flat roof that leaks

perkins

I'm in the phila., pa area with a flat roof that leaks. We have had ie retared twice, patched, and a rubber roof put on. One problem is water pools on the roof. Is there a way to repair the roof and put in a system that can stop the water from rain and snow from leaking in my back bed room.


Thanks for any info. anyone can give and names of roofers in the phila area that can do the work

shazapple

If repairs don't work it is time to remove the old and replace with new.

Can't tell you much more than that without more information...

Grumpy

can you define "retarred" did they slop some tar on the areas where the roof was cracked or damaged? Or did they reglaze the entire roof? In my opinion I find that most of the time a reglaze is nothing more than theivery. It's like an asphalt coating, and without the prep work won't last.

Having said all that, you need a tear off without even seeing it when someone tells me they have had numerous repairs and it's still leaking it usually is well beyond its usefull life.


When the roof is torn off and replaced the low areas can be built up with additional insulation/cover board. This is assuming the framing is not damaged and needs to be repaired.

There are many types of roofing systems out there. You can search this forum and find myself and others giving recommendations to different roof types. You may want to search this forum, then check out my website: flat roofing options.

Get 3 quotes from licensed legitimate insured and possibly certified contractors in your area who have been in your area at least 3 years. Then come back and start asking questions. Hire Your Contractor

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-Grumpy

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Sometimes the savings that comes from doing it yourself can be blown away with one mistake.

The information found in this post is not to be considered legal advice. All information should be considered relative, not specific. Never attempt any repairs you are not comfortable with. Always maintain safety! The author of this post takes no responsibility for any losses that occur. Use at your own risk.

perkins

Yes retared ment the roofer put more roofing material and hot tar on the roof. We were told that this was a new roof. So, I guess I'm confussed what does a a roofer mean when they say a new roof. Also is there a system to get standing water or ponds of water quickly off of the roof to stop leaks from happening.
Thanks for your help today.

Grumpy

Well let's qualify that question... What does a "roofer" mean or what does a "car salesman turned roofing salesman" mean?

if it was only "reglazed" without any reinforcment or felt it was NOT a new roof. If some felt was included well technically it could be a new roof, but a roof is a SYSTEM which consists of more than just the membrane. There are various flashings, details and accessoris that make it complete. Neglect one and it WILL leak.

As discussed in my prvious reply, when the roof is torn off additional insulation and/or cover board can be installed to reduce the ponding water. Perhaps the framing needs to be restructured, this is why a tear off is necessary. If ponding is a concern, PVC or TPO should be considered as the roofing membrane of choice IMO because thermoplastic is much more resitant to standing water than other flat roof membranes.

Stopping leaks from happening, takes a roofer, the roofing membrane is secondary

__________________
-Grumpy

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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Sometimes the savings that comes from doing it yourself can be blown away with one mistake.

The information found in this post is not to be considered legal advice. All information should be considered relative, not specific. Never attempt any repairs you are not comfortable with. Always maintain safety! The author of this post takes no responsibility for any losses that occur. Use at your own risk.

perkins

Thanks for the info. I have had two roofers out both have suggested a rubber roof and increase the size of my drain box. They both said this would be enough to stop the ponding water. Also, how or where do I go to find a good roofer in the Phila., PA area. I have only been able to find roofers who ae doing rubber roofs.

Thanks again for all advice.