If you own a commercial building (or several) long enough, you are bound to have a few roofing issues over the years. This is true for all types of roofing systems. Over time, issues can occur and they will need to be repaired. If they become too much of a burden for your building or business, the only course of action is a full roofing replacement. However, many commercial roofing systems can be salvaged through repairs, and knowing the most common issues that occur is the first step in the repair process.
These are the most common commercial roofing issues.
Leaks
The number one issue in most roofing systems, no matter the type, is wear and tear that leads to leaking. Even the most state-of-the-art roofing system will degrade over time, causing leaks into the building below, and while a standard maintenance routine can prolong the inevitable, keep an eye out for substantial damage that will lead to repairs.
Pooling Water
If you have a flat roof, pooling water can cause erosion and damage if left untreated. After a substantial amount of rain falls, head on up to your roof and look out for areas where excessive amounts of water may have accumulated. This is indicative that the roof was not installed properly and/or there is an insufficient amount of drainage available. While some standing water is tolerable, it shouldn’t still be present after 48 hours. If you notice pooling water long after a rainstorm, contact a roofing repair company to come and take a look at the issue.
Blow Off
Blow off occurs when materials from your commercial roof are not applied and connected properly, causing them to lift up, loosen and even blow off entirely. This is caused by wind hitting the side of the building and scaling upward. Once the updraft hits the roof, a bit of suction is created that causes poorly installed roofing material to pull away.
If you notice roofing materials that are missing or loose, it’s important to have them repaired before the damage becomes more extensive. Loose roofing materials can catch wind draft and cause more damage on particularly windy days.
Shrinkage
After long exposure to intense sunlight, rain, snow and other extreme weather conditions, rubber and EPDM roofing can begin to shrink. This causes cracks in the roofing and can even begin to pull flashing away from certain areas. This could also be the result of poor installation or roof design, especially if the roof is not that old. This issue can be costly as it requires extensive repairs or roofing replacement, but untreated shrinkage can lead to severe damage, leaks and a lot more.
