Maintaining a commercial property means you have to keep an eye on a lot of things at the same time, but one area that gets overlooked in all this chaos is the roof. A roof doesn’t just provide good looks for your property but it is critical in maintaining the safety and comfort of everyone inside. Like any other part of a building, roofs also face wear and tear that can lead to several problems if you don’t pay attention to the maintenance.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common commercial roofing problems and how to fix them.
1- Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are one of the most common problems in commercial roofing. They can occur due to many reasons like aging materials, weather conditions or improper installation. If it’s been long since last maintenance, the seals around vents and joints can degrade and the water seeps in from the gaps. If these leaks are not fixed in time, they can lead to costly repairs.
Possible Fixes for Roof Leaks
To fix roof leaks, first trace the leak by checking for any signs of moisture around vents, skylights or seams. Smaller leaks can be sealed with cement but the larger ones require professional repairs.
2- Ponding Water
Ponding water is another common issue which mostly is due to insufficient slope in commercial roofing. The water can collect on flat roofs if the drainage is poor, and can cause leaks or structural issues by weakening the roof over time.
Possible Fixes for Ponding Water
If you notice ponding water on your commercial roofing, make sure there is no obstruction in water drainage. If the water doesn’t flow out even with clear drains, the roof’s slope might need adjusting which a professional can help you with.
3- Roof Punctures
Punctures in commercial roofing can be due to foot traffic, falling debris or any equipment installation. If you’ve been ignoring small leaks for a long time, they can also lead to roof punctures, and compromise your roof’s integrity, causing more extensive damage if not repaired immediately.
Potential Fixes for Roof Punctures
If the puncture isn’t too big, you can use roofing cement or patch kit for securing a watertight seal. However, larger punctures need professional repairs for a durable and long-lasting solution.
4- Blistering
Blistering can appear as bubbles on the roof surface, and might be due to trapped moisture or extreme heat. When the sun heats up the roof surface, the trapped moisture can expand and cause blisters on the surface which can crack lead to leaks if not repaired in time.
Potential Fixes for Blistering
Blistered sections can be repaired or replaced with new roofing material according to the extent of the damage. To avoid this problem in the future, make sure there is enough ventilation to prevent the moisture buildup that causes blistering.
5- Shrinkage
As the roof ages, the roofing material can shrink and pull away from edges, leading to gaps on the corners. Water entry from these points can compromise the structure of the roof, and the whole building if the problem is not fixed in time. Poor installation and weather fluctuations can also cause commercial roofing shrinkage.
Possible Fixes for Shrinkage
To fix this problem, you can remove and replace the sections that have shrunk and can fill in the gaps created by the shrinkage. Choosing high-quality materials can help you prevent shrinkage in the future.
6- Poor Installation
Another common issue is the poor installation of the roofing which can lead to leaks and increased wear and tear. You can recognize if an installation is not up to the mark if the seam is uneven or flashing is misaligned. Poor installation can be a safety issue as you don’t know if the roof would be able to bear the harsh weather conditions or any additional weight.
Possible Fixes
Poor installations can be a headache, so you need to act immediately by hiring experienced commercial roofing contractors to fix the issue. You should conduct a thorough inspection after any installation to ensure everything is done correctly and follows best practices.
7- Clogged Gutters
Gutters are important to direct water away from the roof. Clogged gutters can cause several issues like water pooling, leaks and structural damage. Gutters might get clogged by any debris buildup so it’s important to make sure they stay clear.
Potential Fixes for Clogged Gutters
Gutters should be cleaned twice a year to avoid any debris accumulation which can cause blockage. If you face this problem frequently, gutter guards can help minimize the debris buildup.
8- Mold and Algae Growth
Mold and Algae are another common issue in most commercial roofing. These thrive on roofs in humid conditions and can deteriorate the roofing materials over time. Mold and Algae growth can be due to poor drainage or lack of sunlight which makes it a perfect environment for it to grow.
Potential Fixes for Mold and Algae Growth
To fix mold and algae growth, you can use a pressure washer to wash it away. However, removing them completely requires hiring professionals for the job. Choosing roofing materials that resist mold and algae growth can prevent this problem if it’s very frequent in your area.
Read More: Cost vs. Value – Investing in Quality Commercial Roofing
Looking for Reliable Commercial Roofing Repairs?
If you’re facing any of these common roofing issues, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.
At Delta Roofing, we understand that dealing with these problems can be frustrating. Our experienced team provides convenient commercial roofing repairs for common problems, be it a small leak or a big puncture.
Keep your roof in top shop—contact us today for a free consultation and stay safe with a well-maintained roof!
