The cost of installing a flat roof can be costly to taxpayers, so many homeowners opt to tear down the existing roof and start from scratch. Unfortunately, this decision comes with a large price tag. Not only does a new roof cost more than a re-roofing procedure, it also takes longer to install, requires specialized tools and requires specialized workers who are well-trained in installing a variety of different kinds of roofs. Roofs also require periodic maintenance work to make sure that they are still in peak condition. When all of these factors are taken into consideration, the cost of replacing a roof actually costs much more than simply hiring someone to install a new roof. That’s why it’s important to consider residential flat roof repair in Toronto if you need to replace a roof or make some other kind of repairs.
Residential flat roofs are not all that different than commercial ones. After all, a residential roof has the same basic elements that a commercial flat roof has – valleys, eaves, ridges and so on. The differences come in the details such as the materials that were used in constructing the roof, how it was installed, how often the roof needs to be checked for signs of wear and tear and so on. Here are some of the most common reasons why residential and commercial flat roofs may need to be repaired or replaced.
The most common reason that a flat roof in Toronto needs to be replaced is because it was built with shingles that do not meet building code. Although most companies that offer residential services will make sure that their products are built to municipal guidelines, it’s still a good idea to ensure that yours is up to code. One way to do this is to have a professional inspect the underside of your parapet wall to see if any missing shingles have been placed there by the previous owner. This is particularly important if you live in a gated community where access to the property’s main entrance must be controlled by security personnel.
Another cause for concern with flat roof repair in Toronto comes from the possibility that the roof may have been built on a sub grade that isn’t visible from the street. If this is the case, it’s important to find out if you can have your existing roofing contractor replace your old one with a new one that’s built right on top of the sub-grade. Not only will this save you time when it comes to getting the job done, but it could also save you money down the road because you won’t have to pay for a sub grade that’s not visible from the street.
The next sign of trouble is leaks. Leaks are always a concern, even when you’re dealing with flat roofs. While water usually isn’t the root problem behind leaks, it is still something you want to avoid at all costs. Even when you’re working with a roofing contractor who has a spotless track record, it’s still a good idea to check over the job he or she did with your flat roof before signing the contract. With leaky roofs, you want to make sure you’re going to be able to completely eradicate any problems.
It’s also a good idea to check over the materials used for the pvc roofing system. Not all systems use the same materials and sometimes these can cause serious damage over time. Some manufacturers recommend highly toxic PVC plastic for their membranes, while others recommend high quality polyester membranes that are non-toxic and easy to clean. Make sure you know what your flat roofing contractor is recommending before you make your final choice.
Finally, you’ll want to check over the parapet wall seal. This is the area around the exterior edge of the roofing membrane. The seal is there to stop water from seeping into the flat roof, but in some cases it may not be enough. If water penetrates the membrane and gets inside the seams, it’s very possible for the water to enter into the structure of your home. This can cause a whole host of problems with your flat roof. Not only is it an expensive repair project but you may not be able to move if the water is inside your home.
Remember, even though all the roofing membranes are above grade and are supposed to work effectively, there is still a possibility for them to rupture and allow water in. Make sure your contractor uses modern drainage methods that don’t require using nails or heavy pieces of hardware. In the case of a puncture, it’s important that you have a qualified professional to remove the water from the inside of your home. With a few phone calls, you can find a licensed, bonded professional who will come to your rescue immediately and ensure no further damages occur to your home or possessions.
