Proper upkeep of a commercial flat roof is essential for safeguarding your building and the operations within it. However, flat roofing materials such as modified bitumen, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic olefin (TPO) come with unique challenges regarding damage detection.
According to St. Louis roofing experts Ferguson Roofing and Exteriors, certain indicators, such as hail damage or aging components, may not be immediately evident but can lead to expensive long-term issues if not addressed swiftly. Here’s a guide to identifying the warning signs that your commercial flat roof needs repair or replacement.
1. Hail Damage
Hail can cause substantial damage to roofs, especially with materials like TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen. While you might see white or discolored spots on the roof surface from impacts, this is just a superficial sign. Detecting hail damage on commercial flat roofs can be challenging, particularly with PVC or TPO materials.
Repair: If only a few hail marks (1-10) are found in one area of the roof, and each impact is smaller than a dime, a repair might be adequate.
Replace: If hail damage is extensive throughout the roof and affected areas are larger than a quarter, a replacement is likely necessary.
2. Signs of Aging
Like other materials exposed to the elements, roofing materials deteriorate over time. Flat roofs face significant wear and tear, evident through cracking, blistering, or curling edges. As a flat roof ages, its protective layers wear away, leaving the underlying structure susceptible to moisture damage.
Repair: Minor cracks and blisters can often be fixed by re-sealing or patching the affected areas.
Replace: If large sections exhibit advanced aging indicators like extensive blistering, severe cracking, or multiple damaged spots, replacement is probably warranted.
3. Insufficient Flashing
Flashing is vital in flat roofing systems to prevent water intrusion into vulnerable zones like roof edges, vents, or pipes. Inadequate flashing can result in leaks that may not be immediately apparent. Over time, flashing can degrade or become detached, allowing water to penetrate the roofing structure and cause significant damage.
Repair: Damaged or cracked flashing, or flashing that has pulled away from the roof membrane, should be repaired promptly.
Replace: If large portions of flashing are compromised or widespread water damage is evident around flashing areas, full replacement may be necessary. Often, deteriorating flashing indicates that other roof components have also suffered significant wear.
4. Ponding Water
Ponding water occurs when water does not drain properly from the roof, creating standing pools on the surface. This is especially common in flat roof designs where improper drainage or blockages can lead to significant water accumulation. Ponding water can weaken the roof, cause leaks, or even lead to structural issues if left unaddressed.
Repair: Improving drainage systems or re-sloping certain roof sections can typically resolve ponding water issues. If pooling is minor and localized, a simple repair may be sufficient.
Replace: If ponding water is a persistent issue leading to severe damage, such as water infiltration or membrane degradation, replacing the roof may be the best course of action. Prolonged pooling can result in long-term problems like mold, decay, or even structural failure.
5. Material-Specific Concerns
Various materials compose commercial flat roofs, each with its own potential issues. Modified bitumen is valued for its strength and weather resistance but may crack, blister, or see seam separation over time. TPO is favored for energy efficiency and reflective surfaces, yet it can puncture and experience seam failures. PVC roofs are durable but may become brittle with considerable UV exposure, leading to seam failures and material shrinkage.
Repair: Each of these materials allows for small punctures, cracks, or seam failures to be repaired with patches or sealant. Professional contractors can also re-weld PVC and TPO seams to prevent further deterioration.
Replace: Extensive damage to the roof material, particularly with widespread puncturing or seam failure, or if repairs would be overly costly or ineffective, generally necessitates a replacement.
Understanding when to repair and when to replace a commercial flat roof can help save significant time and expenses. Consult Ferguson Roofing for a comprehensive evaluation to ensure your roof remains in excellent condition, safeguarding your business for years ahead.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Ferguson Roofing and Exteriors. For further information or to schedule a service, contact Ferguson Roofing at 314-521-6917, email [email protected], or visit https://fergusonroofing.com/.
