Flat Roofs Don't Drain Water Well

There are basically two types of flat roofs: those that leak, like the one in Atlantic Beach, and those that don't leak. Yet.
Flat roofs are inexpensive to build, but difficult to keep leak-free because they don't drain water as well as sloped roofs. Old-fashioned asphalt roll roofing is particularly prone to leakage. It usually lasts about ten years, or even less.

The key to avoiding a leak is a regular inspection. Look for ponding, or mushy-feeling blisters. Carefully inspect all the edges, seams, flashing, chimneys and vents through the roof. Previous patches may indicate trouble spots. If it's time for a new roof, there are a few options:

• Built-up or multi-ply roofs with crushed stone on top are common alternatives to asphalt roll roofing. But that gravel layer makes them hard to inspect and maintain.
  
• A metal roof will last almost forever, but is very expensive.
  
• The best alternative may be the newer single-ply membrane roof. These rubber or plastic sheet roofs last more than twenty years.

And there is one final alternative. You can give up on your flat roof and have a sloped roof built right on top.