All commercial roofing requires maintenance at some point. Commercial roofs are generally much larger than other roofs. Their design and scale mean that they offer a unique set of maintenance challenges. By knowing the most common commercial roofing problems, you’ll be one step ahead when it comes to maintaining your roof.
1) Roof Punctures
Roof punctures are more prevalent than you may think. The leading cause of punctures is foot traffic on your commercial roof. A flat roof is easy to walk on, but walk in the wrong place, and you can cause damage. Footsteps can exert pressure and weight on small areas leading to holes. Once you have a small hole in your roof, moisture will be allowed to leak into vulnerable roof areas.
Another cause of puncturing is strong winds. During hurricane season, your roof may be susceptible to being hit by debris. It’s best to have ongoing roof inspections to prevent any roof punctures.
2) Bad Installation
Poorly installed roofs are susceptible to several problems. Roof blistering, leaks, ponding water, and pests are all signs of a mediocre roofing installation. When you cut corners with your roofing materials and expertise, you diminish the lifespan of your roof. Badly installed roofs pose safety issues and can put your employees and inventory at risk.
Remember that a commercial roof installation is a large-scale project and shouldn’t be seen as a DIY project. Always consult with a reputable roofing contractor who doesn’t use substandard materials.
3) Ponding Water
Water ponding is a common occurrence on commercial flat roofs. The good news is that the solution may be easier than you think. Most water ponding is caused by clogged gutters and roof drains. Over time, debris, dust, and pests can clog up your gutters. Give your drains and gutters a routine clean, and you’ll most likely sort out your roof pooling.
The other less common cause comes back to poor workmanship. If your roof doesn’t have a sufficient slope, pooling will occur. Correcting your roof slope can be a costly exercise and needs to be handled by a professional. Be sure to invest in ongoing flat roof maintenance.
4) Shrinkage
In South Florida’s hot and humid climate, provision needs to be made for roof expansion and contraction. With ongoing temperature fluctuations, your roof may be prone to warping. The more warping that occurs, the more risk there is of breaking around the edges and seams. The good news is that warping and shrinkage can be repaired if it’s caught early. To guard against shrinkage, make sure you’re using a high-quality roof covering.
5) Blow Offs
South Florida is known for its hurricanes. These bring on damaging wind gusts of up to around 140 mph. Winds this strong can cause commercial roofs to uplift and even blow off. How does it happen, exactly? Strong winds blow along the top of the roof perimeter, which causes a suction effect. This suction can be powerful enough to pull your roof material off. Depending on the damage, you may be eligible for a roof repair, or in severe cases, a roof replacement.
Make sure you’re using an experienced roofing contractor for all your roof work. They will ensure that your roof is properly fastened onto your building.
South Florida Commercial Roofing Experts
ABC Roofing Corp. is a leading South Florida roofing company. We specialize in commercial and residential roofing. With locations in Carol Springs and Jupiter, ABC Roofing has South Florida covered. Call our team at 954-344-4622 for all your roofing needs.
