Thursday, February 28, 2019

4 Signs a Commercial Flat Roof Needs to be Replaced



The busy day-to-day bustle of operating a business can make it easy to overlook the physical structure of the building. Although everything may seem fine, time and the elements slowly deteriorate a commercial low-slope roof. The roofing system is one of the buildings most valuable assets, as it protects everything else in the building. Unfortunately, with many building owners, the roofs are “out of sight and out of mind” until there is a serious problem. Making it a priority to inspect and service the roof at regular intervals will help prolong the life of the roof system. However, there comes a time, as with any physical asset, that continuing to make repairs and sinking money into a depleted roof isn’t a financially sound strategy. Below are four indicators that it may be time to consider roof replacement.

Age

Most roofs are built to last, but they don’t last forever. Depending on the type of roofing system that was installed and how it was maintained and serviced over its lifetime, a flat roof could potentially last up to 25 years or more. Unfortunately, not all roofs were installed well enough and/or serviced consistently enough to last that long. If your property’s roof is more than 10 years old, it is time to have it inspected by a roofing professional that can provide you with a report on the overall condition of the roof system, its components (flashings, penetrations, perimeter metal, etc.), and the roofs projected remaining life expectancy.

Leaks/Water Stains 

The most apparent sign of impending problems is the appearance of leaks. While water spots on ceilings and walls could be from another issue, such as leaky plumbing or air conditioning, they should be immediately investigated and addressed. Over time, prolonged water penetration can create mold and mildew, sicken employees and attack the building components. In addition, allowing a roof to leak over a prolonged period of time can accelerate the roofs deterioration and lead to premature roof system failure, wet insulation and damaged roof deck. All of which will make the necessary repair or replacement more expensive.

Roof Membrane Damage 

Built-up roofs often show visual signs of deterioration years before they need replaced. Deterioration of the bitumen surface (alligatoring, cracking and crazing), splits and open laps, exposed felts and blistering of the built-up assembly are signs of advanced deterioration. Punctures and/or splits in the felts, failing perimeter and projection flashing's and soft areas of insulation are also indications that it is time to start planning for roof replacement.

Single ply roofs (EPDM, PVC, TPO), while all different, have many similarities. Open seams in the field of the roof and at penetration flashing's are typical first indicators that the roof is aging and is in need of attention. Shrinkage of the membrane, exposed reinforcement scrim and soft areas of insulation are signs of accelerating deterioration.

With all roofs, unintentional damage by other trades can also create problems i.e. cuts and punctures. 

While not all these signs indicate a roof is in need of replacement, they are indicative of a roof that is in some degree of distress and in need of attention. A trained roofing professional will be able to pick up on things the average person will not. To have your roof assessed, contact Matrix Roofing Systems, an industry leader in roof repair, replacement and waterproofing at 267-863-4481 or send an email today.

1 comment:

  1. Naples Roofing is one of the authorized roofing contractors in the USA that provides all kinds of roofing services in Buffalo, New York. They provide roofing services for commercial, industrial, or residential roofs as well. They are available during an emergency disaster relief just with a service request. They are a proud member of NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) which is one of the oldest business organizations in the construction industry and is the voice of professional roofing contractors all over the world.

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