Roofs come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. With each unique look comes unique challenges. If you have a flat roof, chances are you are on your way to a leak even if you had the roof installed within the last 5-10 years. For homeowners with a flat roof, it’s common to see bubbling or tears in the roofing material. If you notice either of these on your roof, it’s time to call for flat roof repair.
The hard part about a roof is deciding whether or not your roof needs to be replaced or can be repaired. We’ve compiled a list of the most common flat roofing problems that occur in flat roofs and how to best deal with these issues.
A leak is probably the most common, frequent issue on any type of flat roof is leak and moisture problems. It often happens as a result of ponding water that puddles for more than 48 hours after the most recent rain. This is because flat roofs are oftentimes, made flat and without a slight slope as they should. Moisture can then leak into the roof itself and cause major problems including mold, rot, and irreparable water damage.
Typically, water penetrates at the seams or flashing. It can also come from drains, chimneys, skylights, and other penetrations. Patching and sealing your flat roof are the two most common methods of fixing a leak and costs are anywhere from $200-$700 which is significantly cheaper than replacing the roof itself. The best way to deal with leak and moisture issues is to make sure you have your roof inspected regularly, and swift flat roof repair every time you find an issue.
Flat roofs have more pressure exerted on them as your house settles since they are flat instead of slanted. As this pressure builds up and becomes excessive, it can cause your roof to crack. This can appear as shallow dips or may cause the membrane to push up in areas. In the event that your roof does crack, call a professional immediately! Depending on the roof, an expert can fix it by stretching the material and anchoring it, or it may just need to be patched and sealed.
If your flat roof is cracking or buckling, your home or business is at a much higher risk for exposure to participation and may even be a sign that your roof is structurally compromised and may be time for a new one. Cost to fix cracks in your flat roof range from $200 to $1000 depending on the severity.
As with most other materials, flat roofs often expand and contract due to changing weather and temperatures. The flashing is what seals the edge of your roof, as well as any penetrations like skylights or chimneys, can be pulled away from the edges and corners of your roof, leading to leaks and moisture that can get trapped inside your roof. If the leaks become significant or the deterioration becomes extreme in the flashing, you will have to replace your roof.
The best way to avoid this is to have a professional inspect your roof regularly. New flashing can be installed for $200 – $500 in most circumstances.
Most common in flat roofs and shingle roofs, membrane roofing is a type of roofing system used to create watertight roof covering to protect the interior of the building. Unlike shingled roofs, however, the membrane on a flat roof is in one piece. Over time as your house shifts and settles, your roof will too. This often causes buckling in that membrane and signifies the end of your flat roof’s life. A buckling membrane is not safe to live under and can cause major problems down the line.
Although, depending on the type of roof, it may be able to be patched or sealed, costing anywhere from $200 – $1000 depending on the level of work.
A sure sign you are in need of flat roof repair is a term called alligatoring. How this happens is the asphalt used to build your flat roof has lost its elasticity due to the sun’s UV rays dry and damage the roofs surface, causing it to crack and bubble and appear like the skin of an alligator. If this problem is left unattended, it will get worse. Sunlight and the heating and cooling shifts between the day and night will cause new cracks to appear while widening the existing cracks.
Unfortunately, more often than not, this is a fairly sure sign your roof needs replacement rather than flat roof repair.
At Capstone Roofing we guarantee your satisfaction with our services and workmanship. Our team of experts is proud to require continued education of roofing practices and equipment to deliver the best flat roof repair for the best price, for your home. Please reach out to us if you have any further questions! We look forward to working with you.
At Capstone Roofing, we believe that trust is built through transparency, craftsmanship, and proven results. As a top-rated roofing company in Phoenix, we bring decades of hands-on experience to every residential and commercial project. From storm damage repairs to complete roof replacements, our licensed contractors are known for delivering solutions that last. Our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction.
We also take pride in staying aligned with the highest industry standards. Our technicians are trained to follow best practices set by organizations set by state regulation and industry standards, ensuring every roof we install or repair meets strict safety and quality guidelines. Whether you need a detailed inspection, a flat roof repair, or storm restoration services, Capstone Roofing brings peace of mind through honest service, timely communication, and expert execution.
We provide flat roof repair services for every city in the Phoenix Valley, including Phoenix, Glendale, Cave Creek, Apache Junction, and everywhere in between.
Find Our Services in Your CityThank you for your interest in Capstone Roofing! Please reach out to us by filling out the form and one of our experts will reach out to you within 24-48 hours. We look forward to working with you!