Most buildings will need roof repair at one point or another. Whether it is a weather-related disaster or a simple repair, it is important to find a qualified professional to do the job right. A flat roof is less stable than a pitched roof and could be more hazardous for the people living in the buildings. Many roofs are built using different materials that require different skills. Here is what you need to know about Toronto roof repair contractors.
There are several types of roofing systems including bitumen roofs, ceramic tile roofs, and spray membranes. Bitumen roofs are usually laid on top of tar paper while ceramic tiles are put over old clay tiles. Spray on membrane systems use a coating of liquid membrane to seal the edges and corners of the buildings. All three types of flat roof repair options are effective in preventing leaks and improving the quality of the existing roof. The trick is choosing the right system.
If you live in a region where winters are cold and dreary, then you should consider rubber and pvc membranes. Roping roof membranes are made from rubber and place it over the existing roof surface to form a protective barrier. They can also prevent soil from shifting that will cause water damage. You can replace the membrane roofs quickly and easily because they are made out of rubber and are therefore very easy to install. On the downside, you will need to replace the rubber and pvc membranes annually, which means an additional cost on top of the flat roof repair.
Another type of roof that you can consider for your flat roof maintenance is asphalt shingles. These roofs are also made of tar and they have a smooth flat surface. However, asphalt shingles can prove to be quite slippery because of its sticky quality. It can be quite difficult to apply asphalt shingles to a slope or a wet or moist surface because it can get dislodged, crumbled, and ruined easily. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, then this may not be the ideal choice of flat roof material.
If you want to reduce your replacement costs, then consider using wood shingles. Though these types of materials can last for many years, it is still best to replace them once their lifespan has expired. The wood shingles used on a house’s flat roof may deteriorate quickly because of constant weathering. In addition to that, you would need to replace the wooden shingles annually as well.
Flat roof repairs are only cheaper if they are carried out by a professional. If you are going to carry out the repairs on your own, then you will need to hire a contractor to do the job. Contractors usually have more experience than you do. They are also better equipped to determine the best materials and techniques to use so that the repairs on your flat roofs will be less costly.
There are other roof leak repairs that you can take on yourself. If you see leaks in your roof that do not seem to have any potential sources, then it is wise to ignore them. Leaks in flat roofs can be caused by single-ply roofs which are commonly made of fiberglass. If you see leaks in single-ply roofs, then you can try to melt and repair it using a hot glue gun.
Lastly, you should always keep in mind that flat roofs are generally more prone to damage when compared to other types of roof structures such as pitched or clapboard roofs. A flat roof would require more maintenance. This maintenance includes painting, staining, and cleaning. A pitched roof on the other hand, would require less maintenance. If you are not planning to put up a permanent tiki hut on your flat roof, then it would be wise to go for a cheaper and simpler one.