Commercial roofing serves as a protective shield for businesses in terms of weather-related damage, wastage of energy, and other external factors. However commercial roofs also tend to depreciate with time and require maintenance. Therefore finding out the common types of roofing problems as early as possible can save money on expensive commercial roof repair or even replacement.
In this blog, we have delved deeper into common types of commercial roofing problems along with their potential solutions. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Roof Leaks
Leaky roofs are one of the most common issues that commercial building owners encounter. It is caused either by improper installation, damage due to a tornado or hail, lack of drainage, or roof materials that have grown old and worn out. Below are some potential solutions to leaky roofs in your commercial building.
What to do?
- Regular Check-ups: By regularly inspecting for leaky roofs, you can detect the problem before causing significant damage. Look for water marks, molds, or damp patches on the ceiling.
- Sealing: You can also use roofing sealant or flashing to seal up all cracks and punctures visible in the roof membrane.
Repair or Replace: If the leak is bad enough, sections of the roofing material may have to be patched or replaced. For persistent problems, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor for a commercial roof repair.
Ponding Water
Ponding water takes place when standing water collects in low spots on a flat roof and is not drained. This will gradually damage the material of roofing, leading to leakage and growth of molds and even destroying the structural integrity.
What to do?
- Drainage Solutions: Clear all the obstruction from the drains and gutters and ensure that their functionality is not impaired. More drains or scuppers also facilitate preventing ponding water.
- Slope Adjustments: Level the low spots by using tapered insulation or redirecting the water flow to the drains through slope adjustments.
- Roof Coating: Apply a waterproof roof coating that aids in drainage and does not allow water from entering the roofing system.
Blistering and Bubbling
Blisters or bubbles in a commercial roof generally arise from moisture trapped between the layers of the roof’s membrane. The trapped moisture expands under the influence of heat and pressure, thereby forcing its way up onto the roof surface. Read below to find what you need to do in case you encounter this in your commercial building roofing system.
What to do?
- Repair: Small blisters are patched by opening them out, drying the area, and applying a new patch of roofing membrane.
- Checking for Underlying Causes: If you find blisters, then these blisters are due to a bad installation or bad ventilation of the roof. At this point, it’s good to get in touch with a local roofing contractor Jacksonville for a better solution.
Flashing Failure
Flashing in this roofing repair is the material provided in the edges of the roof, seams, and penetrations (such as vents and chimneys) to prevent water from leaking into them. Flooding of flashing occurs due to misapplication, old or weathered deteriorations, resulting in infiltration of water and a leak.
What to do?
- Re-curing Flashing: If it is loose, its fix is very easy by holding it with roofing nails or screws.
- Sealant Application: Apply a roofing sealant around where the flashing meets other surfaces.
- Replacement: Replacing sections of the flashing, when damaged beyond repair, with new corrosion-resistant materials may be required.
Shrinkage of the Roof Membrane
Some types of roofing systems, including single-ply membranes such as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), shrink over time. Shrinkage in membranes tends to pull at seams, cause cracks, and other forms of roofing failure.
What to do?
- Regular Check-ups: Keep checking for signs of shrinkage before major damage is caused. Then, repairs can be made before major damage ensues.
- Re-seaming: If there are signs of shrinkage, re-seal or re-seam affected parts using adhesives or sealants.
- Professional Evaluation: Shrinkage may be at a stage where it needs a professional to replace parts of the membrane or replace the roofing system entirely.
Roof Punctures and Tears
Commercial roofing materials can be pierced and torn due to foot traffic, falling debris, and extreme weather conditions. These could compromise the roof’s integrity, which might cause leaks and structural damage.
What to do?
- Patching: Small punctures and tears can be patched by applying roofing patches and sealants.
- Walkway Pads: Place walkway pads on the roof to avoid damage due to foot traffic.
- Regular Maintenance: The roof surface should not be obstructed by any objects such as branches from trees that might impale or tear the roof membrane.
UV Degradation and Thermal Expansion
Direct sunlight attacks roof materials thereby creating brittle fragments or well-defined blisters. In thermal expansion, materials expand or contract with temperatures, creating cracks and splits.
What to do?
- Reflective Roof Coating: A roof coating may be applied to lessen UV damage and lower the absorption of heat.
- Roof Inspection: Where the material has become brittle or damaged can be recognized through frequent inspections.
- Replacements: Sections of the roof that are affected by UV damage can be replaced as needed.
Conclusion
You maintain your commercial roof well so your building stays healthy, and business operations are protected. Most roofing problems can be detected early enough. Start with a leak, ponding water, blisters, and shrinkage; that way, it prevents future repairs that are even more costly.
Regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and timely repairs prolong the life of your commercial roof and save you from costly repairs in the future.
In case of complicated roofing issues, it is wise to call Commercial roofing contractor Jacksonville to diagnose and cure the issues before they become a hard challenge. JEBCO Weather Defense is a Commercial Roofing Company that would comfortably assist you protect your commercial roofs. Reach them today!
