The roof maintenance and roof repair Sarasota market is tricky, to say the least. And this year’s storms only made things harder to figure out. We enjoy a fantastic variety of architectural styles here in southwest Florida, but keeping them safe and durable—while still honoring the home’s style—can be a delicate balance. And you never want to sacrifice roof quality on behalf of aesthetics.
The biggest difficulty in maintaining local roofing isn’t so much the extreme weather events as the extreme overall variety of weather we experience. Rain and sun, long-lasting humidity followed by dry periods, extreme heat and sudden cold snaps.
So when you’re building, installing, maintaining, or repairing a roof in Sarasota-Bradenton, you have to work with the home’s existing design, while ensuring the roof can endure all these different types of weather—and the transitions between them.
Two of the most challenging styles to maintain have also been among the most popular Sarasota architectural styles over the last 100 years: Med-Rev (Mediterranean-Revival) and Mid-Century Modern architecture. While fundamentally very different, these two styles often include one problematic feature: the dreaded flat roof.
Why are flat roofs problematic in Florida?
Not only do flat (or low-pitched) roofs add to the appeal of many home designs, they’re also less susceptible to wind damage during storms.
But on the other hand, flat roofs are specifically vulnerable to two of Florida’s most prominent climate features: sunshine and rain. While all roofs must endure these conditions, flat roofs, by definition, do not provide an angle for water to flow down. This makes them susceptible to pooling water, which can wreak havoc on roofing material and the structure underneath.
Pooling is even more likely to happen if the roof experiences any kind of textural or surface change, as can happen when it buckles from exposure to heat and sunshine. Buckling can also cause cracks, and in roofing, cracks = leaks.
Know Your Roofing Membrane
Because shingles aren’t designed for standing water, flat roofs typically require a waterproof “membrane” instead. (The other option is to install a metal roof.) Common types of membrane for residential roofs include:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A white, flexible heat-reflective plastic that should last about 25 years.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin): Very similar to PVC, though a little less flexible. Same cooling effects and expected lifespan.
You may also hear about EPDM and BUR (or tar-and-gravel) membranes, but these are more commonly used in commercial settings.
How to Maintain a Flat Roof
Because water pooling is such a big threat, you should be aware of where your roof drains. Those draining points must be kept clear.
If you have access, check on your roof immediately after a storm to see if any water is pooling. If so, it may be a blocked drainage point.
But a more troublesome scenario could be sagging or improper installation. When materials have been installed incorrectly, raised edges turn your flat roof into a wading pool without any built-in drainage point to clear it.
Older roofs, too, might sag at certain points. And there’s often no “quick fix” for these issues. It is always going to rain in Florida, and you need to take action ASAP.
Whether or not you’re currently experiencing issues, flat roofs should be maintained with regular inspections performed by a bonded roofing company you can trust. For Sarasota, FL roofing needs, including your flat roof questions and maintenance, turn to LD Total Roofing.