If either all or part of your home has a flat roof, it’s important that you keep on top of maintenance and stay alert to potential signs of damage so you can fix your flat roof before it becomes a significant issue.
We’re going to share three of the most common signs that your flat roof could be in need of repair, but before we do, let’s answer a couple of other pertinent questions.
How often should you inspect a flat roof?
Best practice is to inspect a flat roof twice a year, typically in autumn and spring. This means you can check your roof for any damage before the winter and repair any issues to get you through the stormier months of the year.
This is important as our winter storms become stronger. In 2024, insurers in the UK paid out a record £585 million for weather-related damage to homes.
The check in the spring is an opportunity to make sure your roof hasn’t suffered any damage over the winter.
How long does a flat roof last?
How long a flat roof lasts depends on what material it’s made from and how well it’s maintained. You can expect most flat roofs to last at least 15 years, with some able to last 20–30 years if they are well looked after.
3 common signs your flat roof might need repairing
There are three signs that you should look out for that could indicate your roof needs some TLC. If you are concerned about your roof, get in touch with flat roofing specialists to receive expert advice on your roof’s condition and what needs repairing.
So, the main signs to look out for are:
- Leaks or water damage inside your property
- Splits or cracks in the roof’s surface
- Pooling water
- Leaks or water damage inside your property
This is an obvious indication that there is an issue with your flat roof. Specifically, watch out for any brown patches appearing on your walls or ceiling, or any drips of water. The sooner you reach out for help, the easier it will be to fix.
- Splits or cracks in the roof’s surface
This isn’t always apparent from ground level, so if you are able to look out over your flat roof from another vantage point in your property, this is worth looking for.
Spotting splits or cracks in your flat roof’s surface is also one of the reasons why it’s advisable to have an inspection twice a year, as this is the kind of damage that an expert will notice and therefore that you can repair before leaks cause serious damage.
- Pooling water
Despite their name, no flat roof should really be completely flat. There should be a gentle pitch to support drainage and prevent water from pooling on the surface.
However, as your roof ages, it may sag in places leaving space for water to pool. When this happens, it can seep into the roof space – you therefore might notice the issue because of a leak in your home.
