the roof properly to be certain. Usually, companies that offer roof repairs inspect the roof for you so they can not only repair that particular leak but also the other damaged spots before they become they get worst. 

The next thing to do is inspect and repair the roof substrate. The underlying substrate should be in good condition and there shouldn’t be any wet or rotting timbers. If there are any, they should be replaced. Once the substrate is clean and dry, you can get on with the repair job. Roof repairs can be difficult to do on your own since each roof is made up of different materials and need different kinds of expertise to fix them. Many can only be provided by a professional roofing company. 

EPDM Rubber Roofs

These roofs can be repaired with a rubber membrane patch. If your roof has a blister, drain it and dry everything before putting the patch on. 

Tar and Gravel Roofs

These types of roofs are easy to repair, but locating the leak is a problem. Once you find the leak, apply tar, mesh, and gravel, and your roof should be fully repaired.

Modified Bitumen Roofs

These roofs need heat and torching so they need to be fixed by roofing professionals. If the repair only needs a simple patch, you can use an asphalt-based membrane to stop the roof from leaking.

GRP Roof Repairs

Usually, GRP roofs don’t need to be repaired often but when they do, they can be easily repaired depending on the problem. If your roof has a small crack, then it can be easily fixed by applying a woven bandage with some roofing resin. You need to blend it in with the old resin, sand it smooth and then apply a roofing topcoat. For bigger cracks, you may need to ask your roofing company to come in and fix them because bigger areas are harder to tackle.

Why Repair Your Roof: Repair vs. Replacement

You need to choose what your roof needs, depending on the damage and the age of your roof. If your roof has a small leak or a small amount of damage in 1 or 2 places, then a repair is enough. If the materials on the roof have reached the end of their life, then a replacement is necessary to protect the integrity of the roof since it can be dangerous living under a faulty roof.

Emergency Roof Repairs 

During emergencies, you can cover the roof with a tarp until help arrives, since the tarp will temporarily block the water from impacting the roof further. Emergency repairs are harder to perform because typically an “emergency” means that there is a storm or rain that has compromised the integrity of the roof and water is seeping inside the house.

What You Will Need To Repair Your Flat Roof?

Flat roofs are easier to temporarily fix during a storm since a sealing compound can be applied to the leak which will help keep the integrity of the roof intact. After the storm clears, the roofing company needs to be called so they can inspect the area properly and provide an in-depth repair.

Homeowners in Cardiff can also store an emergency roof repair kit at their house if their area is prone to odd weather. Most of these DIY kits have a liquid rubber membrane system that can form a quick and air-tight seal to avoid damaging the roof even further. If your roof is prone to leakage, perhaps you should consider getting it replaced all together to avoid more disturbances.

People Also Ask

  1. How much do roof repairs cost in the UK?

The cost of roof repair in the UK can vary anywhere between £200 and £1100, with £650 being the average cost. It also depends on the extent of damage and the type of roof you have. 

  1. Can you repair a part of the roof?

Well, yes if your roof only has a few shingles that need to be replaced or has a small leak that needs to be fixed, then you can get a roofing company to make those minor repairs. If your whole roof has problems and more than half of it needs to be replaced, then re-roofing is your best option.

  1. What to do if you can’t afford a new roof?

There are multiple different things you can do if you can’t afford a new roof. You can apply for finance repair costs and put it on a credit card if it is temporary, or you can get a loan out to get it fixed. Another thing you can do is apply for a grant through assistance programs that can help homeowners in improving, repairing, and upgrading their homes. The interest rates are usually very low. You can also use some DIY methods for temporary repairs while you save money to get the roof replaced.

  1. How to seal a leaky roof?

There are different types of roofs and each has a different process to fix the leak. For most roofs with shingles, leakage often means that the shingles are cracked, peeling, or curled back. 

The first step is to find the leak. To repair the leaky roof, you will then have to apply a good amount of roofing cement to the underside of the shingles and press firmly. If the shingles are broken or rotting, then replacing them should stop the leak. If the leak is caused by loose metal flashing, simply fill a caulk gun with roofing cement and seal the edges again.

References

1. HMRC. Roof Repair or Capital.

https://community.hmrc.gov.uk/forums/customerforums/ifp/01387aa5-285e-eb11-8fed-00155d975291

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