Flat roof repair and roof maintenance in Tucson, Arizona
Flat roofs are common in hot, arid places.
In Europe, early primitive roofs were mainly constructed of thatch, set at an angle to allow water run-off. But in hot, arid climates in the Middle East and Northern Africa, flat roofs were common in ancient times—and still are. Since there isn’t as much surface area exposed to the sun, flat roofs keep houses cooler.
People who live in hot areas in the Middle East often use their flat roofs as a place to relax, sometimes with an awning of some sort to create a shady, breezy rooftop terrace. Cooking on rooftops is also common, so as not to heat up the inside of the dwelling.
In Tucson, flat roofs are used to keep houses cooler.
In the arid desert in the southwestern part of the U.S., including Tucson, early Native American adobe buildings had flat roofs. Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, which dates back to at least 1000 AD, is an example of this.
In Tucson, early buildings were built with flat roofs to keep dwellings cooler and because local materials could be used. Early roofs in the Southwest were constructed of wood frames filled with adobe bricks, and adobe mud was used to fill in the open spaces. Flat roof maintenance on these roofs consisted of filling new cracks with more adobe mud.
Flat roofing materials in Tucson have been updated for the most part, although there are still some adobe roofs. Flat roofs are cheaper than sloped roofs to install, suffer less damage, and don’t require as much roof maintenance. Flat roof repair is generally cheaper than repairing a shingle or tile roof.
Flat roof maintenance tips in Tucson
Flat roof repair and roof maintenance in Tucson are safer and easier than with a pitched roof. It’s nearly impossible to slide down a flat roof! Inspecting, cleaning, and even patching cracks or holes is easier than with a pitched roof. However, potential leaks are a problem, and your flat roof should be inspected every few months, especially before, during, and after the monsoons.
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Flat roofs aren’t completely flat; they slope slightly for drainage. Drainage pipes in your flat roof should be checked regularly, and tree leaves and other debris must be cleared out so that water doesn’t back up and pool into a puddle on the roof.
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Regular sweeping of the flat roof will help prevent the buildup of debris at the drain, especially in the fall when trees are shedding their leaves.
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Prune tree branches well away from the roof so that branches don’t damage the surface of your flat roof. This also helps keep twigs, leaves, flowers, and seeds from collecting.
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Check all flashing for cracks and leaks. If you find any, fill the cracks with roofing caulk.
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Inspect the seams on your flat roof for cracks and the surface for blisters. Blisters (air bubbles) should be punctured, then patched with roofing cement. The Tucson sun and heat are tough on any type of roof.
Replacing a flat roof in Tucson
Although maintaining a flat roof is relatively DIY easy, replacing a flat roof is a job for professionals. There are various materials used for flat roofs, and an assortment of installation methods.
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Tar and gravel flat roofs require heated asphalt, which is messy, smelly, and needs special equipment. Also known as a “built up roof,” it consists of asphalt with layers of fiberglass or roofing felt.
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Modified bitumen flat roofs are made with asphalt like the tar and gravel roofs; however, the asphalt is combined with rubber or plastic and covered with flexible fiberglass coating.
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TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. It’s made of a synthetic rubber and comes in large sheets. It’s glued or fastened mechanically to the existing flat roof or decking. In Arizona, it’s typically white to reflect the sun. Proper installation is necessary to avoid leaks.
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Polyurethane foam flat roofs are common in Arizona. They are sprayed on as a liquid and expand to foam. They’re lightweight and easy to maintain but cost more than other flat roof options.
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PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is another option for flat roofs. It consists of two layers of PVC with a layer of polyester sandwiched between. Although it’s a cheap material to use to replace a flat roof, it generally doesn’t last as long as the other materials.
There are varying costs to replace a flat roof in Tucson, depending on the materials used, how large and complex your roof area is, and the expertise of the roofing company. How long your roof lasts also depends on these factors. Some flat roofs can last for 50 years with proper care and maintenance, including laying down fresh sealant every 10 years.
To cut down on the costs of replacing a flat roof in Tucson, get multiple quotes from reputable companies and schedule the work for the off-season. If possible, install your new roof over the existing roof to avoid demolition costs.
How to sell a house that needs a new flat roof in Tucson
Replacing a flat roof in Tucson can be expensive and time-consuming. If you want or need to sell your house that needs repairs, including a new flat roof, consider selling your house to We Buy Ugly Houses®. We buy houses in “as is” condition, and we close fast. If you want a fast transaction due to divorce, money problems, or relocation, selling to us is a great option. We’re a great choice even if you just want to avoid all the hassles and work of selling the traditional way.
Simply contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation at your house. We’ll take a tour and answer your questions. We can often give you a fair cash offer the same day. If you accept our offer, we frequently close in under 3 weeks.
We Buy Ugly Houses is America’s #1 cash home buyer, in business since 1996 with a 95%* customer satisfaction rating and fantastic reviews. Contact us to see how we can help you sell your house that needs a new flat roof.
