There is a wide range of products and materials used to cover and waterproof commercial buildings, and they’re all well-known for their durability. But commercial roofs aren’t impenetrable, and in some cases, they’re more susceptible to certain issues than their residential counterparts. This guide on the common problems with commercial roofing will explain it all.
10 Common Commercial Roofing Problems
At Nations Roof, we want commercial property owners to be aware of the most common roofing issues. This helps them choose contractors, keep an eye out for problems, and plan their maintenance accordingly. Here are 10 of the most common commercial roof problems they’ll run into.
1. Installation Issues
One of the most common problems with commercial roofing is poor installation. In most cases, this is due to the contractor’s inexperience, and though the property owner might’ve saved money, they pay for it in the long run.
Poor installation can be hard to spot right away, but the effects will eventually surface. Common signs are leaks, separation at seams, or poor flashing. Roof blow-offs are also a possibility, where a section of the roof separates from the building because it wasn’t fastened properly.
It’s also common for inexperienced contractors to use lower-quality materials. These roofing membranes, flashings, and adhesives simply don’t last as long as high-grade materials.
2. Leaks and Water Damage
Leaks and water damage are such common issues for commercial roofs that they’re the first problems most folks think of. They’re a major hassle, can be hard to track down, and the damage can be expensive to repair.
Particularly with flat commercial roofs, finding leaks can be a challenge, and by the time they’re located, the damage can be severe. It’s important to perform regular inspections to try to locate potential problems before leaks can rack up an expensive repair bill. Any issues spotted during inspections can be repaired early if property owners prioritize roof maintenance.
3. Surface Erosion and Punctures
Roofing membranes are tough and durable when they’re new, but over time, they can wear and erode. They thin out in high-traffic areas, usually the result of maintenance workers or HVAC mechanics servicing rooftop equipment. Eventually, these thinner areas can tear or become punctured, resulting in leaks and damage.
This particular issue can be a bit of a double-edged sword. Finding the problems early enough requires a roof inspection schedule. However, the more often roofing membranes are walked on, the more prone they are to surface erosion and punctures. A professional roofing contractor can install additional layers of membrane for foot traffic, and as long as building personnel stick to these pathways, the chance of erosion can be minimized.
4. Ponding Water
Flat roofs and low-slope roofs are common areas for water ponding. This occurs when the pitch or roof angle is either too shallow or there are areas of the roof where depressions exist, collecting water and allowing it to sit on the surface.
Ponding water is an issue that needs to be solved sooner rather than later. It adds a lot of weight on top of the roofing membrane, potentially stressing seams and causing stretching. Also, prolonged water exposure can deteriorate the material, eventually leading to leaks. These rooftop ponds also promote mold and algae growth, which could create dangerous walking conditions.
5. Roof Shrinkage
This common issue is not really common knowledge, but roofing membranes can shrink or “normalize” over time. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is particularly susceptible if it is not allowed to relax when installed. As UV rays break down the molecular structure, aging EPDM becomes less flexible, eventually leading to shrinking. This can also occur with TPO and PVC roofing materials.
The shrinking itself can become an issue, as the membrane can pull away from flashing and seams can separate. But also, the cracks and tears caused by shrinking introduce opportunities for roof leaks. Regular inspection can help identify these signs of shrinkage and repairs or roof coatings can help prolong the life of the commercial roof.
6. Flashing Failures
If the roofing membrane is the star of the show, the flashing is the all-important supporting cast. It seals the edges of the roof, directs water away from seams, and seals gaps around vents, chimneys, walls, and other penetrations to prevent water from seeping in. Flashing has to work for the roofing membrane to do its job.
Failing or damaged flashing is typically the result of age, poor installation, or work performed on the roof. In many cases, it’s easiest for commercial roofing services to simply remove the flashing, but very often, it can be repaired or patched to prevent leaks.
7. UV Radiation
We already know that material degradation is an issue that can lead to erosion and punctures, but one might not know it can be caused by the sun’s rays. That’s right, UV radiation from the sun can break down the material, causing it to lose its elasticity and leading to leaks and other issues.
UV breakdown is common but usually shows its ugly head as the roofing surface enters its later years. UV radiation is pretty hard to avoid, but an experienced contractor will be able to help property owners decide which materials are best for their needs.
8. Blistering and Bubbling
Blistering and bubbling are bad signs for a commercial roof. This is when air or moisture gets trapped underneath the roofing membrane, preventing proper adhesion and leading to pockets separating from the roofing deck.
A few things can happen to blisters and bubbles. For one, they can spread and grow in size. Two, they erode the material, eventually causing thin spots, punctures, and tears. They’re often caused by leaks or improper installation and need to be resolved before they cause expensive damage.
9. Clogged or Damaged Gutters and Drains
Gutters, scuppers, downspouts, and drains are functional parts of any roof and need to be free-flowing to prevent puddling and ponding. If they’re clogged with debris, bird nests, or other obstructions, water can’t shed off the roof efficiently, causing back-ups and potentially ice dams.
This is another one of the common commercial roof problems that regular maintenance can solve. Walking the roof, inspecting the drains, and removing debris will ensure these water control systems are working properly.
10. Poor Maintenance and Repair
One of the most common commercial roofing problems we see is a lack of regular maintenance and repair. Without a set maintenance plan involving inspections, small repairs, and occasionally calling a professional for help, roofing surfaces will fail prematurely. The materials themselves are tough, but they do require some looking after.
At Nations Roof, we help commercial property owners solve their roof maintenance challenges. We can manage the inspections and repairs of multiple buildings, even ensuring that your roofing system remains under warranty.
Trust Nations Roof with Your Commercial Roof Maintenance and Repairs
Leave the maintenance and repair of your commercial roofing surface up to Nations Roof. We have years of experience in the roofing industry and know how to install and repair a wide range of roofing material types and all the challenges that come along with them. Contact us today to learn more about our roofing repairs, replacement, and maintenance program services.
