Why Do Flat Roofs Leak in Albuquerque, New Mexico: North Valley
Flat roofs are part of the look of New Mexico homes, and a local roofer says they leak more often than pitched roofs. If you own a flat-roofed home in the North Valley, here is why leaks happen and what you can check before storm season.
1. Flat Roofs Leak More Than Pitched Roofs
A local roofing executive told KOB 4 that “flat roofs tend to leak a lot more than pitched roofs,” and that on flat roofs “you get a lot of leaks around the canals” (KOB 4). The same report notes monsoon season runs from June through September.
2. Flat Roofs Depend on Drainage
A pitched roof sheds water by gravity. A flat roof depends on drainage. The Albuquerque Museum explains that because adobe buildings have flat roofs, there is a need to drain rain, and canales, which are spouts that carry water off the roof, do that job (Albuquerque Museum). When a canal clogs or its seal fails, water stays on the roof longer and has more chances to get in.
3. Parapets Create Joints That Need Care
Many flat roofs are edged by a parapet, a low wall along the roof edge (Albuquerque Museum). Every place where the roof meets the parapet or a canal is a joint that relies on flashing and sealant, so those spots deserve a close look during inspections.
4. Clogged Drains Turn a Storm Into a Leak
KOB’s report advises keeping gutters, drains and canals clear, because blockages let water build up during heavy rain and raise the risk of leaks. It also recommends trimming branches near the roof (KOB 4).
5. Neglect Can Affect Your Insurance
The same roofer told KOB that an insurance company that sees a neglected roof “can actually drop you from the insurance” (KOB 4). Keeping inspection reports and repair records helps show the roof has been maintained.
6. A Simple Flat Roof Checklist
- Look for debris in canales, scuppers and drains after windy days.
- Check ceilings below the roof edge and near canales for stains.
- Note cracks where the roof meets the parapet wall.
- Schedule an inspection before June if you have not had one in a year.
A Note on Permits in the North Valley
Parts of the North Valley are unincorporated (Wikipedia), so permit rules can differ from those inside Albuquerque city limits. Ask your contractor which building department covers your address.
Flat Roof Help in the North Valley
We repair and replace flat roofs across the North Valley. See our flat roof services and TPO roofing, or call (505) 477-4936.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do flat roofs leak more than pitched roofs?
A local roofer interviewed by KOB 4 said flat roofs tend to leak much more than pitched roofs, often around the canals (source).
What is a canal on a roof?
The Albuquerque Museum describes canales as spouts that let rain drain away from the flat roof of an adobe building (source).
When is monsoon season in Albuquerque?
KOB 4 reports monsoon season runs from June through September (source).
