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When you own or manage a commercial property, the roof can easily be overlooked until a problem arises. While it’s essential to carry out routine maintenance and tackle common issues like leaks and punctures, infrequent and unexpected roof problems can disrupt your business operations and impact your finances if not addressed promptly.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss nine uncommon commercial roof problems, their causes, signs to watch for, and effective solutions to restore your roof to its best condition.
Top 9 Commercial Roofing Problems To Look Out For In Mississippi
To help you out in making the best roofing decisions for your home, here are some rare common commercial roof problems that you should look out for:
#1. Roof Alligatoring
Roof alligatoring is a common issue for commercial roofs, especially those made of asphalt, such as modified bitumen roofs. Over time, constant sun exposure, temperature changes, and aging wear down the roof’s surface. This leads to cracks and splits that resemble alligator skin. Not only does this damage the roof’s appearance, but it also weakens its waterproofing abilities, increasing the risk of leaks and water damage.
Signs to Look For
- Visible Cracks: Look for cracks on the roof’s surface, which can vary in size and appear in groups.
- Texture Changes: A rough texture that looks like alligator skin is a clear sign of alligatoring and can lead to more damage if not fixed quickly.
Solution
Regular inspections at least twice a year can help catch alligatoring early. Applying protective coatings can also help shield the roof from UV rays and environmental wear. If there’s significant damage, you might also need to replace affected areas or consider a full roof replacement to restore its function.
#2. Surface Erosion And Punctures
Surface erosion occurs when the protective layer of a roofing membrane wears down due to foot traffic, debris, and UV rays. This is common in busy areas where workers walk or use equipment. As the layer gets thinner, the roof is more likely to suffer punctures from sharp objects, leading to leaks and expensive repairs.
Signs to Look For
- Thinning Areas: Look for spots where the membrane is thinner than the surrounding areas, these are more vulnerable to damage.
- Visible Punctures: Check for small holes or tears, especially in high-traffic zones.
Solution
Regular inspections can help catch early signs of erosion. In busy areas, add extra protection or durable walk pads. Educating maintenance staff about reducing food traffic in vulnerable areas of the roof can also help extend the roof’s life.
#3. Insulation Damage
Energy efficiency in commercial buildings relies heavily on insulation, which helps control indoor temperatures and lower heating and cooling costs. Over time, insulation can deteriorate due to moisture from leaks or poor installation. When this happens, its effectiveness declines, resulting in higher energy bills and potential structural issues if moisture gets trapped under the roof.
Signs to Look For
- Increased Energy Bills: A sudden spike in energy costs may indicate insulation problems affecting HVAC efficiency.
- Sagging Roof Areas: Visible sagging in certain parts of the roof may suggest moisture buildup in the insulation material, weighing it down and causing it to sag.
Solution
Regularly checking insulation is essential for maintaining energy efficiency. Inspect it during routine roof inspections for any signs of moisture or damage. If issues are found, promptly replace the damaged sections to enhance efficiency and prevent further roof damage.
#4. Roof Blistering And Bubbling
Blistering happens when air or moisture gets trapped under the roofing membrane, either during installation or over time due to environmental factors. This causes bubbles or blisters to form on the roof’s surface. Blistering is common in built-up roofs (BUR) and modified bitumen systems while bubbling is more often found to affect EPDM or TPO. If it’s not fixed, it can weaken the roof and lead to leaks.
Signs to Look For
- Raised Areas: Check for noticeable blisters or bubbles on the roof’s surface, these can vary in size.
- Erosion Around Blisters: Look for signs of wear or damage around blistered areas, indicating moisture issues.
Solution
To prevent blistering during installation, hire experienced professionals who can control moisture levels. If blistering has already occurred, repair or replace the affected areas by cutting them out and installing new roofing material.
#5. Flashing Failures
Flashing helps seal areas like chimneys, vents, and skylights to stop water from leaking into the roof. If it’s poorly installed or gets damaged by age or weather, it can lead to serious leaks that harm both the roof and the inside of the building.
Signs to Look For
- Visible Gaps: Look for cracks or gaps in the flashing where water could seep through.
- Water Stains: Check for water stains inside or near chimneys, vents, or skylights, which may signal flashing problems.
Solution
Regularly check the flashing to ensure it’s sealing properly. Fix any loose or damaged areas right away. If there’s a lot of damage, you might need to replace the flashing to keep the roof watertight.
#6. Blow-Offs and Denting
High winds can cause serious damage to commercial roofs, especially flat or low-slope systems. Wind may tear off damaged roofing membranes, or cause dents from wind-driven debris. Blow-offs weaken the roof’s waterproofing ability and expose it to the elements.
Signs to Look For
- Missing Sections: Look for missing shingles or membrane sections after storms, as these gaps can lead to leaks.
- Dents: Check for visible dents, which may indicate wind damage and potential underlying issues.
Solution
Ensure roofing materials are securely installed using proper fasteners designed for wind resistance based on local codes. After severe storms, inspect the roof right away to catch any damage before it worsens.
#7. Roof Shrinkage (Roof Membrane Shrinkage)
Roof shrinkage affects certain commercial roofing materials like EPDM and TPO membranes, often due to prolonged exposure to UV rays and temperature changes. Over time, these materials shrink, causing cracks along seams and creating potential areas for leaks if left untreated.
Signs to Look For
- Cracks At Seams: Check seams for visible cracks where two sections meet, which indicates shrinkage.
- Membrane Pulling Away: Look at areas where the roofing membrane meets walls or flashing, separation suggests shrinkage and needs immediate attention.
Solution
Regular inspections are crucial to catch shrinkage early. Applying protective coatings can also reduce UV damage and extend the membrane’s lifespan.
#8. Uneven Roof Surface
An uneven roof surface can cause serious drainage issues, leading to water pooling and increasing the risk of leaks over time if it’s not addressed. Poor design choices during construction and foundation settling can contribute to these uneven areas, requiring prompt corrective measures.
Signs to Look For
- Visible Dips/Rises: Look for noticeable irregularities across the rooftop such as places where the roof dips down.
- Pooling Water After Rainfall: If water accumulates and lasts on the roof for more than 48 hours, this indicates drainage issues related to unevenness.
Solution
Consider installing a tapered insulation system during maintenance or replacement to correct uneven surfaces. Regular monitoring ensures optimal performance and prevents future complications.
#9. Mold Growth
Over time, mold growth can seriously harm roofs and endanger the health of those who are working in a commercial building. It usually grows in shady spots where moisture collects after rain, which makes it the perfect environment for growth that can cause major issues.
Signs to Look For
- Dark Patches On Surface: Thoroughly inspect the rooftop for dark spots, which indicate mold presence.
- Musty Odors Inside: Unpleasant smells indoors may suggest mold hiding within roofing materials and require urgent attention.
Solution
Keep drainage systems clear by regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages and ensure water flows away from the roof. If mold is detected, professional cleaning is necessary, along with addressing the underlying moisture issues that allowed it to grow.
Fix All Your Commercial Roof Problems With Rеnova Roofing & Construction!
These nine commercial roof problems are rare but can cause serious damage if ignored. If you see unusual signs on your commercial roof, contact a qualified roofing contractor. A well-maintained roof is a smart investment in your business’s future.
If you suspect your commercial roof has one of these problems, or you haven’t had an inspection in a while, contact our team at Rеnova Roofing & Construction today. Our experts can help diagnose any issues and provide effective commercial roofing services to keep your roof in good condition. Don’t wait until a small problem turns into a major repair, reach out to us at (601) 647-3433 for professional assistance!