How to stop a flat roof from leaking?

Gamisha Jeter
by Gamisha Jeter
ANY IDEAS I HAVE A FLAT ROOF AND ME AND MY HUSBAND HAVE BEEN TRYING EVERYTHING TO STOP IT FROM LEAKING, BUT WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING LIKE EVERY 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR. WE ARE LOOKING FOR LONG TERM RESULTS ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

  7 answers
  • Ren Shambley Ren Shambley on Jun 05, 2018

    Look into products and procedures for RVs and Manufactured homes. (youtube.com can be your friend).

  • Thelma Thelma on Jun 05, 2018

    Here in Idaho, the people who put flat roofs on their houses a few years ago have all changed them to gabled roofs so they have perfect run-off. Saves a lot on correcting the damage and leakage problems year after year.

  • Ellis Ellis on Jun 05, 2018

    I think your best action would be to find a reputable roofer. Flat roofs are tricky. Persistent leaks could cause mold and damage to your home.

    • See 1 previous
    • Ellis Ellis on Jun 07, 2018

      I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you find a solution, and an honest roofer.

  • Kelly-n-Tony Kelly-n-Tony on Jun 05, 2018

    Did your roof come with a warranty? Usually flat roofs are guaranteed 10-20 years. A professional will charge anywhere from $400 to $1500 for a 1500 sq ft flat roof to be sealed. A bit pricey really.

    Have you tried Karnak 19 Ultra Rubberized Flashing? The stuff is amazing.

  • Cheryl Gillman Cheryl Gillman on Jun 05, 2018

    There's a product you can get called 'flex seal' it comes in a spray and a tape. But it is incredibly amazing stuff and that will for sure stop the leak! I would suggest using the spray for this job

  • Sharon Sharon on Jun 05, 2018

    Here in the rainy PNW, I've notice all the flat roof owners out fixing their roofs in the middle of the rainy season for just that reason..... flat roofs just don't work and are money pits.

    I would never have a flat roof for just that reason..... I would replace the roof, and at least tilt it up on one end and extend the roof past the house to create a overhang all the way around the house with gutters to move the water away. Lots of videos on YouTube.... https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=changing+a+flat+roof+to+a+sloped+roof

    • Gamisha Jeter Gamisha Jeter on Jun 06, 2018

      Thank you so much, my flat roof house was a major deal but now I see why, I will sell in a couple of years and get my A frame but right now this is home, I will look into converting thanks for the info

  • Lina Splichal Lina Splichal on Jun 05, 2018

    We also have a flat roof in snow country. I wanted to replace it with a slightly slanted roof but could not find a contractor who would agree to my vision. We had to have the roof completely redone. It had been tar and gravel, which is very smelly and unpleasant, which we had removed by a roofing company and replaced with a rubber sheeting well sealed at every edge. It takes constant work. As you know, large level areas always sag after time. My husband is on the roof after every melt and rain to sweep the water off to prevent extra strain on the roof base and the growth of fungus in standing water. He also constantly checks the seams for cracks. Iven so, we had a leak that stained our new ceiling tile in one corner.


    I suggest you replace your flat roof with a slanted roof. Since then I have discovered that I could have had my vision if I had been willing to have a metal roof rather than shingles to match the rest of our roof. Perhaps that will work for you.