subject: How To Maintain Single Ply Roofing [print this page] Single ply roofing does not require an excessive amount of maintenance, but in order to keep it in good repair there are a few steps you should occasionally take. While some of these can be accomplished on your own, many tasks will need to be handled by a professional roof maintenance team.
Here, we will detail some of the various work that goes into keeping a single ply roof in good repair, as well as how keeping your roof in good repair can keep your home from being damaged.
Because your roof is your house's first line of defense against many forms of damage, it is important to keep it in good condition. The most common cause of damage for single ply roofing in many parts of the world is from water, and there are several ways to prevent water damage. Checking your roof for debris on a somewhat regular basis, and then clearing any debris, will help prevent water damage.
This is because many types of debris, and especially organic material such as leaves and branches, tend to clump together and can retain water. This water can soak into your roof and deteriorate it. Keeping rain gutters clear of leaves and other debris will help your roof drain water properly.
You should also check your flashings periodically. Flashings are thin metal strips that are used to seal edges, corners, and other areas of the roof from water. Having damaged or missing flashings replaced quickly is a good way to avoid water damage.
The seams of single ply roofing can also come apart over time, and making sure they are sealed is important. Bubbles and blisters on the roof should not be tampered with, and you should call a professional right away to deal with them. Be sure not to step on or otherwise puncture any blisters that many appear on your roof.
Sump drains on your roof should be tested once or twice per year in order to ensure they are working properly. If they are not draining as they should, a roofing repair team can fix the problem.
Overhanging tree branches and other sources of debris can be cleared from above the roof in order to prevent further debris from clogging gutters and piling up on the roof. You can also check chimneys to ensure the mortar is not deteriorated, as a damaged chimney can cause significant harm to a roof if it falls.
