4 Most Common Commercial Roofing Problems

Problems can occur on any roof, but some of them are unique to commercial properties. Being aware of these problems and how they can be prevented can help prolong your commercial roof’s lifespan. Residential roofing contractors, All Angles Covered, lists the most common commercial roofing problems.

1. Roof Leaks — A roof leak is perhaps the most common problem across all roofing types. Leaks on commercial roofs are more difficult to locate, given that there’s no attic space. Nevertheless, such leaks must be addressed urgently as it could disrupt your business operations. Sticking to a regular inspection and maintenance routine can help root out the causes of leaks before they develop into bigger issues.

2. Blow-Offs, Tenting or Billowing — Single-ply commercial roofing, such as TPO or EPDM, can be installed loose-laid. This means only the seams are welded, but the layer itself is laid as a monolithic piece, much like a bedsheet. If wind finds its way underneath, the whole roof could start billowing, forming tents or blowing off. Depending on the type of roofing system, such issues can be repaired using heat or adhesive. If your property happens to be along the path of high winds, an adhered roofing system may be more appropriate.

3. Punctures — Punctures can be caused by many things, such as airborne debris, footwear with sharp edges and improperly installed utilities. Financing roof repair depends on the type of roofing system, as multi-ply roofing is less susceptible to puncture damage than single-ply roofing.

4. Pooling Water — It may not look like much, but an inch-deep body of water can exert pressure of up to 5.2 pounds per square foot. This is why proper roof design is important; a flat roof needs to have a slight slope to allow proper drainage. Call a roofing professional if rainwater on the roof doesn’t dry up after 48 hours as this can lead to algae growth and can weaken the outer roofing layer at the seams.

All Angles Covered is your leading provider of roofing services. Give us a call at (303) 857-5925, or fill out our contact form.