Common Roofing Problems in Commercial Buildings

Roofing problems are something that all commercial buildings face on occasion. You may have to deal with various issues, from material wear and tear to age-related issues. By being aware of the more common roofing problems and how to fix them, you can be better prepared to take action when they arise. With that in mind, let’s look at the most common roofing problems and how to address them.

Roof Leaks

One of the most common roofing problems in commercial buildings is leaks. Several factors can cause leaks, and they can cause severe and expensive damage to a building if they are not addressed quickly and correctly.

The most common causes of roof leaks include inadequate flashing, poor installation, improper material selection, and weather-related disasters like wind or hail. To identify a leak, you should look for wet spots or discolored stains on the inside walls and ceiling of your commercial building. Also, look for standing water in the areas around drains, pipes, vents, skylights, chimneys, or other equipment on the roof. If you observe any of these signs of water intrusion in your property, it is essential to schedule an inspection with a qualified roofing contractor before severe structural damage ensues.

Once your roof contractor identifies the source of the leak, they can recommend a solution that may involve repairing existing flashing or replacing it entirely with new materials such as rubberized asphalt or elastomeric sealant.

Sometimes, you may need to replace the entire roof section with new shingle material or install new ventilation systems. Depending on what is needed to fix your leaky problem, it may be costlier than anticipated. Therefore, it is essential to have an experienced contractor assess the current condition of your commercial building’s roof and provide an estimate for repair before proceeding.

Poor Insulation

Poor insulation allows air to escape and can cause moisture buildup and mold growth inside the building. In addition to making the structure uncomfortable and unhealthful, poor insulation causes your heating and cooling costs to soar. You can identify a poorly insulated roof by looking for ice frosting or snow buildup during winter in locations where that occurs, with all other buildings having melted off their roofs. In contrast, your roof still has a visible presence of it. 

Unfortunately, removing and replacing a roof’s insulation system is often not feasible as part of regular roof maintenance. To address a poorly-insulated roof section due to improper installation, inadequate repair, or aging of existing components, you’ll typically need to do an insulation topping-off/replacement job (tear off the layers above) or install an assembly on top of your existing system.

For re-roofing projects, mechanical fastening techniques are typically used. However, foam spraying and spray foam systems are sometimes alternatives that may be cheaper or provide superior results in some instances (e.g., with standing seam metal roofs). For accurate diagnosis and recommendations for application materials, contact an experienced Commercial Roofing professional who will inspect your building structure and review options available regarding product selection should insulation replacement be necessary and recommended by the contractor.

Damage from Wind or Hail

Damage from wind or hail can severely affect the life of a roof, especially in severe storms. Even small hail stones can cause damage that may lead to more significant problems in the future, such as leaks and cracks. Therefore, if a storm has recently passed through your area, inspecting for any damage caused by wind or hail is essential. Common signs of damage include cracked shingles, lost granules, and holes in the roof surface.

Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be necessary to repair or replace shingles, apply an additional layer of roof cement sealant around areas prone to water leakages like plumbing vent pipes and skylights, and replace the underlayment on exposed areas. Additionally, any debris collected on the roof should be removed to prevent it from clogging gutters and downspouts. This combined effort will help ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible and does not suffer further damage due to rain or snow.

Diagnosing Roofing Problems 

Identifying and diagnosing roofing problems in commercial buildings can be a difficult task. Many issues can arise in a roofing system, including improper installation, weather damage, and settling structures. By performing regular maintenance, you can help prevent common roofing problems from occurring and causing significant damage. This article will discuss some of the most common roofing problems and how to identify and fix them.

Inspect for Damage

Roofs can become damaged over time due to several different factors. Inspecting your commercial building’s roof regularly for any signs of damage is essential. This will help you identify and address any issues before they become significant problems. 

Common concerns to look out for include: 

• Debris or other foreign objects: Debris such as leaves, dirt, dust, branches, and other items can accumulate on the roof over time. This build-up can block water from draining properly off the roof, resulting in moisture getting trapped underneath and leading to further damage. 
• Missing or cracked shingles/tiles/slates: Exposure to heat, cold, and rain can cause your roof’s coating materials (i.e., shingles/tiles/slates) to crack over time. Check for missing or broken pieces that could allow rainwater through and moisture into your building. Also, ensure that these materials are correctly fastened on the roof decking so that wind doesn’t blow them away or make them come up from their original place, which can also lead to more leakage. 
• Discoloration: Discoloration is caused by algae growth on the material’s surface due to moisture accumulation in areas where light is present (this does not happen on dark surfaces). The discoloration should be cause for concern as standing water is present. If left unattended, it will weaken your roof over time until it fails prematurely from lack of maintenance. 
• Blistering paint: Paint exposed too long without protection from UV rays will start blistering and peeling away, leaving unprotected spots susceptible to corrosion due to compromised corrosion resistance when the paint is lost. 

\Leaks or staining: If there are any stains present on interior walls or ceilings, it’s possible that water could be dripping in through an unseen hole in the roof structure – check the area around where the stain is located carefully for hidden points of entry as this could be one symptom of a more significant problem such as improper flashing or broken seals around skylights/vents, etc. Leaks should also be taken seriously – actively search for water droplets coming through the ceiling immediately after heavy rainfall events – checking bathroom walls, floors, and windows if necessary (as many buildings have showers with direct exterior access).

Check for Signs of Leaks

When you’re diagnosing roofing problems, it’s essential to check for any signs of leaks. Leaks in a commercial roof can cause significant damage to a building and its contents if not addressed quickly. Signs of leaks include wet spots, mold growth, water stains on ceilings and walls, discolored patches of paint on ceiling tiles, and even the sound of dripping water.

Check for Poor Insulation

Poor insulation of a commercial building’s roof can lead to higher energy bills and various maintenance problems. Insulation materials should be in good condition, and the level of insulation appropriate for the building. Inspecting the insulation yearly is essential, looking for missing or damaged pieces and ensuring it is intact along edges and seams where gaps can form and allow air loss. You will also want to check for ventilation in your commercial roofing system; airflow is necessary for proper moisture control.

Fixing Roofing Problems

Roofing problems in commercial buildings can range from loose, missing, and damaged shingles to improper drainage and flashing. While some of these issues may be easy to spot and fix, others may require more specialized attention from a roofing expert. This article will explore the common roofing issues in commercial buildings and how to address them.

Replacing Damaged Shingles

Replacing damaged shingles is a job that should be done cautiously, as incorrect installation methods can lead to premature failure or even further damage. Check the flashing surrounding the roof’s edges when replacing damaged or missing shingles. Flashings are thin pieces of metal that help keep water from intruding under shingles and should never be exposed. Before the new shingle is laid, use an asphalt mixture of sealant tape to reinforce any areas around pipes, vents, and other openings in the flashing. Some types of old flashing may contain asbestos, so it’s best to consult an expert on how to proceed safely before installation. In addition to ensuring that your roof is correctly patched with new materials, care must also be taken when laying down cement around shingle ends to ensure a tight seal and eliminate any gaps where moisture can enter between two adjoining sections of roofing material. To achieve this tight waterproof seal, you must ensure that the cement extends one-quarter inch beyond each side of each section of the roofing material when installed on top of other sections along peak lines and valleys. Once it has dried enough so it won’t run, smooth down any rough spots with a trowel or putty knife.

Insulation is an essential part of any commercial structure’s roofing system, as it helps keep the interior of the building at a comfortable temperature and ensures that heating and cooling systems function correctly. Proper insulation should be thick enough to insulate from outside temperatures but thin enough for good air circulation. You’ll need to replace it frequently if it becomes too compressed. 

Maintaining Roofs

Having a well-maintained roof is essential when it comes to any commercial building. To keep your roof in the best possible condition, it is essential to be aware of common roofing problems and how to fix them. This section will cover all common roofing issues and how to quickly and efficiently fix them.

Regular Inspections

Regular roof inspections are critical to maintaining a commercial building’s roof. An inspection by an experienced roofer should look for indicators of a problem in the system and provide a comprehensive view of the roof’s state for current and future needs. Inspection should be performed at least once every two to three years or whenever a significant change or event has occurred in the environment around the structure, such as an extreme storm event. Areas to inspect include roof coverings, flashings, penetrations, insulation levels, moisture build-up, and drainage systems. Issues observed during an inspection must be appropriately documented to inform plans for repair and suggested changes in maintenance practices.

Cleaning Gutters

Gutter cleaning is one of a commercial roof’s most essential maintenance tasks. Otherwise, the water will overflow and cause damage to the roof and other parts of the building. Unclogging gutters can sometimes be a tedious and unsafe task. Many buildings are multi-storied, making access easier with proper safety equipment and training. Therefore, hiring a professional contractor who knows how to work safely at heights before attempting this work yourself is essential.

Trimming Overhanging Branches

Trimming back overhanging trees and branches can pay huge dividends when maintaining a commercial roof. Branches can rub against tiles and shingles, resulting in prematurely aged materials that become cracked and brittle over time. Additionally, leaves and other debris can accumulate in gutters, leading to water buildup and significant leaks. To fix this issue, it’s necessary to ensure all of the trees around the building are trimmed back to prevent them from reaching the roof’s surface area.

Hiring a Professional

When it comes to maintaining the roof of a commercial building, it is essential to hire a professional. Roofing problems can be complex and require the experience and expertise of a professional roofer to identify and repair them. In addition, they can assess the roof, identify any issues, and provide recommendations on how to fix them best. In this article, we will discuss some common roofing issues that 

commercial buildings face and why hiring a professional to fix them is essential.

Researching Contractors

When researching contractors, several factors must be considered before bringing in a contractor to complete any roofing project. Start by looking for a contractor who is a qualified professional. Be sure to ask for references and check them thoroughly. Check the company’s website, certifications and licenses, insurance coverage, and other qualifications they may have. It would help if you also inquired about the number of years they have been in business. A contractor with experience is an asset because they will know the tricks of the trade and how to handle unforeseen issues arising during a job. It would help if you also asked how long it would take to complete your job.

Signing a Contract with the Best Roofing Contractor

Once you’ve decided to hire a professional for your roofing issues, the formal contract must be signed. A contract should define the scope of work and a timeline of when work will begin and should itemize precisely what materials and services will be provided. It should also specify who is responsible if anything happens to go wrong during the repair process.

Ideally, it is also essential to ensure the contractor has adequate liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage in case any injuries occur on your property. If the contractor fails to carry appropriate insurance, you could be held financially responsible if an accident occurs on your premises during the repair process. Finally, you must have a warranty or guarantee that covers labor and materials for a set period in case there are any defects or issues with the repair work down the line.