An old saying of pharmacists and doctors alike is that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure, and it is a concept that can be applied to all walks of life.

Whilst it was intended to impart the virtues of preventative medicine, it applies very much to the world of flat roofs; a roof that is built properly with the help of specialists in a way that is designed to channel water away and be easily maintained will never face a common concern about flat roofs.

Because the slope of a flat roof is more shallow than a pitched roof, a common worry is that the slope could be insufficient to channel water away in the event of a particularly harsh rainstorm, but in reality, water pooling is often not just a problem in itself but a symptom of a more fundamental issue with your property.

When building your flat roof, you must design the roof structure with effective drainage in mind, with an incline steep enough for the size of the roof to allow water to effectively be channelled into properly designed and placed gutters and drains.

It also allows you to choose with the help of experts the right waterproofing materials for you that help to not only stop water from entering the building but also avoid damage due to heat and UV that can cause degradation over enough time.

They can also ensure that your roof has a proper incline, using professional materials to create one if the existing roof is not suitable enough.

Finally, the key is to keep checking for early warning signs. Generally, booking a professional to inspect your roof twice a year can help diagnose potential early warning signs that are not always easy to spot. Mid-spring and mid-autumn are the ideal times to book these inspections.