How Often Should You Maintain a Flat Roof?

Made from various materials and in different shapes and sizes, flat roofs have become an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking for roofing setups that come at affordable prices and are easily installed by roofing companies in Baton Rouge.

Regular preventative maintenance done by roofing contractors in Louisiana will save you money in the long run. If your roof suffers extensive damage, however, consider roof repair in Baton Rouge. 

Without further ado, let's go over some pointers on maintaining a flat rooftop.

Average Lifespan of Flat Roofs

Roofing contractors in Louisiana will tell you that your average flat roof lasts – depending on the material purchased – anywhere from 15 to 35 years if installed correctly by an experienced Baton Rouge roofing company. 

Nonetheless, performing thorough and frequent maintenance checks will ensure it gets to the upper echelons of that range. Here are some easy tips to ensure your roofing is up to par and can avoid repair procedures from roofing companies in Baton Rouge.

Tips for Maintaining Your Flat Roof

Avoid Standing on Your Roof

Flat roofs are not meant to support a person's body weight unless a roof contractor in Baton Rouge, LA deliberately designs and structures them to do so. Standing on the rooftop can cause material damage, encourage leaks and splitting, and pose a general risk to your safety. 

If you cannot reach a part of the roof to repair or clean it yourself, be sure to contact a Baton Rouge roofing company with ample experience in flat rooftop repair to address the issue for you.

Perform Regular Checks

Surveying your roof can be as simple as gazing at it from an upper-level window or climbing a ladder to inspect the surface. Most problems, particularly pooling and splitting, may be identified visually. Take extra care when climbing your ladder; follow all safety precautions, and don't climb any higher than the instructions recommend.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for damage following storms. Considering the region's weather conditions, this is especially emphasized by roofing contractors in Louisiana.

Clearing Drainage Systems

Roofing companies in Baton Rouge will tell you that a significant reason for pooling or ponding on flat roofs is that the drains are not functioning correctly, preventing water from quickly draining. Water can flow away from the rooftop more readily if you remove leaves, twigs, mud, and other obstructions from the drains.

Cut Back Surrounding Foliage

To avoid roof repair in Baton Rouge, prune overhanging tree limbs that may surround your roofing system. Doing so not only keeps leaves and twigs from potentially clogging your drains--as well as moss and other growth on the roof itself that feeds on the nutrients of the fallen leaves-- but it also keeps larger branches from falling onto the roof and inflicting severe damage.

Wrap Up

The next time you feel your flat roof might need some repair, contact a roof contractor in Baton Rouge, LA to get it checked out for you. The roofing experts at Stalwart General Contractor are always on hand to provide an estimate and answer your questions about flat roofing systems.

Otherwise, apply these pointers to maintain your roof and maximize its lifespan!