Depending on the material used and other factors like how well maintained it is, a flat roof is likely to last around 20 to 50 years.
With a potential lifespan so wide, it’s important to know what signs to look out for that your flat roof needs replacing. Let’s take a look!
Pooling Water
Pooling water is a sign to look out for that suggests a flat roof is in need of replacing. This occurs when water stays on a roof for 48+ hours.
If your flat roof has become susceptible to this problem on an ongoing basis, it’s time to have your roof replaced. This is because pooling water repeatedly can lead to roof damage and result in leaks. Such leaks can, in turn, cause internal damage to your property such that having your roof replaced is key to preventing damage occurring or/and escalating.
Substantial Damage Making the Roof Beyond Economical Repair
While small-scale damage may be fine to simply have repaired, substantial damage will often necessitate a roof replacement.
Of course, if unsure, you can verify with a roof repairer as to whether you should have your roof repaired or replaced. Often it will come down to a question of if your roof is beyond economical repair.
Energy Efficiency Issues
If your home is losing energy efficiency due to a deteriorating roof, it is also arguably a sign that your flat roof needs replacing. Once more, you may want to confirm with a professional.
Building Use or Building Regulation Changes
Further, if the use of your home has changed or the Building Regulations have been altered, you may need to have your roof upgraded.
Starting with building use, in the case of a house extension or renovation, your flat roof must be evaluated by a professional to consider whether the latest Building Regulations require changes to the roof. It’s possible that in such a scenario, you’ll need to have your roof replaced and upgraded.
Other Signs
Along with the signs already discussed, you should look out for the following indications that a roof may need replacing:
- Damaged flashing
- Organic growth on your roof (e.g. moss, algae etc.)
- Roof leaks
- Membrane wear and tears
- Membrane blisters or/and cracks
- Roofing topcoat damage
Cost of Replacing a Flat Roof
On average a new flat roof costs somewhere in the region of £1,000 to £5,000. However, the cost will depend on many factors such as the size and type of roof.
The price of labour in itself can also differ depending on where you live. For example, in the US, the average cost for a new flat roof in the US is around $7,400. Always do your research and pick a company with the best reviews; googling Atlanta flat roof services brings up a list of options – choose carefully. In the UK the cost of labour is generally below the UK average in northern England and Scotland. Whereas it tends to be above average in southern England.
