If you find yourself running for a bucket or two to catch the infamous drips indoors every time it rains, there’s actually a bigger problem going on that needs to be attended to. A leaking roof is a nuisance in your home, and if left without repair or replacement, its damage can multiply.
The most important components to your long-term satisfaction with your roofing system are:
- Protective low slope roofing to shield your property from moisture damage
- A qualified, experienced roofing team to install your low slope roof properly
If your last roofing installation was not done correctly, have it inspected by a team of professionals to see if either roof repairs or replacement are the best solution at this time. Low slope roofing is long-lasting, yet can age prematurely if you don’t maintain it properly. Minor problems can become more complicated if left unaddressed.
What Is a Low Slope Roof?
A low slope roof is a roof that—according to the shingle manufacturers—isn’t steep enough to put shingles on it. Roof pitch indicates how steep your roof is, and a roof is low slope when its pitch is lower than 2:12—meaning your roof is less than 2 units (inches or feet) for every 12 horizontal units.
Maintenance is vital to keep your low slope roof in good working order. Address small holes and cracks as soon as you notice them. Get on a professional roof maintenance program with annual or biannual inspections to ensure your low slope roof achieves its maximum lifespan.
Why Your Low Slope Roof May Be Leaking
Since this style of roof has flat surfaces, water can stagnate on it and cause trouble. The good news is that water damage is preventable with regular inspections and maintenance.
Here are some common causes of low slope roof leaks.
Improper workmanship
The primary cause of moisture penetration in a low slope roof is the installation. If the roofing company that installed your low slope roof didn’t do so with attention to detail and according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, over time your roof may leak. If the roofing isn’t sealed correctly, or other errors are made during installation, your roof won’t stand up to the elements like it was made to.
Pro tip: Find a roofing company that specializes in low slope roofing. Check online reviews, the BBB, and ask for references from past clients to ensure you are hiring a reputable roofer.
Inadequate drainage
Ponding is a big issue because low slope roofs with poor drainage end up with standing water. This means there is too much weight on the roof and makes it susceptible to leaking or other damage.
Pro tip: Keep your roof and its drainage pathways clear of debris. Avoid clogged gutters that would hinder water from being channeled away from your property.
Unauthorized people on your roof
Low slope roofing is ideal for solar panels and even rooftop gardens or skylights. While these are fabulous ideas, if people make their way onto your roof, they may cause it damage. Their equipment can puncture your roof and cause leaks.
Pro tip: The older your roof, the more vulnerable it is to being damaged. If you desire to install solar panels, consider doing so when your roof is installed, and hire a reputable professional to do the work.
How to Waterproof a Low Pitched Roof
Fortifying vulnerable areas of your roof will help keep water from seeping in and damaging your property. A well installed roof membrane waterproofs your low-pitched roof and shields it from damage. Synthetic rubber, thermoplastic, or modified bitumen are all sources of waterproofing for your roofing system. This strong membrane helps carry water off your roof so it won’t pool anywhere.
A Qualified Kansas City Roofing Company You Can Trust
Looking for a roofer you can rely on with confidence? At Christian Brothers Roofing, we are the only contractor in Kansas and Missouri to earn GAF’s highest Master Elite Award with the President’s Club designation for:
- Performance
- Reliability
- Service
We are also the only consistent earner of GAF’s Triple Excellence Award. As a part of the GAF Circle of Excellence, we are one of only 12 trusted roofers in the region invited to give feedback for future GAF innovation.
Learn more about our roofing repair and replacement services.
