Top Common Commercial Roofing Problems and How to Fix Them
Commercial roofing is a critical component of any business's infrastructure. A well-maintained roof protects your property, equipment, inventory, and employees from the elements. However, even the most durable commercial roofing systems can develop problems over time. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most common issues that arise with commercial roofing and provide tips on how to address them.
Leaks and Moisture Damage One of the most frequent problems encountered with commercial roofing is leaks and moisture damage. Water infiltration can occur due to a variety of factors, including:
Aging or deteriorating roofing materials
Improper installation or flashing around penetrations like vents and skylights
Damage from severe weather events
Clogged or inadequate drainage systems
To fix leaks and moisture damage, the first step is to identify the source of the problem. Conduct a thorough inspection of the roof, looking for areas of pooling water, visible damage, or signs of water stains on interior ceilings. Once you've located the leak, repairs may involve patching holes, replacing damaged shingles or tiles, re-caulking around flashing, or clearing debris from drains and gutters.
For more extensive moisture damage, it may be necessary to replace saturated insulation and repair structural components like decking and joists. Catching leaks early is key to minimizing damage and repair costs. Implement a regular inspection and maintenance program to proactively address any issues.
Punctures and Tears Commercial roofing can sustain punctures and tears from a variety of sources:
Foot traffic from maintenance personnel or equipment installation
Hail and windblown debris during storms
Blistering and cracking due to age and UV exposure
Animal activity and roosting
Small punctures can often be repaired with patches or sealant. Larger tears may require replacing the damaged section of roofing material. If the membrane has shrunk and pulled away from flashings or edges, it may need to be replaced and properly terminated.
To prevent punctures and tears, limit non-essential foot traffic on the roof and ensure any mechanical equipment is properly mounted on rails or stands. Keep the roof surface clean of debris and sharp objects. Consider installing walkway pads in high-traffic areas. If your roof is aging and showing signs of brittleness, a rejuvenating coating or restorative treatment may help extend its service life.
Poor Drainage and Ponding Water Flat and low-slope commercial roofing systems are designed to drain water effectively, but problems can arise due to:
Sagging or inadequate roof pitch
Clogged drains, scuppers or gutters
Damage or deterioration of drainage components
Improper installation of crickets or saddles
Ponding water adds substantial weight to your roof and accelerates deterioration of the membrane. To fix drainage issues, first ensure all drains and gutters are clear of debris and properly sized for your roof's surface area. If necessary, install additional drainage or increase the roof's slope with tapered insulation. Replace any damaged drain bowls, strainers or downspouts.
Regularly cleaning the roof surface and drainage system is important preventative maintenance. If your roof has persistent ponding issues, consult a commercial roofing professional to assess whether modifications to the slope or drainage layout are needed.
Blow-Offs and Tenting High winds can cause commercial roofing membranes to balloon upward, leading to blow-offs and tenting. This is a particular concern with single-ply systems attached only at the edges. Contributing factors include:
Inadequate adhesion or fastening of the membrane
Air leakage from within the building elevating pressure under the membrane
Aging and shrinkage of the membrane reducing its ability to resist uplift
If caught early, small tented areas can sometimes be re-adhered with adhesive or fasteners. More severe blow-offs will require replacing the damaged membrane and ensuring proper attachment. Enhancements like increasing the number of perimeter half-sheets, using heavier membrane material, or switching to a fully-adhered system may be advised in high-wind areas.
Performing periodic assessments to check for loose terminations or signs of billowing can help identify risks before major blow-offs occur. Ensure rooftop HVAC units and vents are not introducing air leakage under the membrane.
Flashing Failures Flashings are the strips of material used to seal and waterproof the edges and penetrations of a commercial roof. Common flashing failure issues include:
Deterioration of pliable flashing materials like rubber over time
Improper installation or sealing of flashing
Damage from UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, or building movement
Failed flashings are a frequent source of leaks, as they allow water to penetrate at vulnerable transition points. Replacing damaged or aged flashing is critical to maintaining a watertight roof. When installing new flashing, ensure proper surface preparation, use appropriate primers, and tool sealants for optimal adhesion. High quality, UV-stable materials will provide the best long-term performance.
Regularly inspect flashing terminations at drip edges, parapet walls, curbs, and penetrations. Check for loose or lifted edges, gaps, cracks, or signs of excessive weathering. Keeping flashing well-sealed is key to prolonging the life of the entire roofing system.
Blistering and Ridging Certain commercial roofing membranes, particularly asphalt-based systems, can develop blisters or ridges over time. This is often caused by:
Moisture or air trapped within or under the membrane
Inadequate ventilation or insulation in the roof assembly
Incompatibility between roofing materials
While some minor blistering may be cosmetic, more severe cases can lead to cracks, splits, and leaks. To address blistering and ridging, the affected areas may need to be cut, dried out, and patched. If moisture is originating from within the building, improving ventilation is crucial. In some cases, adding vents or installing an air/vapor barrier may be necessary.
When installing a new asphalt-based roofing system, specify materials with built-in venting channels to allow air and moisture to escape. Ensure the roof deck and insulation are dry before installation and use compatible products from a single manufacturer to avoid chemical reactions between components.
Shrinkage and Bridging Single-ply membranes like EPDM or TPO can experience shrinkage over time, leading to bridging or pulling away at seams and flashings. This is often due to:
Exposure to UV radiation and heat aging the membrane
Movement or settling of the building structure
Improper installation allowing pre-existing stresses in the sheet
Shrinkage can cause seams to open up, making the roof vulnerable to leaks. Tightening or re-welding seams may provide a temporary fix, but in many cases, the membrane will need to be replaced. When selecting a new single-ply membrane, look for products with advanced stabilizers and UV-resistance. Ensure the roof substrate is clean, dry, and properly prepared before installation.
Proper storage of membrane material before installation is also important. Avoid exposing rolls to excessive heat or direct sunlight and allow the material to relax and acclimate before installation to minimize stresses.
Fastener Backs Out and Popping In mechanically-attached commercial roofing systems, fasteners can sometimes back out or pop through the membrane over time. This is often caused by:
Incorrect fastener sizing or spacing
Overdriving of fasteners during installation
Deterioration of the decking material
Backed-out fasteners create holes in the membrane that allow water to penetrate. They also contribute to uplift pressures on the roof. To fix the issue, the affected fasteners need to be removed and replaced at the proper depth and spacing. If the decking has deteriorated, comprehensive repair or replacement may be necessary before installing new fasteners.
Using manufacturer-approved fasteners and installation tools is crucial for long-term performance. Conduct pull-out tests to ensure the decking can provide adequate holding power. If fastener back out is a recurring issue, consider switching to a more compatible decking material or a fully-adhered membrane system.
Neglect and Deferred Maintenance Many commercial roofing problems can be attributed to simple neglect and deferred maintenance. Building owners may delay or forgo regular inspections and upkeep due to cost concerns or lack of awareness. However, small unaddressed issues can quickly escalate into major damage.
Establishing a proactive maintenance plan is one of the best ways to maximize the lifespan of your commercial roof. This should include:
Twice-yearly professional inspections to assess condition and identify repair needs
Prompt repair of any deficiencies found during inspections
Regular cleaning of the roof surface, drains, and gutters
Documenting the age and repair history of the roof to plan for eventual replacement
By staying on top of maintenance, you can avoid many common commercial roofing problems and extend the serviceable life of your roof. This proactive approach is far more cost-effective than reacting to major issues after the fact.
Improper Repairs and Modifications Commercial roofing problems are sometimes made worse by improper repairs or modifications. Building owners may attempt to save money by hiring unqualified contractors or applying quick fixes that fail to address underlying issues. Improper repairs can include:
Applying incompatible materials that damage or react with the existing roof
Failing to properly prepare the surface or use appropriate primers and adhesives
Incorrect installation techniques that fail to meet manufacturer specifications
Similarly, building modifications like adding penetrations or installing equipment without proper coordination can compromise the integrity of the roof. Any changes to the roof should be planned in consultation with a qualified commercial roofing professional to ensure watertight, warrantable detailing.
If your roof has a history of improper repairs, it may require significant remediation to restore it to a serviceable condition. When selecting a contractor for repairs or reroofing, look for established companies with verifiable references and manufacturer certifications.
By understanding these common commercial roofing problems and how to address them, you can take a proactive approach to maintaining your roof and extending its service life. Remember, regular inspections and prompt repairs are key to avoiding costly damage down the road. If you're unsure about the condition of your commercial roof or need assistance with repairs, don't hesitate to contact a professional roofing contractor.
At Utz Roofing, we specialize in commercial roofing solutions tailored to your specific needs. From architectural shingles and asphalt shingles to comprehensive roof ventilation systems, we have the expertise to keep your commercial roof performing optimally for years to come. Contact us today to schedule an assessment of your roof and learn how we can help protect your investment.
