How to Care for a Flat Roof in the Winter

When compared with sloped roofs, flat roofs tend to pose more problems for homeowners in the winter. First, flat roofs require closer inspection and maintenance than sloped roofs simply because you typically cannot see the roof unless you're physically on top of it. For this reason, it is important that you inspect your flat roof frequently to look for any signs of seasonal damage or disrepair.

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Instructions

- 1
  Create a maintenance schedule for your flat roof. You should check the roof at least once a month, during the winter, to look for signs of damage to the asphalt shingles or other roofing materials. Also, you should plan to check your roof after any significant rains or snowstorms.
- 2
  Check the flashing on your roof for water leaks. Also check the drains and downspouts to ensure that the thawed ice and snow are moving off the roof and not pooling on it. If you notice any standing water in a particular area of your roof, it is likely that the shingles underneath will need to be replaced.
- 3
  Check your flat roof for any blistering or particularly mushy areas. Blisters can be an indication that water has seeped between the layers of your roof. In this case, the shingles or other roofing materials may need to be replaced.
- 4
  Consider adding reflective aluminum paint to your roof if you notice that sunlight is causing the shingles to crack and blister.
- 5
  Replace your roof if it shows signs of increasing leaks, cracks and general disrepair. Be sure to hire a qualified and bonded contractor to tear off the old materials, make any structural repairs then apply the new roofing material. Traditionally, asphalt roll roofing is the most durable and cost-effective solution for flat roofs. You may want to consider applying single-ply membrane roofing, which is also known for its cost-effectiveness and durability.

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