Caring For Your Flat Roof During The Winter

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

In a previous blog, we introduced you to some of the best techniques for winterizing your roof. However, it is important to note that the preventive maintenance programs for flat roofs differ slightly from pitched roofs when it comes to the winter season. Since flat roofs do not have the same functionality that pitched roofs have when it comes to draining water and shedding debris, it is easier for ice, snow and other winter weather to build up over the course of the season. That's why it is so important to prepare a flat roof for the change in season in advance! The following are three simple tips that we recommend following as you start to prepare:

1. Sweep any remaining fall debris off of your roof. When debris is left over from the previous season, it makes it more difficult to clean in the winter and can encourage water to pool up when the wet winter weather sets in.
2. Cut back any branches that hang over your roof before they have the chance to fall. In addition to damaging your roof on their own, fallen limbs can also lead to clogged drain spouts as they too encourage water to pool up when not removed.
3. Check your roof for any holes or trouble spots that may be left over from earlier in the year. While you do so, check to see if there is already standing water on your roof so that you can repair damaged or low areas of your roof now.

Does your home possess a flat roof that needs to be serviced before the start of the season? Contact Phil's Main Roofing for help today! At Phil's Main Roofing, we offer repair and preventive maintenance programs to commercial and residential customers to help them maintain the integrity of their roof all year long. For more information or to schedule an appointment for service, visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545.

Flat Roofs: How to Slope and Waterproof

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Image courtesy of Pixabay

As the highest point of your home, your roof if subjected to receiving the brunt of any storm or weather related phenomena first. Further, your roof acts as barrier between you and the weather and prevents the inside of your home from any damages that come from rain, snow, sleet and more. Being that it is officially spring, don't be surprised if the weather forecast calls for more than normal periods of rain - you know what they say; April showers bring May flowers! For this season in particular, it's important that your roof is properly water proofed and equipped with an efficient drainage system. Thanks to the DIY network, here are instructions on how to slope and waterproof a roof:

1. Cut the Face Board/Trim the Joists: In technical terms, first the deck must be cut on the front and at the joints so that you can create a slope. Then, cut down the face board with the pitch line as a guide, and remove the excess material to have a declining slope - this will give you a guide on how to cut the rest of the joists. Continue by using the new front board as a guide, and snap a pitch line along each joist from the house down to the front board.

2. Install Roof Decking: Once all your joists have been trimmed, it's time to install the roof decking. Begin by laying the first board parallel to the house and then use galvanized roofing nails to hold it down. Try to place a nail about every 8 inches.

3. Apply Aluminum Flashing: Once everything is is place, apply aluminum flashing all the way around the roof. Then, using standard roofing nails attach the aluminum flashing to the new roof.

4. Waterproof: To waterproof your roof, cover the surface with a single sheet of synthetic rubber making sure to trim off any excess material. Once it has been smoothed and fitted, fold half of the sheet back onto itself and apply cement directly to the roof. After 15 minutes, you can attach the rubber to the roof by rolling it over the cement.

For more details and images to guide you in this process, click here.

If these directions have you feeling overwhelmed, you're probably not alone. Sloping and waterproofing your roof is a difficult task and should be put in the hands of a reputable contractor to ensure proper installation. That's where we come in! At Phil's Main Roofing, we specialize in roof drainage and waterproofing services and are available to prepare your home for any and all weather related circumstances. If you're not ready to take on the job, call us at (203) 838-4545 and learn how we can help!