A sturdy roofing system that’s been expertly installed should protect your business, church, or commercial building for decades. However, weather and other factors will inevitably cause your roof to deteriorate over time.
Before the need for repairs or a full commercial roof replacement catches you by surprise, be on the lookout for these common problems so that you can keep your building’s exterior in great shape.
1. Neglected Roof Maintenance
The most common cause of commercial roof deterioration is a lack of maintenance. Fortunately, this problem is entirely manageable.
By having your roof inspected twice each year, you can ensure it stays in great shape and dodge costly problems before they occur. Otherwise, minor issues like broken tiles or small punctures can turn into more expensive issues down the road, like interior leaks and damage.
2. Poor Roofing Installation
Choosing an experienced roofer to complete your installation is key to a durable, long-lasting commercial roofing system.
It’s critical to hire a trained, certified, and highly recommended roofing company to install the particular roofing material and brand you select for your replacement. Otherwise, you may end up with a subpar installation from an inexperienced roofer that will shorten your roof’s lifespan.
3. Standing Water
Commercial roofing systems usually have a flat or low-slope design. This roofing style is more likely to accumulate standing water when it rains or snows—especially when the drainage system is clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris.
These pools of standing water will eventually cause roof damage and interior leaks if the drainage issue isn’t addressed quickly.
4. Temperature Fluctuations
Many roofing materials expand during warm weather and contract during cold weather. Commercial buildings in climates with drastic temperature changes, like Kansas City, will be more likely to experience this problem than businesses in mild climates like California.
Temperature fluctuations can cause some aspects of the roofing system, like metal flashing, to shrink, crack, or break over time. This process exposes the seams of your roof and makes them vulnerable to water damage.
5. Powerful Winds
Kansas City is known for its gusty winds, so it’s essential to understand the negative impact wind uplift can have on your commercial roofing system.
Strong winds against your exterior wall can form a suction movement between your roof and the moving gale, causing a “blow-off” of loose roofing materials or seals to uplift. Destruction from blustery winds can make your roof more vulnerable to damage from storms, water, or pests and may even cause uncomfortable drafts in your building.
6. Faulty Roofing Products
Unfortunately, you may suffer from premature roof deterioration if your original roofer used low-quality roofing products or if you have the wrong type of commercial roofing material for your climate or industry. One of the highest quality options for commercial roofing material is TPO roofing due to its longevity and energy efficiency.
7. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is an essential element of your roofing system that directs water away from vulnerable areas of your roof, like edges, seams, pipes, vents, and chimneys. However, when harsh weather conditions cause flashing to shrink, tilt, break, or even blow away, it can create an entryway for water to seep into your building.
It’s crucial to hire a roofing company to complete an inspection twice a year, so they can investigate your commercial roof for signs of damaged flashing you may not see on your own.
8. Foot Traffic
Your commercial roof will inevitably experience some foot traffic from people cleaning your roof and completing repairs. However, when abrasive soles rub against your roof, they can cause punctures or damages that may result in roof leaks.
If you hire a professional roofer to complete repairs, perform inspections, and clean your roof, you can rest assured they’ll use extra precautions to keep your building’s protective layer intact.
9. Roof Sun Damage
Your flat roof absorbs the brunt of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, so naturally, it will suffer from fading and deterioration as time passes. Usually, you’ll spot cracking or erosion on your building’s top surface from sun damage, and your roofer can help you identify when it’s the right time to replace the sun-damaged materials.
Keep Your Commercial Roof in Stellar Shape with Christian Brothers Roofing
If your commercial roof is experiencing any of the problems listed above, it’s likely a sign that you’re overdue for a roof inspection.
Christian Brothers Roofing offers a wide range of commercial roofing services to satisfy your needs. Whether you’d like general roof maintenance, storm damage repair, or an entire roof replacement, you can rely on our experienced, local team to go above and beyond your expectations.
Learn more about our commercial roofing services to discover how we can help you fix (or avoid!) the most common problems property owners face with their commercial roofs.
