With commercial roofing, the problems experienced often differ from those residential roofs endure. This is because there are unique needs between the two systems, including the fact that a commercial structure is often low-sloped or flat, while a house will generally have a pitched roof. Find out how to find the best roofing contractor at https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/roofing/tips-for-choosing-roofing-contractor/.

Commercial roofing is generally significantly larger than a residential property leaving it exposed to more wear and tear. Considering the building’s HVAC equipment and other system components are housed there, the foot traffic increases, further adding to its abuses.

Commercial buildings require more equipment and safety gear when inspecting the structure for defects or damages to discern whether repairs or possibly a replacement need to be made.

Roof work is tough when the company is operational, considering the challenges of disruptions to business and the hazard of people coming and going from the building. What are common issues roofers see with commercial structures? Let’s learn.

Tips On Common Issues With Commercial Roofing

In the same vein that homeowners deal with roof problems, business owners endure their share of issues with commercial roofing. While the two systems are distinct from each other, there are commonalities when it comes to difficulties arising.

Professional, trusted roofing companies like Lionhart inspect the structures routinely to find defects and damages so the necessary corrections can be made before these turn into major problems. Let’s look at a few issues contractors cite as common.

A common occurrence with commercial roofs is leaks

The reasons for leaks can be varied, but often the cause is due to roof membrane damages followed by significant wear and tear or inadequate installation. When a leak is noticed, it’s critical to have it corrected straight away.

The roofing contractor will base the fix on size and severity, with the potential for a patch for something minor to the roof membrane being replaced in a severe situation.

Improper drainage can result in ponding water

Ponding water is common with commercial roofing if the drainage is inadequate. It can result in the roof becoming overly saturated, leading not only to leakages but other potential damage to the structure, including, in the worst-case scenario, deterioration, and collapse.

Water setting can lead to the development of mildew and mold, a significant health hazard for those doing business in the building and visitors.

Heavy foot traffic can result in penetrations and punctures in the membrane

Some roofing materials can experience severe issues from being penetrated and punctured like the single-ply systems. The cause of these damages is usually heavy foot traffic which is extensive when many building systems are there that need to be maintained aside from the roof.

Usually, the foot traffic creates tears or minor holes in the membrane, which are typically patched unless the damages are more extensive. If that’s the case, a complete replacement might be in order. Go here to learn if you need to replace your roof.

Some roofing types have unique problems like shrinkage

Many commercial structures incorporate rubber material for their flat roofing responsible for a few unique issues. One of the most common, in particular, is shrinkage. “EPDM and modified asphalt” structures are susceptible to the problem with the potential for jeopardizing structural integrity.

While the shrinking membranes might not create a whole roof fail, the membranes have the potential of pulling away in crucial places, leaving the roof to be exposed to water penetration.

Final Thought

Similarly, as homeowners have their structures inspected regularly to find defects and damages for repair and potential replacement, regular commercial inspections can help prevent minor issues from expanding into major problems and extend the roof’s lifespan.

The “National Roofing Contractors Association” indicates all commercial roofs should be inspected twice yearly. The recommendation is to have these done once following the coldest weather of the year. That’s usually considered to be in about January.

Then again, after what would constitute the hottest month’s weather in approximately July.

Calling for an inspection after a heavy weather circumstance is also recommended. It’s always wise to enlist the services of a well-qualified, experienced commercial roofer to identify and rectify all commercial roofing problems.