[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Over the last 40 years I have seen and walked on countless flat roofs. Years ago, I could scale ladders quickly and safely… these days it’s all rather different as age takes its toll on my once strong knees.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Flat roofs are frequently a source of problems for the house holder since they are invariably ‘out of sight and out of mind’ until water stains appear on the ceilings beneath.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1583″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I was recently called to inspect a roof for a lady who was concerned that her 3-year-old garage roof was leaking at the edges. The thought of water entering her property was keeping her awake at night. Not wishing for her nocturnal slumbers to be disturbed, I dropped round to take a look.
Her roof was unusual in so far as it may have encapsulated an asbestos cement roof clearly seen on a neighbour’s property. Roofs of this age were typically constructed with normal roof joists clad on their upper surfaces with either ply-wood or water proof oriented strand board (OSB) on to which the first layer of perforated felt is attached. Two further layers of felt were bedded in hot bitumen, the upper lay being smooth and painted with a solar reflective paint.
The edges of the roof were finished in heavy felt nosings / drips bedded in bitumen and they had fractured on their upper edges.
Attempts had been made to stem water ingress, but regrettably workmanship was not of high quality so options for further repair were rather limited.
I have seen flat roofs last a less than 6 months from new, but if materials used are of good quality under the direction of a skilled contractor, they may last 20 years or more. In this instance, and for the sake of economy, I have recommended the use of a modern proprietary roofing repair product under the trade name ‘Aquapol’ (other brands are available!). There is an interesting video on the internet showing Aquapol and similar products in use.
For enterprising souls, I see that flat roofs are sold on E bay ‘from £400’ in kit form but this is not a DIY option for my elderly client.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Chris Ennis FRICS is a Chartered Surveyor Tel: 01903 261217 email: surveyor1@talktalk.net www.propdoctor.co.uk[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
