Commercial Roofer - The Most Common Problems

A commercial roofer is the professional to call whenever faced with any number of problems with your roofing system. In a business, it is critical to inspect your roofing system at least once every season, to spot any potential problems. Due to the number and type of systems you have on them, roofs in commercial establishments take more punishment, especially if they are flat. If you notice any problem, you should call a professional out to improve the situation as soon as possible.

The Biggest Problems

When it comes to managing your system, focus first on the specific condition it is in right now. Do you have any of the following problems? These are the most common problems that a commercial roofer will see. You may be able to notice these problems on your own. If you do, contact a professional to fix the underlying cause as soon as possible.

• Leaks and moisture - The biggest problem and yet it is the most easily noticeable in most cases. Look inside attics any structural boards to ensure this is not a problem. It often implies damage to the structure or to the flashing.

• Blow offs, billowing or tenting - This problem happens when the flashing or other materials were not installed properly on a roofing system. It allows wind to get under the actual flashing due to flaps. If wind can get under the flashing, then so can water.

• Poor installation - If you just had your roofing system put in, and are experiencing problems, this generally comes from improper installation or from unsatisfactory workmanship on behalf of the installer. 

• Lack of maintenance - In some situations, you have not had a commercial roofer out to inspect or make repairs in a long period of time. This means you may not have had any maintenance performed over the lifetime of it. That leads to more risk of potential problems.

• Ponding - Ponding can be a problem because it puts pressure on the structure. It occurs when water does not move off the roof on its own, but rather sits in one place. This can have an adverse effect on the structural components, especially in a short period of time.

• Penetrations - These can occur after the installation process and can be caused by any type of strike to the roofing system, such as when a tree branch hits it.

These are the most common problems a commercial roofer is likely to experience. If you are dealing with these problems, chances are good that you will need to get maintenance and upkeep completed. Many times, total system repairs are not necessary. You may be able to just improve the roofing materials present instead. The key is to work with a professional to get the job done. It may extend the life of your roof, too, if you spend the time inspecting your roof at least once every few months.