Most commercial buildings have flat roofs, rather than the sloped roofs that are commonly found on residential homes. Flat roofs require different roofing materials and tend to need more maintenance and repairs than sloped roofs. If you own a commercial building, here are three of the common types of commercial roofing repairs that you may encounter with your roof.
Cracks in the Flat Roofing Materials
Many flat roofs are covered in a membrane, rather than covered with shingles or tiles like residential roofs. These membranes are fast and easy to install and relatively easy to care for. However, one of the downsides associated with these membranes is that they contract and expand as they heat up and cool down. This constant expansion and contraction can lead to cracks developing in the membrane. In addition to this, flying debris, such as rocks or sticks, and pests, can also cause cracks in the membrane. These cracks must be sealed to help prevent water from seeping into the membrane, eventually leading to a leak.
Water Puddling or Pooling on the Roof
Another common repair that flat commercial roofs may need is repairs for water puddling or pooling on the roof. One of the biggest misconceptions about flat roofs is that they are actually flat. Many flat roofs have a slight slope to them, which helps them to drain water. Roofs that are truly flat typically have drains installed on them to help prevent water from pooling. Water that is pooling or puddling on a flat roof is a sign that the roof may need drainage help.
Roof Buckling Issues
The final common reasons why flat commercial roofs may need repairs is because of roof buckling issues. Sloped roofs are built up with a series of trusses that help to support the weight of the roof. Flat roofs do not have these trusses, and as such, are more susceptible to buckling if heavy amounts of snow or ice accumulate on the roof, or even if someone walks on the roof and does not know where the support beams are located. Roof buckling issues need to be addressed quickly, as buckling can lead to the roof leaking or even caving in.
It is recommended that commercial roofs be inspected by a professional every six months. During this inspection, a commercial roofing contractor will be looking for signs of damage or wear on your commercial roof. Having routine inspections allows a roofer to find minor problems before they have a chance to develop and manifest into larger ones. If it has been six months since your last commercial roof inspection or you know that you are in need of commercial roofing repair, contact a commercial roofer to schedule an appointment today.
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