How do I know if I have problems with my Commercial Flat Roof?
- Ponding Water
- Damaged Flashing
- Cracks and Tears
- No water coming out of your drain during weather events
- Roof Penetrations
- Water Spots on Your Ceiling
- Rips in Your Roof Membrane
- Loose or Unattached Membrane
- Loose Roof Fasteners
The list of things that can go wrong on your business’ roof are long and varied. The way you can tell those problems exist is one of 2 ways.
1. You can see problems on the inside of your building; brown spots on either the:
- Ceiling
- Walls
2. You can climb up on your roof and look around
Let’s look at each Flat Roof problem
PONDING WATER
When water sits in pools on your roof for over 48 hours without running off or evaporating, that constitutes “ponding”. It is one of the most common issues associated with Flat Roof leaking and needs to be addressed immediately.
DAMAGED FLASHING
Areas where your roof butts up against a sidewall and/or objects should be conjoined with flashing (metal plates that direct water away from problem areas). If this flashing is improperly installed or is old and worn, it can allow water underneath to the substrate and “hidden damage” can be occurring.
CRACKS AND TEARS
When a Flat Roof Membrane or coating starts to age, it can develop cracks in the membrane or tears in weaker or improperly installed areas. These small imperfections can eventually cost you money by leaking without showing signs of leaking…until its too late.
NO WATER COMING OUT OF DRAINS
If there is no water coming out of your drains during weather events, that is a definite sign that you are having roofing issues. Water must egress from a flat roof. If not, then it stays:
- On the roof
- In the attic or insulation
- Or runs along your ceiling or walls
ACTUAL ROOF PENETRATIONS
Sometimes you can actually see leaking that is occurring. Although not what usually happens, this is obviously a sign of trouble to come.
WATER SPOTS ON YOUR COMPANY’S CEILING
This is the most common way business owners find out about leaking on the roof. Usually when this sign shows up it’s too late and money will need to be spent.
RIPS IN THE ROOF MEMBRANE
Sometimes physical damage occurs on a roof. Something falls on it or tears through the outer covering which requires immediate attention. These can be some of the most costly issues.
LOOSE OR UNATTACHED MEMBRANE
This usually occurs due to improper installation and has to be addressed so as not to allow the problem to get worse.
LOOSE ROOF FASTENERS
Whether Piranha or Insulation Plates, if these are not properly attached or rust, it can create problem areas. You must have Periodic Maintenance to make sure these are functioning properly.
DAMAGED DECKING
The substrate that your insulation boards and membranes sit on can get damaged if the leaking allows the water to drain down to the actual wood. It can dramatically increase the cost of your flat roof repair.
There’s a lot that CAN go wrong with your Flat Roof System. That said, if you need a new Commercial Roof, why not get it put on right so that you don ‘t have to worry about something going wrong. And with our FRS Maintenance Plans, you can have that assurance for the life of your Flat roof!
For more information on Flat or Low-Slope, Commercial and Residential Roofing check out some of our videos at: Flat Roof Services – frs | Facebook.
If you don’t know whether you have problems or not, then call Flat roof Services and let us performa Complimentary Inspection.
Call and schedule today! 270.703.0993