If you have ever wondered what makes flat roofs so much different than standard pitch roofs, our flat roof blog category will be a good place to start reading.
In our flat roof education category, you will find the number of topics related to flat roof repair, replacement, installation, and maintenance. Due to the fact that low-slope roofs are susceptible to problems that are intrinsic only two slopes below 3:12, (3 on 12) they require different methods, materials, and maintenance than standard pitched roofs, therefore, they belong in their own category.
Here are examples of some of our most informative flat roof educational articles:
Flat Roof Problems – Pros and Cons
Flat Roof Materials – Easy Expert Advice
How to Deal with Flat Roof Repairs
If you want a quick lesson to get you up to speed on the topic,, flat roofs are more susceptible to leaks because of the force of gravity caused by their low pitch. Quite simply,, the pitch of a roof affects the force of gravity because of its horizontal or vertical axis.
When a roof is more horizontal than it is vertical (a.k.a. “Flatter”) the force of gravity instead of pulling the water down off of your roof tries to pull the water through the roof so it sits on the roof longer and with more force… And that causes more leaks.
Enjoy reading, and let us know if you need help with your flat roof project, or if you have any questions that we can answer for you by filling out our contact form here, calling us during normal business hours at (651)703-2336 to speak with one of our friendly operators!
Usually, a yellow ceiling stain means moisture got in at some point, but it isn’t always an active roof leak. If the stain is growing, feels damp, or shows up after rain or snowmelt, treat it as a current leak until proven otherwise. If it’s dry, crisp-edged, and hasn’t changed in months, it may be…
Short answer: To detect a TPO roof leak at termination bars, start by tracing interior stains to the nearest roof edge or parapet. Then inspect the termination line for cracked sealant, loose fasteners, membrane shrinkage, and wall gaps. Confirm hidden moisture with infrared or electronic testing, because water often travels inside the roof assembly before…
Start by inspecting the rubber pipe boots where they hug the pipe, then the base flashing where it meets the roof. Look for radial cracks, splits at the top edge, loose sealant, and lifting edges from freeze-thaw. On Minnesota commercial roofs, check after big temperature swings and after snow events, then document damage and schedule…
To detect a commercial roof scupper leak, trace water from the inside out, then confirm the source at the roof edge. Start by mapping interior stains, inspect the scupper opening and roof flashing, and check the roof membrane upslope where water feeds the scupper. Finish with a controlled water test or professional moisture testing to…
A professional roof inspection and roof leak detection report for insurance should be performed by a licensed, insured commercial roofing professional (or an independent roof consultant) who can document cause, location, and extent of damage with photos, test results, and clear repair scope. Avoid relying on maintenance staff or a general handyman. Insurers want credible…
Short Answer: To find a commercial flat roof leak at an expansion joint, start by mapping where water shows up inside and when it happens. Then inspect the joint cover, roof flashing, and roof membrane terminations for splits, loose edges, or failed sealant. If it’s still unclear, use controlled testing (low-pressure water, infrared, or electronic…
Yes, ballasted EPDM leak detection can work with electronic leak detection (ELD), but not in a “scan right over the rocks” way. In most real-world cases, crews must move ballast in controlled sections to expose the EPDM membrane, wet this synthetic rubber surface, and then test. If the roof was built with ELD-friendly components, results…
A hidden roof leak in walls usually shows up as subtle changes before you ever see water damage. Watch for water stains near the ceiling line, bubbling or peeling paint, soft drywall, a musty smell, or damp insulation behind the wall. In commercial buildings, leaks often travel far from the roof entry point, so the…
A TPO wall flashing leak, a common roof leak on a flat roof, is usually found by tracing water from the interior stain back to the nearest wall, then inspecting the roof to wall flashing where the TPO membrane turns up the wall. Focus on terminations (termination bars, counterflashing, reglets), corner patches, fasteners, and sealant…
Short answer: Detect an HVAC curb flashing leak by inspecting the curb’s corners, seams, and termination points, then confirming moisture paths with interior checks. Look for cracked roofing sealant, open welds, lifted membrane, rusted fasteners, and ponding that pushes water against the curb. If signs are mixed, use targeted moisture mapping or a controlled water…
Yes. Hail damage, a common form of storm damage, can weaken a roof without cracking asphalt shingles or leaving obvious holes. Impacts can bruise the shingle mat, knock off protective granules, loosen fasteners, and stress seams and flashing. On low-slope commercial roofs, hail can cause small punctures or membrane fractures that stay hidden until leaks,…
A TPO roof leak at HVAC curb corners is found by narrowing the leak path from the interior, then inspecting every curb corner detail on the TPO membrane: welds, flashing, termination, fasteners, and sealant transitions. Finally, confirm the exact breach with controlled water testing or professional methods like infrared or electronic leak detection, because water…
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Sellers Roofing Company is your premier Saint Paul destination for expert commercial and residential roofing services, offering comprehensive solutions from storm damage restoration and repairs to new asphalt shingle installations, all with meticulous craftsmanship and an eye for enhancing your property’s safety and aesthetic.