Roofing is an expensive investment and is thus sometimes not considered as the top priority for many building owners. Ongoing roof maintenance or repairs can be a hassle. Catching the early signs of roof damage will help you save money on roof repairs or even roof replacement. This will also help to keep your roof warranty valid. For those reasons, it is useful to understand some common issues your commercial roof can and probably will face.
Naturally, some roofs can have issues that are typical risks for each type of roofing system. For example, a metal roof will have costly, ongoing battles with rust. Flat roofs are at higher risk to leak, rupture or break from standing water than low sloping roofs. However all roofs have some problems that they'll experience in common, regardless of the type:
1. Leaks and Moisture: Generally all commercial roofs are affected by damage caused from leaks or moisture infiltration. A small roof leak, if not addressed in time, will lead to much bigger problems. Roof leaks can result from many causes, like improper installation of the roofing system, poor adhesion, moisture barriers not installed properly, or moisture seeping under a roof surface. Roof leaks or moisture infiltration under a roof can lead to rotting, mold and other problems depending on the underlying material composition.
2. Wear and Tear: Roofing experts universally agree on the importance of regular inspection and maintenance of your roof. Like any other valuable thing, the roof of your commercial property will also experience wear and tear over time, but if those issues are fixed at an early stage it will avoid much bigger problems from occurring and thus save both time and money later. Regular roof maintenance will be a strong preventative measure against big roofing issues.
3. Standing Water: Standing water is the common problem for almost all commercial flat roofs. It can sometimes also be seen in slopped roofs that have flatter slope configurations. Standing water can be a sign of improper drainage from HVAC units, debris collected on roof, and sometimes even poor quality configuration or design. With time, water collects on a roof and exerts stronger pressure on the roof surface and if not attended to quickly water infiltrates into the roofing components below.
Thermal shock and heavy precipitation can increase the roof decay process and even exert more downward pressure on the roof surface resulting in water infiltration thus more damage to the structure or your property itself.
4. Thermal Weathering: Thermal shock is the most common roofing problem over time. EPDM rubber roofs are at greater risk from thermal shock. Thermal shock refers to the deterioration of roof by harmful UV rays from the sun. The roof expands during the hotter period and contracts once the temperature starts to cool down. Dark-coloured roofs also absorb more heat from the sun in comparison to their lighter coloured counterparts, which contributes to further deterioration.
5. Surface Erosion: Some common examples of surface erosion include ridging, blistering, splitting, and several other conditions. Surface erosion leads to accelerated roof aging or breakdown if not repaired soon enough. Roofs that are made of sheet products, poor workmanship or improper installation will lead to problems like roof wrinkles or "fish-mouthing".
6. Poor Installation: Roofing issues not only depend on roof performance but also on how a contractor installed the roof. Poor installation, use of the incorrect or low-quality products, installing in less-than-ideal climate or temperature conditions, and other contractor related issues are some reasons that can result in poor roofing condition. Poor installation leads to premature roof aging, roof leaks, roof deterioration or more immediate roof failure. For the good of your roof, its warranty, your property and your business, it’s necessary that a qualified and reliable roofing contractor works on your commercial roof.
7. Effects following Disaster: Poorly installed commercial roof are more prone to blow-offs, puncturing, billowing, and other roof damage caused by powerful storms or outdoor hazards. Roofs that experience partial blow-off are at higher risk of moisture penetration which further results in damaging leaks.
Royal Roofing Ltd. is a Certified Commercial Roofing Contractor in Calgary with Firestone Building Products of Canada and Building Products of Canada (BP), as well as a member of the Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA), Better Business Bureau, Calgary Residential Rental Association, and Edmonton Construction Association. With more than 1000 commercial roofs installed, we provide our customers with a wide range of roofing and weatherproofing systems that are tailored to best fit their requirement and budget. Call us at: 403-248-6397 for free no-obligation consultation.
