A leaking flat roof does not always mean a new roof, but it often needs more than a quick patch. The right answer depends on the condition of the covering, the deck beneath it and how widespread the problem is.
When a repair makes sense
If the covering is generally sound and the leak comes from one place, such as a split seam, a failed upstand, a damaged corner or a blocked outlet, a local repair can work well. Patch repairs, re-bonding edges, re-sealing around pipes and replacing a damaged section are all common jobs, and cost much less than replacing the whole roof.
When replacement is better
If the covering is cracked, blistered or worn all over, or if there have been several repairs already, further patching is usually poor value. The same applies when the deck beneath is wet or rotten. Water in the deck rots the timbers, and no new covering will last on top of it. If the roof has no insulation or poor falls, a replacement is the chance to put those right.
Finding the leak
Water can travel along the deck before it drips through the ceiling, so the stain is not always beneath the entry point. A good roofer looks at the whole roof, the edges, the junctions with walls and any penetrations, rather than only the area above the stain.
A temporary fix
Sealants and coatings can slow a leak for a time, but they should be seen as temporary unless the cause has been dealt with. Be wary of any suggestion that a patch will fix a roof that is failing everywhere.
Get it checked early
A small leak that is repaired promptly costs far less than one that has soaked the deck for a winter. See our Flat Roofing section or call 07766 547309 for a free quotation.
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