Even with proper care and maintenance, your commercial roofing system will eventually experience wear and tear. In Oregon, the most common causes of roofing problems are heavy rain, moisture and humidity, wind damage, ice dams, and pest and animal infestations. Lack of maintenance, poor installation, and low-quality roofing materials can also significantly diminish a roofing system’s lifespan. Gresham Roofing is a local commercial roofing company with 50 years of experience. We believe that preventive maintenance and regular roofing inspections are key to reducing the risk of commercial roofing problems. Here is a look at seven common commercial roofing problems and how to address them.
1. Leaks and Water Infiltration
Frequent exposure to rain and moisture can cause moss, mildew, mold, and algae growth, which can further degrade your roofing materials. Water pooling on your roof can also lead to roof rot, leaks, and water infiltration into the roof deck and your business. The best ways to reduce the risk of commercial roof leaks and water damage are:
- Regular Inspections – If your roof is under 25 years old, schedule annual inspections. If it is over 25 years old, schedule seasonal inspections. You should also perform your own visual inspections after heavy storms or extreme weather.
- Immediate Repairs – As soon as you see a problem, call a roofing contractor for leak repair. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem will get.
- Sealant Application – Applying a roof coating can protect your roof from heat, sun, and water.
2. Ponding Water
Ponding water or standing pools of water on your roof can happen after heavy storms or if you have clogged or broken gutters or downspouts, insufficient drainage, or lack of maintenance. It also creates the perfect habitat for mold, algae, and moss growth and may attract pests and rodents. The longer the water stays on your roof, the more likely it is that it will cause roof rot or leaks. The best ways to prevent ponding water are:
- Improve Drainage – Poor drainage or lack of drainage is the main cause of ponding water. A roofing contractor can inspect your roof and determine what kind of drainage system you need.
- Roof Tapering – Roof tapering allows for the natural drainage of rainwater off of your roof and away from your foundation.
- Regular Maintenance – Regular maintenance can prevent ponding water. Clean your gutters and downspouts and repair or replace them immediately if they are damaged. Clean out drains and keep them free from debris and obstructions. Regularly sweep or soft-wash your roof to remove debris. Keep overhanging trees trimmed.
3. Blistering and Cracking
Extreme heat and sun exposure can cause certain roofing materials to crack, blister, or warp. This can then allow moisture to seep into the roof deck or underlayment. Cracks can also occur due to frequent temperature fluctuations, such as freezing and thawing. If your commercial property is in an area that gets a lot of sun or extreme weather, you can take steps to prevent blistering and cracking:
- UV Protection – Applying a roof coating can protect your roof from harmful UV rays and extreme heat. Coatings also reduce solar heat transfer, which can make your property more energy-efficient.
- Professional Assessment – If you see signs of blistering and cracking, call a roofing contractor right away for a professional inspection and assessment.
- Timely Replacement – If your roofing contractor recommends roof replacement, do it as soon as possible to protect your commercial property from significant damage and safety issues.
4. Membrane Shrinkage
Your roofing system’s membrane may shrink due to age, wear and tear, and exposure to extreme heat and cold. As it shrinks, other structures may become damaged or vulnerable to water or pest intrusion. The best way to prevent membrane shrinkage is:
- Routine Monitoring – Check your roof seasonally and after heavy storms and periods of extreme weather. Look for signs of shrinkage, cracking, blistering, and separation of the membrane from the roof.
- Re-securing and Patching – Hire a professional roofing contractor to patch and secure damaged membranes.
- Material Upgrades – If your membrane system is old, outdated, or poorly installed, you might consider upgrading to a newer, more effective membrane.
5. Damaged or Faded Coatings
Roof coatings may eventually fade or become damaged by the sun, weather, or insect and animal activity. Luckily, there are cost-effective and easy ways to prevent or treat damaged roof coatings:
- Scheduled Recoating – Schedule regular re-coatings to make sure your roof remains protected.
- Weatherproofing Treatments – Weatherproofing treatments can give your roof even more protection from damage.
- Regular Cleaning – Regularly cleaning debris and organic matter off of your roof will reduce the risk of damage to its coating.
6. Damaged Flashing
Damaged flashing can increase the risk of moisture intrusion into your underlayment, walls, chimney, or ventilation systems. The sooner you notice signs of damage, the less serious it will be. To prevent and treat damaged flashing, we recommend:
- Inspection and Maintenance – Inspect your roof seasonally and after major storms and extreme weather. Perform timely roof maintenance, like cleaning gutters and downspouts, trimming overhanging trees, treating for pests, and removing debris.
- Timely Repairs – If you notice signs of damage, schedule professional roof repairs right away.
- Quality Materials – Make sure you choose a licensed, certified roofing contractor who will use quality materials and ensure proper installation.
7. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Preventive roofing maintenance is the best way to reduce your risk of costly roof damage and untimely commercial roof replacement. Cleaning and maintenance can keep your roof safe, extend its lifespan, and maintain its appearance. We recommend the following types of roofing maintenance for commercial properties:
- Scheduled Inspections – Schedule annual or seasonal roofing inspections to catch early warning signs of damage to your roof.
- Documentation – Document the condition of your roof and any areas of damage so that you can monitor its safety and performance.
- Training – Train your employees to be aware of warning signs of roofing problems. Make sure they know who to go to if they need to report a problem.
Call Gresham Roofing to Learn More
If you have further questions about commercial roofing problems, our friendly, knowledgeable roofing contractors at Gresham Roofing can help. We have over 50 years of experience in the industry and first-hand knowledge of the unique issues that commercial roof systems face due to Oregon’s weather and climate. Call now or reach out to us online to schedule a roof inspection, get an estimate to fix a commercial roof, or learn more about commercial roof repair in Gresham, OR.
