Most Common Commercial Roof Problems
Sometimes, a roof’s condition can be out of our hands with Mother Nature; however, more often than not, preventative measures can be taken to avoid costly damages. Below are the most common roofing problems found in commercial roof systems:
Roof Leaks
A leak in your roof is often due to defective or damaged seals. Very common for commercial properties, seals often occur around roofing features like HVAC units or skylighting, causing leaks below. Flashing is another area that could indicate leaking. The thin strips of metal closing up joints in your roof could be punctured, requiring replacement.
Weather is a significant aspect that causes leaks in your roof. Regular maintenance, whether protecting against snowfall or rainfall, is best to practice year-round. Failure to identify unfixed leaks can result in a roof replacement. Contractors can easily check for these common roof problems through maintenance to repair any seals or faulty flashing that could lead to further damage.
Depending on your location and winter weather severity, shoveling your commercial roof as quickly as possible during snowfall is best to remove any stress that may cause a leak. Regular maintenance and inspection before the winter is the best way to prevent leaking in freezing conditions.
Damaged or Torn Membranes
Severe weather and the lack of regular maintenance cause faulty membranes in your roof’s core. Although membranes are built to handle foot traffic, incidental mistakes when maintenance does occur risk the health of your roof membrane. Because your core is so delicate, a simple tool scratch can cause punctures. A roofing contractor can patch a membrane if it is damaged. Torn membranes require additional patching, and the torn area to be cut and removed from the core.
Standing Water Problems
Is standing water on a flat roof a problem? Standing or ponding water on flat, commercial roofs is when water remains more than 48 hours after the last rainfall. Not only is your building at risk of water damage and leaks, but ponding is also an indicator that there is significant structural damage to your roof that will decrease its life expectancy.
Past the point of small leaks and water damage because of ponding, roof membranes can wear down quickly because they contain only water-resistant materials. When exposed to ponding, the membrane can survive for some time but will not hold indefinitely. Below are a few problems and solutions to ponding:
Obstructed Drainage Systems
Commercial properties often experience ponding due to an inadequate drainage system. Although regular maintenance is required from roofing contractors, identifying a drainage system failure is less expensive than a roof replacement.
Roofing Deflection
Another way owners can see why ponding happens on their roof is through roofing deflection. Inefficient placement of roof drains and gutters will allow water on the roof to collect days past the last rainfall. Property owners should know the location and status of their gutter and drainage system.
Still researching to see if you are experiencing common roofing issues? Check out a few more details commonly found on commercial surfaces.
The Most Common Causes of Roofing Problems
Lack of Maintenance
The most common roof problem on commercial properties is the lack of maintenance. With so much going on inside the business, property owners often forget to schedule inspections or maintenance for the support overhead. Yearly roof inspections and maintenance can help identify when you need to re-coat your roof or have service performed before a minor issue turns into significant damage.
Skipping Regular Inspections
The most common roof problem on commercial properties is the lack of maintenance. With so much going on inside the business, property owners often forget to schedule inspections or maintenance for the support overhead. Yearly roof inspections and maintenance can help identify when you need to re-coat your roof or have service performed before a minor issue turns into significant damage.
Poor Roof Installation / Reused Materials
Regular maintenance entails new materials. Although against violation codes, some contractors will reuse material to decrease costs. Recycled materials in flashing will create significant issues to roof membranes, exposing leaks and water damage.
Insulation built to support the membrane upon installation is found in all roofing, but the insulation is the most common component that needs replacing. As time goes on, the insulation will become weaker in absorbing standing water on the roof. Contacting and scheduling regular maintenance can provide added insulation.
Additional Causes of Flat Roof Defects
Foot Traffic
Foot traffic increases roofing problems over time. It weakens roof insulation, which can cause leaking because of excess moisture and result in premature roof replacement. Property owners should work to reduce as much foot traffic on roofs as possible. Walkways in areas with robust support should be available for those necessary with roof access.
Roof Shrinkage
One type of commercial roof material is called ethylene propylene diene monomer. EPDM is a cost-effective, leading choice in material thanks to its durable nature. The rubber coat of EPDM is instrumental in blocking shrinkage in the membrane during cold temperatures.
The Commercial Provider To Fix Common Roofing Problems
Elevated Contracting offers various services to fix all of your common roofing problems. Elevated’s expertise for commercial properties includes repairs, replacement, coating, maintenance, and inspections to lower your roofing costs.
As an experienced commercial provider in the Northern Virginia area for the past decade, Elevated Contracting offers the highest-quality materials in commercial roofing:
- Built-Up Membranes
- EPDM
- Metal
- Modified Bitumen
- TPO
Choose Elevated Contracting for Professional Roofing
Are you ready to begin regular maintenance on your commercial roof? Locate and eliminate any flat roof defects while prolonging the life of your roof today at Elevated Roofing.
Related Postings
