Opportunities for a rooftop garden or more outdoor living space are among the most appealing characteristics of a flat roof. Accompanying a flat roof’s desirable aspects, however, are challenges that include roof repair and the efficient drainage of water from heavy rainfalls and storms. Here are the three most common drainage systems for a flat roof.

Gutters Are Easily Installed But Require Maintenance 

Gutters are the easiest types of drain systems to purchase and install. They keep water from pouring off the roof, protect window openings and doorways, and prevent water from pooling and rising near the building’s foundation. Gutters require continuous cleaning throughout the year. They can collect leaves from overhanging tree branches, dirt, and debris that, when not removed, render gutters ineffective.

Inner Drains Are Protected From the Elements

Inner drains are installed in or near the middle of a home or building, then attached to pipes that drain water from the roof. Just make sure the roofing materials are correctly attached to the drains. Protected inside the roof and walls, the pipes are not threatened by freezing during winter months. A custom strainer can be made to prevent clogging, but even a slight amount of debris can block it. Keep in mind that inner drains usually require a professional technician for roof repair and maintenance.

Scuppers Can Increase Efficiency

Scuppers are openings in curbs or walls on the outer edges of a flat roof that allow water to drain away. When designed and installed correctly, scuppers form an effective, low-cost water drainage system that requires minimal maintenance. If the scuppers are sufficiently large or wide to handle their buildup, leaves and debris are blown off the roof or steered away from the building. Just be sure scupper runoff does not accumulate near the foundation or a wall.

Flat roofs are appealing for a wide range of architectural and lifestyle reasons. Many homes also have roofs with portions of flat areas, such as garages, porches, and balconies. The key to properly maintaining a flat roof is ensuring consistent water drainage and, if necessary, filing insurance claims when roof repair is required from heavy rainfall or storm damage.

Being a homeowner can include implementing many financial and preventative measures that aren’t always apparent. Getting a wind mitigation report is a simple way to ensure that a home can withstand the test of time physically and prevent unnecessary costs in the long run.

What Is Wind Mitigation? 

To understand what a wind mitigation report is, it’s important first to understand wind mitigation. Wind mitigation is simply the process of adding certain features or developments to a home that make it more durable against long term wind damage. Some choices can be as simple as choosing between metal, shingle, or tile roofing. This process increases resistance to winds of very high speeds. Wind mitigation is particularly necessary for areas that receive frequent hurricanes or severe storms.

Breaking Down the Wind Mitigation Report

Since wind mitigation is so important to the structure of a home, roofing professionals offer wind mitigation reports. These reports are an assessment of how prepared a home is to withstand severe winds of high speeds. Although these reports are not required by insurance, even in Florida where we receive lots of hurricane damage, they are still highly recommended and can be a selling point in the sale of a home. They provide detailed notifications of problem areas and potential weak spots on a homeowner’s roof and foundation.

Benefits of Having A Wind Mitigation Report

Receiving a wind mitigation report is the best fool-proof way to know how prepared a home is to withstand the forces of nature. Particularly in target states, it is more beneficial to know for sure that a home is prepared than to risk long-term damages. These reports can lead to homeowners installing more secure preventative measures against high speed and damaging winds. These can range from water barriers to prevent against intense rain, window and door coverings such as shatterproof windows and storm shutters, and roof to foundation anchoring.

Receiving a wind mitigation report is a simple project that can pay off significantly in the long run by protecting a home against potential damage, thereby preventing costs on problems such as roof repair. To receive a free estimate for a roofing project or a mitigation report, contact the professionals at ANC Roofing Inc. today by calling 407-654-4500.

From renovating an existing house to brand new construction, a new roof is a big purchase. A roof warranty can help a homeowner feel secure that their purchase will last. While homeowners often focus on how long the roof’s warranty lasts, it’s just as important to know what, exactly, is covered.

Material Warranty

A material warranty, also known as a manufacturer’s warranty, usually covers only the materials used to build the roof. Materials-only warranties typically cost less than a full-system warranty, but they just cover the roof membrane and do not cover flashing, edging, or other parts of the roof. They will also usually only cover the cost of repair or credit towards replacement in the case of a defect or early deterioration of the materials. This may be a good option for a family with budget considerations, but it will be less cost-effective if major roofing repairs are needed.

Labor Warranty 

A labor warranty is offered by the installers of the roof and covers the labor costs associated with repairing a defect in the roofing materials. It is often confused with a roof workmanship warranty, which covers mistakes made by laborers during installation; however, a labor warranty typically does not cover installation errors.

Full-System Warranty

In a full-system warranty, all parts of the roof are covered in the event of leaks, including the flashing, insulation, adhesives, and more. The labor costs associated with repairs are also usually covered. Although a full-system warranty is the most expensive, it can pay for itself if extensive repairs are needed. Of course, every warranty is different, so homeowners should be sure to read the paperwork thoroughly.

Purchase a Warranty From ANC Roofing Inc.

At ANC Roofing Inc., we believe in providing a full-service roofing experience to our customers throughout Winter Garden and Orlando. When you purchase a Lifetime Roof Warranty from us, you are purchasing peace of mind for as long as you have your home. For your free estimate, call us today at (407) 654-4500 or contact us online.