Commercial Buildings: 7 Common Roof Problems

Did you know that water intrusion causes 40% of all building-related problems? It’s also responsible for more than 70 percent of construction litigation. So many roofs leak within the first two years of service.

Besides, building owners in the United States use over $12 billion every year on repairing, recovering, or reroofing.

So, commercial roof problems are unavoidable and can be very frustrating. Unfortunately, you can easily overlook these issues, and if you don’t identify them on time, you can end up with severe damage.

A good roof is significant for your commercial building since it helps enhance curb appeal and value.

Are you wondering how to identify roofing issues early? Be on the lookout for the following seven common roof problems.

1. Roof Leaks and Blistering

Leaks are one of the most common commercial roof issues. Once any moisture or water gets through your roof, your building is at risk of molding.

You not only need to worry about the rain but also snow, hail, ice, and wind with moisture that finds its way under the roof’s layers.

To spot a roof leak, be on the lookout for stains on ceilings and walls, musty odor, dripping water, and mold. If the leak appears to be small, don’t ignore it.

A common way to prevent this problem is by observing regular roof maintenance. It will assist in eliminating roof leaks risks.

Roof blistering shingles aren’t something to be worried about. This is because they rarely cause severe damage.

However, it would help if you always had experts attend to significant blistering. If ignored, they can lead to big problems. They frequently occur on BUR roofing systems and single-ply roofs.

2. Roof Blow Offs

Roof blow-offs occur when the roof has imperfectly adhered to the substrate. In such an instance, the roof is more likely to blow off due to the wind uplifts.

A suction is created between the weak roofing materials once the roof is left exposed to the strong winds. An effective way to avoid this issue is to ensure that all roofing materials are well fixed.

3. Poor Roof Installation and Improper Repairs

Unfortunately, poor installation is a common problem resulting in poor roof installation. It commonly occurs when you hire the cheapest roofing services you come across.

When not identified early, poor roof installations result in roofing leaks, shrinkage, blow-offs, and punctures.

The best way to fix or prevent this problem is by choosing the best roofing installation contractor from the word go. To confirm if they’re qualified, have a look at their past work. Get more information from their previous clients to understand what their past clients say about their work.

Specific tools and materials need to be used for the best roof repair outcome. If your contractor fails to use the proper roofing machinery and supplies, this can result in permanent roof damage.

You can avoid this problem by hiring a certified roof repair company that has been in the industry for a number of years.

4. Lack of Maintenance

Commercial building roof maintenance is commonly taken for granted. Failure to have regular maintenance will make roof problems appear when least expected.

To enjoy a commercial roof in good shape for a long time, ensure you have a proactive maintenance routine. Schedule leak detection tests from time to time.

For proper roof maintenance, regularly clean the gutters and trim the overhanging branches.

Lack of proper maintenance will cause minor issues to develop into serious problems.

Regular maintenance helps you identify problems when they’re still small and easy to repair. This will help extend the life of your roof and save money by avoiding major repairs or replacements.

5. Roof Shrinkage

If your commercial roof is made from ethylene propylene diene monomer, shrinkage is most likely to occur.

Shrinkage takes place once the layers under the shingles begin to shrink. This action results in cracking. One way to spot roof shrinkage is when the flashings start to pull away from the wall.

6. Standing Water

Standing water is also known as ponding water.

Flat roofs are prone to this problem. It occurs once debris and leaves blow in the drains. It clogs up, and water sits in the drains creating standing water.

Ponding water can also take place due to poor roof design. This is when the roof angle or the pitch is ineffective at directing water to the drains. This causes lots of water to stand on the roof.

After some time, standing water damages the roofing material, which leads to bigger roofing issues.

You will fix this problem by hiring roof specialists. They will help in making sure your drainage systems are maintained and cleaned.

The experts will also advise you to add roofing drains.

7. Roof Penetrations and Punctures

Roof penetration and punctures are known problems with single-ply roofing systems. Feet traffic is mainly the cause of this rood problem. Traffic occurs on your roof during maintenance and repairs.

The solution to this problem is for professionals to observe the kind of shoe sole on their shoes. This is because abrasive shoe soles tear through the roof.

To identify punctures early, hire roof inspectors. You can also limit the traffic on your roof, especially during roof maintenance.

You Now Know the Common Commercial Roof Problems

You need to have your commercial roofing inspected at least once a year. This will help prevent the above roof problems.

Hiring roof inspectors will help to make your roofing systems more durable.

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