No leaks, no drips, no need to check your roof – right? Think again. Autumn’s mellow dusks and kaleidoscope of colour change may be beautiful, but the season also brings real challenges for flat roofs. Don’t let this fall be your property’s downfall.

Even if your ceiling and walls are dry and there’s no hint of an issue overhead, a quick, proactive, spot roof check before the weather changes could catch minor problems early, preventing costly winter headaches. Up on your roof, the smallest of issues – from debris build-up to seasonal wear – can escalate fast into serious, costly problems. The good news? Most are easily preventable if spotted early and tackled promptly with sound advice and quality products. We’re here to help with our handy autumn checklist.

Clear debris, prevent ponding

Take ponding, for example. The niggling nemesis of flat roofs, ponding itself isn’t a problem for the mighty EPDM, providing your seals and flashing are all ship-shape. However, as reliable and water-resistant as your rubber may be, excessive standing rain is heavy – meaning extra weight your roof isn’t expecting.

Suddenly, you’re in deep water, blindsided by the unexpected stress of a strained roof deck, potential structural damage and a bleak-looking autumn for your finances.

Don’t let falling leaves break the bank – giving your roof a thorough once-over to remove leaves, branches, twigs and debris will stop them blocking gutters and drains, preventing water buildup and slippery, unsightly moss growth.

Whether you’re confident climbing the ladders yourself, or paying a third party to carry out checks, an eagle eye and some smart top-of-house-keeping to give water a clear escape route can be all it takes to beat a leak.

Inspect your membrane

EPDM is renowned for its exceptional durability and expected lifespan of over 50 years – but it’s important to remember exceptional doesn’t mean invincible. Like all roofing materials, it can be susceptible to certain kinds of damage.

Though EPDM is highly durable and resistant to UV rays and many environmental factors, it can still be compromised by falling branches, debris or even dropped tools, whilst prolonged exposure to oils, chemicals or extreme temperatures can gradually undermine its performance.

Pro PermaRoof tip: Regularly inspect your rubber, especially after storms or any maintenance activity, to identify and address any potential issues. A timely repair patch can extend the lifespan of your roof and prevent the need for pricy repairs.

If in doubt, ask us about our easy-install EPDM repair kits, a quick-fit watertight solution for punctures and tears. Our experienced team will be happy to talk you through the repair process, ensuring a tip-top patch up in no time.

Step by step seam check

Seams, flashings, joints and roof penetrations must be pristine to prevent water ingress. A visual inspection and simple touch test will often flag up any potential failings.

Walk the roof perimeter and along all seam lines, looking for obvious issues such as lifting edges, visible gaps, dirt build-up, bubbling or signs of adhesive failure.

Pay special attention around penetrations, such as vents, skylights, pipes and drains. If properly sealed at installation these should be sound, but they’re also your roofs red flags when it comes to weak points, so it’s crucial to keep them in check.

Next, run your hand gently along all seams – if they’re well-bonded, they should feel smooth and consistent. Raised edges, unexpected softness or tackiness suggests the bond may be failing and needs some attention.

Twice-yearly checks = lasting peace of mind

Aside from impromptu spot-checks after storms or maintenance activity up high, we recommend inspecting your flat roof at least twice a year – ideally in spring and autumn, for continued year-round peace of mind.

Autumn roof checklist

• Clear leaves, twigs and debris to give water free-run
• Inspect membranes, seals, flashings and penetrations for signs of wear
• Fix any minor issues before heavy rain or frost
• Major concern? Take pictures and seek professional advice asap
• Schedule regular inspections for continued peace of mind

Pro PermaRoof tip: A little autumn TLC keeps your flat roof strong, secure and on song through the colder months – meaning less raindrops falling on your head, and more carefree singing in the rain.

PermaGroup has established links with some of the biggest names in our industry thanks to our reputation of excellence. Read more about becoming a supplier or stockist here.