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Flat roofs can have its own problems; dry rot is one of them.

By
Home Builder with Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 CSL#642819


Flat roofs can have its own problems;

dry rot is one of them.

 

Flat roofing can be a problem because it is difficult to get all the water to drain off the roof. If the roof sags at all, the water will puddle until it evaporates. The puddles can cause the roof to sag a bit more; more water will be resting on the roof. If there is any failure in the roofing, the moisture can

flat roof damaged

accumulate quickly into the plywood, and framing below. This can cause wood rot to begin.


Flat roofs do not last forever, so regular inspection and maintenance is highly recommended. A well maintained roof will last a long time before a new water proof membrane is necessary. It may be a good idea to contact a qualified roofer contractor to give you his opinion about the flat roof.

 

There are some simple things that you can do to help salvage the life of the roof.

  • water and dry rot damaged roofRemove debris like branches from the rooftop.
  • Blow off or sweep away the leaves and dirt that can accumulate.
  • Make sure that the downspouts and scuppers are clear and working correctly.
  • Visually inspect the roof for areas where water can permeate the waterproof membrane.
  • As you walk, pay attention to soft areas of plywood sheathing.
  • Check to see if the flashing is still diverting water.

 


These simple maintenance items should be done as needed in your location. Maintaining your roof will add to the life of the roofing system, and save you money in the long run. Proper maintenance of the roofing membrane will reduce or eliminate dry rot and water damage caused by a failed roofing system.

 

Comments (18)

Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hey Tom,

I recently had a landlord have to replace his flat roof, and it was not cheap.  The roof had lasted about ten years, and there is a deck on it for the tenants to enjoy.  Best of success to you this year!

Jun 07, 2012 05:43 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Hey Jordon,

Often times it is that decking that is the source of the problem. I hope that the new roofing system lasts much longer then the last one.

Jun 07, 2012 05:53 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

With proper maintenance, how long should a flat roof last Tom?

Jun 07, 2012 07:08 PM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Good morning Tom -

As flat roofs are quiet common here in the Albuquerque area this is great information for the people of the southwest.  In my many years I've only had one yes one roof inspection come back 100% clean.  It happen to be a flat roof and the very picky home inspector said it was the best roof he'd ever seen.  Obviously very well maintained.

Have a great weekend my friend.

Jun 07, 2012 07:14 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Yes, I could see flat roofs being a real issue over time.  We don't have many of those in this neck of the woods.  These are some great tips to prevent issues.

Jun 07, 2012 07:27 PM
Frank Laisch
Orlando, FL
"The Insurance Guy"

good information Tom on Flat roofs, Typically, flat roofs have a higher Insurance premium as well

Jun 07, 2012 08:02 PM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Flat roofs in my experience always have problems. Ponding seems to be the most prevalent. 

Jun 07, 2012 09:54 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Tom. Boy do I wish you were in the east. You are thorough, smart, and articulate. Will you marry me?

Jun 07, 2012 10:09 PM
Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change
These roof types certainly deserve the extra attention. My clients just bought a home where the garage had a flat roof and had been recently replaced. In all liklihood, the previousnowners hadn't heeded this advice.
Jun 07, 2012 10:31 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

The life expectancy of a hot mopped multi-ply roof can very from 15 to 30 years. Recent roof has not yet been tested. A continuous welded seam roofing system is expected to last 30 years, but the product has only been used since to 1980's Roger.

Jun 07, 2012 10:55 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

John, it goes to show that a well maintained roof can last.

Enjoy your weekend!

Jun 07, 2012 10:55 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

The majority of the flat roofs that we have are found in apatment communities and commercial buildings Debbie. Area that have a lot of snow can be a problem with a flat roof.

 

 

Jun 07, 2012 10:56 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I'm not an insurance expert Frank, but I would assume that this means that flat roofs are more of a risk than a convenenal roof.

Jun 07, 2012 11:05 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

James, I agree, ponding happens on all flat roofs. If there is no crown to the surface, it will settle somewhere.

Jun 07, 2012 11:06 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Morning Sheila, let me run this one by my wife.  lol

Thanks for the kind words.

Jun 07, 2012 11:06 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Karen, maintaining a a flat roof does pay off in the long run.

Jun 07, 2012 11:07 PM
DeeDee Riley
Lyon Real Estate - El Dorado Hills CA - El Dorado Hills, CA
Realtor - El Dorado Hills & the Surrounding Areas

Tom,

Great tips for helping your roofs last longer.  Wonder how they ever thought flat roofs were a good idea?!:)

Jun 08, 2012 01:17 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I would have to assume that the flat roof is less expensive to construct DeeDee.

Jun 08, 2012 03:29 PM