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.

Melting Snow and Your Commercial Roof

Winter is here – heavy snows, cold temperatures, and other winter effects tend to keep us indoors and focused on maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. However, it’s important not to forget about your commercial roof, especially when it snows! Commercial buildings with flat roofs are at increased risk of snow damage because of their wide spans and their low slopes. Those specific conditions can allow snow to melt with ease.

Heavy snow can add a considerable amount of weight to your roof and can affect its structure. Even a minor snowfall can have a major impact. Since moisture levels can vary significantly, it’s almost impossible to judge snow weight by depth. If you hear loud popping noises, see bends in metal or wooden support, or notice sagging, this means there is too much snow on your roof and it should be removed immediately.

Additionally, melting snow can also leak through your roof, causing distortion and structural damage that can be costly to repair. That’s why it is vital to develop a comprehensive snow removal plan so that snow does not sit on your roof for too long. Most importantly, this work should only be completed by professionals to avoid damaging the roof and to prevent accidents.

In any case, it’s always best to be proactive. In addition to removing the snow on your roof, you’ll get the longest lifespan out of your roof by having it professionally inspected regularly, making repairs when they are needed, and scheduling routine maintenance.

No matter what circumstances Mother Nature throws at your commercial roof, it’s best to be prepared and proactive. Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc. can ensure your building is ready for any weather condition, so give us a call today!

Single Ply Roofing Options

If it’s time to re-roof your low slope, commercial building, there are numerous things to consider and many options to choose from. Unsure which commercial roofing option to choose? The following may help you get started.

SINGLE PLY SYSTEMS

Single ply membranes are the most widely used products for both new and re-roof, low slope applications. There are several different types of single ply membranes, each with its own features and characteristics.

EPDM (rubber) is a thermoset material, meaning it is in an irreversible, fully cured state when installed. The membrane comes in rolls ranging from 7.5’ x 100’ up to 50’ x 100’. Rolls are seamed together with primer and seam tape or splice adhesives. The product is available in black or white, with the black membrane being the most widely utilized. EPDM is manufactured in both reinforced and non-reinforced rolls, with the reinforced rolls being used less frequently, mostly in mechanically attached installations. On a larger building, an EPDM system utilizing larger rolls will reduce the number of seams thereby reducing the potential for leaks in the future. EPDM was one of the first single ply membranes and for years EPDM had the largest market share out of all the single ply membranes.

TPO is a thermoplastic material, meaning the polymers become softer and more fluid as heat is applied, allowing the membrane overlaps (seams) to be thermally fused at high heat with electronic, robotic welders. Heat welded seams tend to be significantly stronger than taped or glued seams, reducing the potential for seam failure in the future. TPO is reinforced and is available in rolls up to 12’ x 100’. While the vast majority of TPO installations are done with white membrane, it is also available in gray and tan, as well as a variety of other colors. The white membrane is usually preferred, as it lowers roof surface temperatures down to 5 degrees above ambient, which can significantly reduce HVAC load & costs. Black roofs can reach temperatures of 180 – 190 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot, sunny day. While a white, TPO roof would be about 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit on the same day. TPO has more all-around chemical resistance than EPDM.

PVC & PVC Co-alloy are also thermoplastic membranes. PVC is a chlorinated sheet, which gives it resistance to more chemicals than either EPDM or TPO, although there are differences and limits in what chemicals the three membranes can resist. PVC roofing membrane is reinforced and is available in rolls up to 10’ x 100’. PVC is available in white, gray and tan. Other colors may be available, depending on the manufacturer. PVC’s have been around as long as EPDM but tend to be more expensive than EPDM or TPO.

According to Roofing Contractor magazine (Feb 3, 2016), TPO accounted for almost half of all single ply roofing sales. EPDM accounted for 27% and PVC 23%.

These membranes (EPDM, TPO & PVC) can all be installed by mechanically attaching them to the roof deck, fully adhering them to the substrate or ballasting the membranes with river washed stone. TPO & PVC can also be installed with a plate bonded system.

To find out more about these and other roofing systems that are available please contact Matrix Roofing Systems today by calling us at 267-863-4481 or sending an email to Matrix Roofing Systems to get started on your project.

FAQs about a New Commercial Roof

As a business owner, the last thing you want to worry about is your roof! A commercial roof protects your business investments, so understanding how to take care of it is important. Here are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to a commercial roof.

Q. How much will my new roof cost?

A. The cost of your new roof will depend on a lot of factors and each situation has its own unique challenges that cause the prices to fluctuate. Some factors that can contribute to the price of your new commercial roof include the size of your roof, insulation and installation choices, condition of existing roof, type of warranty, and more. Our team of professionals can provide you with an estimate on your roofing installation.

Q. Does my building need a new roof?

A. It’s often hard to determine visually whether or not a flat roof needs to be replaced. A professional will be able to take a close look at the vapor barrier and determine if it is intact or torn anywhere. Take it as a sign that the roof should be replaced if there are any leakages or if wind has blown off the tar-paper and exposed the undercoat of the roof.

Q. When it comes to getting a new roof for my building, how do I know which type of roof is best?

A. There are many different types of commercial roofing systems. We offer metal roofing, TPO roofs, PVC roofs, EPDM, and modified bitumen. Our thorough, educated and experienced team of professionals will work with you to determine the roof that's right for your building and your budget. If you are considering a roof replacement, give us a call today and we will help you identify the best solution.

Q. How long does it take to install a new roof?

A. The time it takes to install a commercial roof depends on a variety of factors. The size of the job, the type of roofing material, and any existing damage can all affect how long installation will take to complete. You’ll be provided a time estimate as well and cost estimate when you setup a consultation with a professional commercial roofing company.

You can count on Matrix Roofing for your commercial roofing installation and maintenance needs. Our company delivers top-quality products that meet the highest industry standards, and out years of experience have established our credibility among homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic region. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions that you may have on the topic of this blog post – we’re happy to further discuss!

Signs that your Commercial Roof is in Need of Masonry Repairs

Your commercial roofing is the most important barrier that your building has against outdoor element. From rain, to wind, to snow, and everything in between, your commercial roofing is both your first and last line of defense. Unfortunately, cracks can form and begin to expose its vulnerability. When these defects happen, it may mean that your roof is in need of masonry repairs; and it can be a sign to get your commercial roof checked, fixed, or replaced.

Matrix Roofing has the expertise you need to understand your roof to identify certain concerns that need to be addressed before they become more serious and costly. Here are some signs to look out for: 

• Roof Sagging: A sagging roof indicates that there is structural damage to your building, and needs to be replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent injuries. Sagging affects the entire roof and it is possible that the roof could collapse! Please don’t hesitate to contact our team as your safety is very important us.
• Gaps in Flashing: Flashing is the strips of material (typically metal) around the perimeter of the roof’s edge where it meets the wall. Issues can occur when there are gaps present between the flashing and the roof’s edge, which can result in failure during high winds and rain.
• Prolonged Standing Water: If you start to see bubbles appearing on your commercial roof, this may indicate that there’s trapped moisture within the roof cover, which can lead to leaks, reduce the lifespan of the cover, and reduce the roof cover’s effectiveness against extreme weather conditions.

A properly maintained roof is necessary for the safety of everyone in your building. We encourage you to give us a call here at Matrix Roofing to schedule a roofing inspection in order to determine the best course of action for your roof. We are here to help, and happy to be at your service!

Identification of Commercial Roofing Stains

Commercial roofing stains can happen for a variety of reasons, and here we will explain those reasons with some detail that will help you to gain a better understanding. For instance, noticing the stain color, its location, and the stain in relation to your roof’s conditions (shading, nearby trees, debris, roofing materials) will usually lead to a quick diagnosis of the cause for the stain. 

Flat roofs have the tendency to collect water from rain, which can lead to potential issues, such as the buildup of unattractive algae and stains. To avoid these types of stains, it’s important to remove any standing water from the top of your building’s roof. Additionally, if you notice red or brown stains on your metal roof surfaces, it is most likely rust staining. Expect to see rust stains only around and below rusting metal components on a roof.

It’s important to ensure that the trees around your building are properly trimmed to safeguard your roof from fallen branches, leaves, and debris. Trust us when we say that you don’t want leaves and debris accumulating on your roof, because it can cause cosmetic staining, long term wear, and leaks below the debris. Having that said, it is important that you protect your gutters by trimming back branches that have pine needles or leaves.

A simple roof cleaning (once a year!) will help to keep the dirt and other visible elements from making your roof look dirty, moldy, or discolored to the naked eye. Contact Matrix Roofing today! From there, we can help to identify and resolve your commercial roofing stains. 

The Importance of Commercial Roofing Insulation

For improved energy efficiency and temperature control in your building, commercial roofing insulation is necessary. Roofing insulation is a critical piece of every roofing system and is installed between the structural roof deck and roof membrane. The bigger a building is, the more it is impacted by insulation, making proper insulation extremely important for commercial and industrial buildings. A poorly insulated roof causes higher energy bills because your HVAC system needs to be constantly running to maintain your indoor comfort.

Here are some reasons why roofing insulation is important:

• Energy & Cost Efficiency: A properly insulated roof can regulate heating and cooling costs, helping business owners save on energy costs. Like the insulation in your walls, your roof’s insulation works to keep the heating and cooling you pay for inside. The better your roof’s insulation, the more energy efficient your building will be.
• Extra Layer of Protection: If a roof is not insulated properly condensation can form under the roof membrane and can cause a whole slew of moisture problems, such as mold and a rotted out roof deck. Roofing insulation acts as an extra barrier to protect your roof from condensation by regulating the temperature internally.
• Reduce Carbon Footprint: Insulation is an essential factor in minimizing your property’s carbon footprint because it saves energy. By insulating your roof, your building is naturally regulating its temperature, rather than having to resort to unnecessary artificial heating and cooling.

Matrix Roofing, among the most trusted commercial roofing contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region, will work with you to determine the roofing needs that are right for your building and your budget. If you’re interested in learning more about commercial roofing insulation, please give us a call today!