As a commercial property owner or manager, you know that a sturdy, reliable roofing system is crucial for the safety and comfort of your building’s occupants. However, commercial roofing problems can still arise despite proper installation and regular maintenance. These issues can lead to costly repairs and potential safety hazards for your employees and customers.
In this blog, we’ll outline the top five most common commercial roofing problems and provide actionable solutions to fix them.
Ponding Water
Ponding occurs when water pools on the roof’s surface and doesn’t drain properly. Ponding water can lead to various issues, including roof leaks, mold growth, and structural damage. Additionally, if the water freezes during the winter, it can expand and cause further damage to the roof’s surface.
The first step in fixing ponding water issues is to identify the source of the problem. This may involve checking for clogged drains or identifying low spots on the roof’s surface. Once the source of the problem has been identified, a roofing professional can create a plan to improve the roof’s drainage system. This may involve installing additional drains or regrading the roof’s surface by installing crickets or full tapered roof insulation systems to ensure proper water flow.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are a common commercial roofing problem caused by damaged flashing, cracked or missing shingles, or improper installation. Leaks can lead to water damage, mold growth, and other safety hazards.
Inspecting the roof’s surface to locate damaged areas thoroughly is essential. Once the source of the leak has been identified, a roofing professional can repair the damaged area or replace the affected materials. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire roof to prevent further leaks.
Poor Insulation
Poor insulation is another common commercial roofing problem, leading to energy inefficiency and increased heating and cooling costs. Improperly installed insulation or damage to the existing insulation can lead to poor insulation problems.
Adding additional insulation or repairing existing damage can improve the roof’s insulation, help reduce energy costs, and improve overall building efficiency.
Blistering and Cracking
Blistering and cracking occur when the roof’s membrane is exposed to extreme temperatures. Certain roofing materials tend to expand and contract in response to temperature changes, resulting in significant alterations in the size of metal drip edges and flashing between seasons. This movement can develop joints and cracks over time, ultimately resulting in roof leaks and moisture damage, and compromising the roof’s overall integrity. While blistering and cracking are specific to asphalt MBR roofs, EPDM (or rubber) roofs and thermoplastic (such as TPO and PVC) roofs can also succumb to seam failures, which becomes a major source of roof failure.
To fix these issues, you may need to replace the damaged area or the entire roof, depending on the severity of the damage.
Poor Maintenance
A lack of regular maintenance can lead to debris buildup, damage to the roof’s membrane, and an overall decrease in the roof’s lifespan. You should schedule regular inspections and maintenance with a professional commercial roofing company to fix poor maintenance issues. Regular maintenance can include cleaning the roof’s surface, inspecting the roof’s drainage system, and repairing any damaged areas.
Commercial roofing problems can be costly and time-consuming, but you can avoid most issues with proper maintenance and care. Regular inspections and maintenance with a professional commercial roofing company like Cipollini Roofing can help ensure your roof is in good condition, protecting your property and employees from harsh elements. Contact us today for top-quality commercial roofing services.
