If you have a commercial building with a flat roof, you know that frequent upkeep is important to keep it in good repair. Flat roofs require diligent maintenance; acting quickly when you notice a problem will keep your roof in good shape for its entire lifespan. Keep an eye open for the following common issues to make sure you take quick action.
● Leaks and Moisture:
A flat roof can develop leaks, just like with any roof. Unfortunately, since it’s flat, there is no way for the water to go except straight down. This causes moisture to seep into the roof itself and cause problems that might lead to fungus or mold.
● Cracks:
Flat roofs are under more pressure than slanted roofs; if this pressure builds up, your roof can crack. A cracked roof needs immediate repair to prevent precipitation from entering.
● Pooling Water:
When it rains, there’s nowhere for the water to go. If your roof settles over the years, it might not be as flat as it once was. This might cause water to pool in dents and divots in your roof. These pools need to be drained as quickly as possible to prevent them from deteriorating the roof’s exterior.
● Alligatoring:
When your roof’s asphalt has aged and loses its elasticity, it cracks and bubbles, making it look like an alligator’s skin. This means that your roof has deteriorated beyond repair; it’s time for a replacement.
● Buckle in Membrane:
Most flat roofs are made up of a membrane soaked in asphalt, then laid across the top of the building to make the roof; because the membrane is all one piece, it will begin to buckle in places as your property settles. This is good to address quickly, but will likely require a replacement in the long run.
● Flashing:
Asphalt flat roofs tend to contract and expand as the temperature and weather changes. Over time this pattern can cause the flashing to pull away from the corners and edges of your roof, which leads to leaks and moisture getting trapped inside the roof. Our roofing contractors make repairs before the leaks become a major issue.