Ely Roofers carries out flat roof installations and repairs in Lakenheath, and this page covers the simple maintenance steps that keep a flat roof sound between professional visits.
A pitched roof sheds most debris and water quickly because of its angle. A flat roof, by contrast, holds standing water if a drain blocks, collects leaves and moss in corners, and takes the full weight of anything that lands on it. The good news is that most of the things that shorten a flat roof's life are preventable with straightforward checks carried out once or twice a year.
This page covers what those checks involve, what to look for, and when something you have spotted needs a professional rather than a ladder and a cloth. It applies whether your flat roof has just been installed or has been in place for several years.
Every flat roof has a drainage outlet, usually a circular fitting in the lowest part of the roof that connects to a downpipe. When that outlet blocks with leaves, moss, grit or windblown debris, water backs up across the whole surface. Prolonged standing water accelerates the breakdown of felt, pushes into seams, and puts weight on a deck that is not designed to carry it.
Checking the outlet takes two minutes. Clear leaves and debris away from the grille by hand, and pour a bucket of water over the outlet to confirm it is flowing freely. Do this at least twice a year: once in late autumn after the leaves have fallen, and once in spring. If your roof sits beneath a tree, check it more often.
You do not need to get on your flat roof to carry out a basic check. From a safe position at ground level or from an upstairs window, look for:
If you need to access the roof to clear the outlet, use a proper ladder secured at the top and step only on boards or a crawl board if you have one. Walking directly on felt, especially old felt, can crack the surface, particularly in cold weather when it is less flexible. EPDM rubber is more tolerant of foot traffic but should still be walked carefully. Never stand on a blister, as it may conceal a hollow space beneath. Flat roofs on garages and outbuildings may not be designed to carry the full weight of an adult walking freely across them; if in any doubt, do not go on.
Moss on a flat roof is a sign that the surface is damp and not draining quickly enough. Scraping it off with a stiff brush is the basic approach. Do not use a pressure washer on felt: the pressure can break the surface and force water into the layers below. Biocide sprays designed for roofing felt are available and effective; follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow proper dwell time before rinsing.
On EPDM rubber, algae can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid petroleum-based solvents, as they can affect the membrane surface.
A small patch of roofing felt repair tape, applied to a clean, dry surface, can temporarily stop a very minor split from letting in more water. This is an emergency measure, not a permanent fix. Roof repair tapes are designed to buy time, not to replace proper roofing work. If you use one, treat it as a prompt to get a professional on the roof within a few weeks, not as a solution.
Do not attempt to re-dress flashings yourself using household silicone or mastic. Silicone does not bond reliably to lead, felt or brickwork in the long term, and a poorly sealed junction will fail again quickly, sometimes within a single winter. Flashing work needs the right materials applied correctly: pointing into a raked mortar joint, or a compatible flashing tape bonded to a clean surface.
Do not apply a coat of bitumen paint over a surface that has standing water or is actively wet. It will not bond and will peel off, leaving you in the same position but with a messier surface for the next contractor to work on.
Get a professional on the roof when you see any of the following:
None of these problems fix themselves. A small leak that is ignored for a winter can mean a replaced deck when spring arrives.
After a new flat roof is installed, the membrane needs time to settle, particularly in cold conditions. The first check after a new roof should be carried out within a month or two, once the roof has been through its first rainfall. Look at the outlet to confirm water is draining properly and that no debris has accumulated at the new grille. Check the flashings have remained tight at the wall junctions. These early checks catch any minor settling issues before they become leaks.
For the first year after a new installation, inspect the roof at least three times: shortly after installation, after the first winter, and the following autumn. After that, twice a year is enough for a well-installed system in good condition.
A flat roof that is properly maintained and has its outlet kept clear can remain sound for 15-20 years or more, depending on the system and installation quality. A neglected roof on the same building, with blocked drainage and unchecked blisters, may need a full replacement in half that time. The labour cost of a full strip and re-cover on a garage or extension typically runs from £800 to £2,500 or more. The time cost of checking the outlet twice a year is negligible.
We carry out flat roofing work in Lakenheath and the surrounding area, as well as Ely, Soham, Littleport, Mildenhall and nearby villages. Whether you need a new installation, a repair, or just want someone to cast an eye over a roof you are not sure about, call us to arrange a roof survey.
No obligation · We usually respond within 2 hours
Storm damage, active leak, damaged ridge - we aim to be on-site within 24 hours.
