A well-maintained commercial flat roof is crucial for protecting your building and the business inside it. However, the nature of flat roofing — whether made from modified bitumen, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or thermoplastic olefin (TPO) — presents specific challenges when it comes to detecting damage.
St. Louis roofing company Ferguson Roofing and Exteriors shares that there’s certain signs, like hail damage or aging materials, that might not always be immediately visible but can lead to costly long-term problems if not addressed quickly. Here’s a guide to spotting the warning signs that your commercial flat roof may need repair or replacement.
1. Hail Damage
Hail can leave behind significant damage on roofs, particularly for materials like TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen. While you may notice white or discolored spots where the hail has impacted the roof’s surface, this is only a surface-level indication. Hail damage on commercial flat roofs can be tricky to detect, especially for PVC or TPO materials.
Repair: If there are only a few hail impacts (1-10) in one area of the roof, and each impact is smaller than the size of a dime, a repair may be sufficient.
Replace: If hail damage is widespread across the entire roof and the impact areas are larger than a quarter, replacement is likely needed.
2. Signs of aging
Like any other material exposed to the elements, roofing materials age over time. Flat roofs are particularly vulnerable to wear and tear, and the effects can become visible in the form of cracking, blistering or curling edges. As a flat roof ages, the protective layers degrade, leaving the underlying structure vulnerable to water damage.
Repair: Minor cracking and blistering can often be repaired by resealing or patching affected areas.
Replace: If large sections of the roof are showing signs of advanced aging, like widespread blistering, severe cracking, or multiple damaged areas, it’s probably time for a replacement.
3. Insufficient flashing
Flashing is critical in flat roofing systems to prevent water from seeping into vulnerable areas, such as roof edges, vents, or pipes. Insufficient flashing can lead to leaks that aren’t always immediately obvious. Over time, flashing can degrade or detach, allowing water to infiltrate the roofing structure and cause costly damage.
Repair: If the flashing appears damaged, cracked, or pulled away from the roof membrane, it should be repaired immediately.
Replace: If large sections of the flashing are compromised or if there is widespread water damage around the flashing areas, it may be time for a full replacement. Often, damaged flashing indicates that other parts of the roof have experienced significant wear and may need attention as well.
4. Ponding water
Ponding water occurs when water fails to drain properly from the roof, leaving standing pools on the surface. This is particularly common in flat roof designs, where improper drainage or clogging can result in significant water accumulation. Ponding water can lead to roof weakening, leaks, or even structural issues if not addressed promptly.
Repair: Ponding water can often be resolved by improving drainage systems or by re-sloping certain sections of the roof. If the pooling is minimal and localized, a simple repair may suffice.
Replace: If ponding is a recurring issue and causes severe damage, such as water infiltration or membrane degradation, it may be time to replace the roof. Extensive pooling can lead to long-term issues like mold, rotting, or even structural collapse.
5. Material-specific issues
Commercial flat roofs are made from a variety of materials, and each comes with its own set of potential problems. Modified bitumen is known for its durability and weather resistance but can experience cracking, blistering or seams that begin to separate over time. TPO is often used for energy efficiency due to its reflective surface but it’s prone to puncturing and seam failure. PVC roofs are durable but can become brittle over time, especially if exposed to intense UV radiation. Seams can fail and the roof material may shrink.
Repair: For each of these materials, small punctures, cracks, or seam failures can often be repaired with patches or sealant. Professional contractors can also re-weld seams for PVC and TPO to prevent further degradation.
Replace: When the roof’s material is extensively damaged, particularly in the case of widespread puncturing or seam failure, or if repairs would be costly or ineffective, replacement is the best option.
Knowing when to repair and when to replace a commercial flat roof can save you significant time and money. Consult Ferguson Roofing to get an accurate assessment and ensure that your roof remains in top condition, protecting your business for years to come.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Ferguson Roofing and Exteriors. For more information or to schedule a service, call Ferguson Roofing at 314-521-6917, email [email protected], or visit https://fergusonroofing.com/.
