Blog Layout

Common Commercial Roofing Problems To Watch For

roofer-admin • Sep 17, 2020

Although a building may be constructed using quality materials, it will deteriorate at some point. Nonetheless, it does not mean you are supposed to neglect essential issues such as maintenance. If you fail to cater to the maintenance costs, you will end up dealing with a costly project that may end up draining you financially.

The roof is an essential part of a building. It is normally exposed to the elements, which means it is prone to ruin at a rapid rate compared to other parts of the building. The roof is also out of sight, and the owner may forget to check on its condition regularly. Some of the commercial roof problems that you should be on the lookout for include:

Ponding Water

Commercial roofs are designed differently from residential roofs. A residential roof may be sloped. A commercial roof will be inclined slightly. In some instances, the commercial roofs may be completely flat since appliances such as air conditioning systems may be placed on the roof. A flat roof is prone to catching water when it is raining, resulting in ponding water. With time, the rainwater will accumulate, and the roof will be damaged. If you reside in Winston-Salem, such an issue can only be solved by contacting a professional commercial roofing contractor. The roofing contractor will solve the problem by facilitating the proper drainage.

Flashing Problems

There are some parts where the roof plane usually meets vertical surfaces such as walls. The vertical surface may sustain water damage, and it requires to be protected accordingly. You can flash some galvanized steel to redirect the water from the vertical surfaces. Although roof flashing can act as a solution, it is not completely impervious to the weather elements. Under adverse weather conditions, the galvanized steel can tilt, shrink, and even pulled away from the roof or the wall. When all this happens, water can easily penetrate the building while also causing some severe damage. When it comes to commercial roofing in Winston-Salem, it is advisable to hire a roofing contractor who will inspect the flashing at least twice annually.

Oversight

There are minor roofing problems, such as punctures and cracked tiles. Such problems may seem insignificant; however, the main issue is that they may lead to more significant issues that cannot be fixed right away. Such issues can only occur if the roof repairs have been neglected. Since the oversight is costly, it is advisable to ensure the roof has been inspected and repaired regularly.

Commercial roofing should only be inspected by professional contractors. Some people make the mistake of hiring unprofessional contractors who lack basic knowledge on how to use the industrial supplies and materials. They are not also conversant with different techniques used to repair the commercial roofs.

Poor Repairs and Installation

There are instances whereby the roof may incur damages within a short period because of poor installation or low-quality craftsmanship. The roofing contractors may not be in a position to handle some of the complex commercial roofing projects. Such contractors will handle the project haphazardly. The only way to address such an issue is by ensuring the roofing contractors handling the project are certified, bonded, and insured. The roofing contractors should be in a position to issue a formal report that will state the roofing installation and repair process meets the industry standards.

Surface Erosion

The roof usually ensures that a building is protected from harsh weather conditions. As a result, the roof usually takes a hit from time to time when there is a hailstorm or heavy rains. The roof is bound to experience weathering or cracking at some point. A commercial roofing contractor should carry out a thorough inspection. The contractor can determine the level of erosion. If some parts need to be replaced, the contractor will come up with a quotation.

Blistering

The shingles may incur blisters; however, it is not a significant issue since the blistered shingles cannot cause substantial damage. When the blistering appears to be significant, it should be fixed immediately. If the blistering is ignored, it may lead to more problems, and you may end up spending more money on the repair process.

Punctures

Punctures on the roof may be caused by hail or strong winds. Make sure you have checked the sealant and flashing around the roof penetrations such as pipes, vents, chimneys, among others, especially if they were added after the roof installation.

Blow-offs

The wind uplift may cause the roof blow-offs. The blow-offs usually happen after the wind has hit the side of the building. The space that results between the roof and moving wind may create suction. The suction will then pull off the weak roof materials. As a result, the roofing materials should be applied correctly. Also, the roof should be allowed to cure properly after the installation process is complete.

Tenting

The single-ply type roofs are prone to tenting which occurs when the roof has not been secured properly to the substrate part of the building.

Final Thoughts

Are you a business owner who has a commercial roof in Winston Salem? Your commercial roof should be inspected regularly. At Crossover Roofing, we are always ready to handle all your roofing needs starting from the installation process to repairs. Feel free to contact us and schedule a free estimate. In case we find any issues with your roofing system, we will inform you and issue a detailed quote.

Share by:
"