
Common Commercial Roof Problems and How They Happen
From major storms to sunny days, commercial roofs withstand a lot of abuse. Commercial roofing systems have to be solid and durable.
To keep your commercial roof in excellent condition, regular care is a necessity. Bringing in an inspector at least twice a year for your commercial building is ideal.
It’s also crucial to partner with a quality contractor to install your roof and repair any issues that arise. If you do these two things, you will extend the lifespan of your commercial roof.
Another way to keep your system in great condition is to be aware of the common risks that could wear it down. You don’t have to know everything about common commercial roof problems, but understanding the most frequent types of damage is invaluable if you want to prevent major problems.
Four Causes of Common Roofing Issues
Energy Efficient Roofing & Construction has years of experience fixing common roofing issues. We can inspect and repair your commercial roofing, and we like to share our knowledge of commercial roofing systems.
Here, we’ll discuss common commercial roof problems and provide tips on how to prevent them.
#1: Not Enough Maintenance
One of the primary commercial roofing issues is general lack of upkeep. Poor or no maintenance can lead to many problems, and it’s one of the most common reasons commercial roofs have difficulties.
Without routine maintenance, it’s hard to detect problems in the first place. If you want to extend the lifespan of your roof, schedule a commercial roof inspection twice a year.
What Causes Lack of Maintenance?
Lack of maintenance usually occurs because owners forget to keep up with roof care. Financial concerns might also deter the property owner from requesting inspections and maintenance.
It’s advisable to set up routine visits every six months with the roofing contractors at Energy Efficient Roofing & Construction. In terms of cost, regular maintenance is much cheaper in the long run than replacing a damaged roof—and your roof will last many more years.
#2: Ponding Water
Most commercial roofing systems are flat. Although flat roofs provide many benefits, they also have drawbacks. Since they don’t drain water on a downslope, a sound drainage system is essential.
If the drainage system doesn’t work, water will accumulate and create mold, leaks, and other concerns. Additionally, if left untreated, ponding water is very heavy. In fact just one inch of water weighs over 5lbs./sqft.. As this water weight continues to lay on a commercial roof, the depth and size of the ponding increases.
What Causes Ponding Water?
Ponding water can be the result of various issues. Clogs from leaves and debris may build up in the drains, improper slope and substandard roofing installation all are causes for water build up.
A poorly installed roof might not drain properly, which is why it’s vital to choose a trusted contractor during the installation process.
If you notice ponding water on your flat roof, it’s best to schedule an inspection right away before the problem worsens.
#3: Dents or Puncture
Dents are common in materials like metal, while punctures occur more often on single-ply roofing systems.
A shallow dent or ding might not be cause for concern, but a puncture or deeper dent may spawn greater issues later, such as water leaks. If you notice any damage of this kind, it’s best to have a roofing inspector take a look to determine whether it requires some mending.
What Causes Dents and Punctures?
Dents are usually caused by storms or overhanging tree branches. Large debris or hail can cause significant damage.
Punctures usually occur when people walk across a roofing system too often. It’s best to avoid going up on the roof unless it’s necessary for inspections or repairs.
#4: Damaged Flashing
Roof flashing keeps water from getting into the seams and joints of the roofing system. Flashing also protects pipes and chimneys. When it’s damaged, holes and cracks can form that let in water.
What Causes Damaged Flashing?
Damaged flashing usually occurs when the roof is installed incorrectly. Another culprit is storm damage. Depending on the weather conditions, metal roofs can also expand and contract, which could harm the flashing, or worse, compromise your building’s structural integrity.
“You’ve Got Roof Damage, Now What?”:
Spotting damage to your roof’s flashing can be a challenge. That’s why it’s always best to:
Tips for Preventing Common Commercial Roof Problems
It’s impossible to avoid all commercial roofing issues completely, but you can prevent many of them. Energy Efficient Roofing & Construction suggests taking these steps to protect your commercial roof.
Schedule Routine Roofing Inspections and Maintenance
One of the best ways to catch common roof issues is to ask a roofing contractor to inspect and maintain your roof. At Energy Efficient Roofing & Construction, we perform thorough assessments and maintenance for most commercial roofing systems in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We recommend inspections twice a year to verify that your roof stays in excellent shape.
Trim the Trees Near Your Roof
It’s impossible to deter storms, but you can at least lower the risk of storm damage. Breaking branches or falling trees can do serious harm to your commercial roofing system, so make sure trees don’t get too close to the roof and remove overhanging branches.
Commercial Roofing Repairs in Dallas-Fort Worth
Has it been a while since your commercial roof was inspected? Are you worried that your roof needs repairs?
We want to help. Protect your commercial roof from common commercial roofing problems by reaching out to Energy Efficient Roofing & Constitution for reliable roofing care in Texas. Call us today to schedule a service visit.
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Energy Efficient Roofing & Construction is a full-service roofing and general contractor that serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with top-quality labor and materials.