A well-kept roof is vital to protecting your business, yet even top quality commercial roofing systems experience wear and tear. Left unaddressed, small issues can quickly turn into major liabilities leading to leaks, damaged inventory, and costly downtime. In this guide we’ll address some of the most frequent commercial roofing problems, and how best to address them.
1. Ponding Water
Commercial roofs that feature flat or low slope roofs can often experience issues of ponding water — standing water that does not drain within 48 hours after rainfall. This is often caused by poor drainage systems, clogged scuppers or insulation issues.
Why it Matters: Ponding water adds extra weight, can degrade roofing materials over time, and increases leak risks as well as structural damages.
How to Solve It: Check all drains and scuppers on an ongoing basis for debris build-up and clear any blockages. Add tapered insulation or adjust slope to optimize water flow.
2. Membrane Damage or Blisters
Exposure to weather can cause your roof’s membrane to blister, crack or split – often as a result of improper installation, trapped moisture or old age.
Why It Matters: Damaged membranes compromise your roof’s waterproof barrier, opening the door for leaks and insulation damage.
How to Repair It: Have a professional inspect the area. Repair punctures with an appropriate patch system. In extreme circumstances, partial membrane replacement may be required.
3. Flashing Failures
Flashing seals the edges, penetrations, and transitions of your roof from water seepage. If it becomes loose or corroded, water may seep beneath its surface and leak beneath your roofing material.
Why It Matters: Poor flashing installation can result in interior water damage, mold growth, and compromised insulation systems.
How to Solve It: Replace damaged flashing with new, properly sealed components. Reinforcing vulnerable areas by installing additional waterproofing will strengthen them further. Flashings around HVAC units, vents, and skylights should be carefully checked on a regular basis to ensure optimal function.
4. Poor Installation or Workmanship
Not all roofing contractors provide equal levels of quality. Improper installation may cause premature failure, even with higher-end materials.
Why It Matters: Poor installation practices can void manufacturer warranties and increase long-term maintenance costs significantly.
How to Address It: Consult certified roofing experts with ample experience. Schedule periodic inspections to detect early signs of installation failure. Promptly address issues to avoid further degradation.
5. Shrinkage and Uplift
Certain materials like EPDM may contract over time, causing stress at seams, flashings, and penetrations. Wind uplift can pull away roof from structures in exposed areas.
Why It Matters: These problems leave your building susceptible to leakage, potentially leading to sections of roof detaching in extreme cases.
How to Repair It: Sophisticated reinforced roofing systems designed for environmental stress should be used. Re-anchor loose sections and install secure edge metal. Upgrade to a high-performance membrane system like Duro-Last®.
6. Lack of Routine Maintenance
Roof maintenance is often neglected until major issues develop, leading to more expensive problems later. Skipping inspections or disregarding visible signs of damage often leads to bigger, more serious issues arising later.
Why It Matters: Frontier Contractors has you covered if your roof requires maintenance. With proper preventative roof care measures in place, time and money savings will accrue while increasing the lifespan of your roof system.
How to Solve It: Make arrangements for semiannual roof inspections with an experienced commercial roofing contractor. Document all issues and repairs made. After every storm, clear debris and check for signs of water intrusion to protect against potential issues.
Commercial roof issues don’t have to come out of nowhere. With regular preventive maintenance and quick, professional repairs you can protect both the integrity of your system, as well as its value, and your bottom line.
Frontier Contractors’ experience and expertise allow us to identify and address issues before they become more serious. From routine inspections, targeted repairs, or full system upgrades, Frontier is here to help you make the most of your commercial roof system. Contact us today!