The age-old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has definite application to commercial roofs. Keeping up on routine inspections and maintenance for your roof is the wise—and less expensive—route, while neglecting your roof will only lead to costly headaches down the road.

Flat roofs are a common type of roof found on commercial and industrial buildings. While they have their benefits, flat roofs are also prone to a common set of problems—any of which can lead to the need for premature roof replacement if ignored. Proper and proactive maintenance is essential for flat roof replacement avoidance.

Common Flat Roof Problems

Some of the most common problems associated with flat roofs include blistering; ridging; splitting; and ponding water, or water that remains on a roof for a prolonged period of time. The expense to fix these problems can add up to many thousands of dollars. If you want to avoid such costs, it is absolutely crucial that regular maintenance is performed on your roof.

To properly maintain a flat roof and help avoid some of the common problems they’re prone to developing, building owners can follow these maintenance tips:

• Proper drainage: Flat roofs drain less efficiently than pitched roofs, which means they are more apt to accumulate water following storms or snow melt. If this standing water is not drained properly, it can cause significant damage to both your roof and your building interior. Installing proper drainage, like hoppers, automatic pumps, gutters and drains, can help reduce the risk of ponding water and its related damage by diverting water away from the roof.
• Remove snow & debris: The accumulation of snow and debris can cause significant damage to a flat roof if it is left to sit atop the roof. When snow begins to melt or water becomes trapped beneath leaves and other debris, various problems can develop. It is important to remove snow and debris promptly. This can be done through regularly scheduling roof cleaning and debris removal and also conducting snow and debris removal following large storms.
• Maintenance of trees: Any trees growing around the perimeter of your flat roof can be problematic. Overhanging branches can scratch and damage your roof in windy conditions, and leaves can also fall from trees and collect on your roof, impairing its draining ability. In general, a clearance of at least 3 feet should be maintained between tree branches and your roof.

Finding a Dependable Roofing Professional

When you’re looking for an expert to perform flat roof maintenance and repairs, the Choice Roof Contractor Group is a prime resource for finding a commercial roofer in your area.

We’re a nationwide association of roofing contractors. Each of our endorsed members has met certain qualifications in order to gain membership, such as having a good track record with customers, being fully licensed and insured, and adhering to proper business practices.

To find a verified member in your area, call (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page of the Choice Roof Contractor Group website.

Flat roofs are a common choice for commercial and industrial buildings—unfortunately, they are prone to a common set of problems. The following commercial flat roof repair tips can help building owners reduce their flat roof repair costs and extend the life of their roof. After all, it makes much more sense to protect the roof you have than to pay for an expensive roof replacement because it wasn’t properly cared for.

1. Attend to Water Issues

The term “flat roof” is somewhat misleading, as nearly all flat roofs are actually slightly pitched by a few degrees to help with water drainage. Ponding water is one of the most common problems associated with a flat roof because the slope is so low. Insulation compression, foot traffic and minor roof deck imperfections can all cause water to accumulate on a flat roof. To help prevent the damage that can result from ponding water, a good temporary measure is to carefully sweep off accumulated water each time there has been a heavy storm.

2. Protection from the Sun

Like other types of roofs, flat roofs are prone to sustaining damage from the sun. BUR and modified bitumen roofs are particularly vulnerable to sun-related damage because heat from the sun cooks the important chemicals out of the layers, and single-ply roofs are susceptible to damage from ultraviolet radiation. The best option for protecting your flat roof from sun damage is a high-quality roof coating system, which helps reflect the heat and UV rays. Application of a high quality, reflective roof coating also minimizes expansion and contraction for a longer-lasting roof.

3. Keep Up on Maintenance

No matter what kind of roof you have, regular maintenance is crucial for keeping it in good condition and helping it reach its full life expectancy. In addition to semiannual inspections, have your roof examined by a professional every time there is a significant storm or other event that could cause damage. Have any damage promptly repaired.

Finding an Expert You can Trust

Choice Roof Contractor Group is a trusted association of roofing professionals located throughout the United States. The requirements to join the group as a member are stringent, so you know you’re hiring a dependable contractor when you engage an endorsed member of the group.

To find a trusted member in your area, call (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page of the Choice Roof Contractor Group website.

Your commercial roof is the first line of defense for your building and its valuable contents. In view of this, we cannot overstate the importance of trusting your roof only to a licensed, experienced contractor who has the proper resources to handle any problem that comes up.

So many roofing problems are the direct result of work that was performed by an inexperienced person and not done to code. Building owners can avoid those problems by only working with the very best roofing companies.

Choosing a Reliable Roofing Contractor

So, how do you find a reliable roofing contractor when it’s so hard to find someone good? What should you look for?

Here are some questions you should always find favorable answers to before hiring anyone to perform work on your roof:

• Is the company properly licensed and insured?
• Do they have a positive track record among their customers?
• Are their technicians professionally trained?
• Do they have endorsements from top industry associations?
• Do they offer non-prorated warranties that you can count on?
• Do they offer best safety practices?
• Are they certified by the manufacturer whose products they use?
• Do they guarantee the work they perform?
• Can they handle anything that comes up while servicing you?

Before you shake hands and sign on the dotted line, make sure the answers to these important questions are positive ones.

Your Best Source for Top Commercial Roofing Contractors

In order to become part of the Choice Roof Contractor Group family, roofing contractors must have a good service record, maintain proper insurance and licensure and follow our standards of excellence.

When you choose a Choice Roof Contractor Group member, you can find peace of mind in knowing you’ll receive quality workmanship and reliable service—every single time! This is possible because of our group-wide accountability model and the way our members share their specialized knowledge with each other. We’re more than just an association of contractors – we work together as a nationwide team to deliver more value, excellence and peace of mind than we ever could independently.  

Choose from Among the Best Commercial Roofing Companies in the Nation!

To find a Choice Roof Contractor Group member in your area, call us today at (800) 670-5583 or visit the contact page on our website.

If you’re a commercial or industrial building owner in need of a new roof or looking to put up a new structure, it can seem overwhelming as you debate between the many different types of commercial roofing materials out there in the marketplace. How can you know which one is the best choice for your specific building project?

Some of the most common types of commercial roofing materials include:

• EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
• TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• SPF (spray polyurethane foam)
• Asphalt rolls
• Acrylic coatings

Keep reading as we explore the pros and cons of these various roofing materials to help pinpoint the right option for you!

EPDM

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing is commonly known as rubber roofing.

PROS: One of the biggest advantages of an EPDM roof is its price, as it is one of the most inexpensive roofing materials available. It is also comparatively easy to install and is very lightweight, so the roof deck doesn’t need to be reinforced. A high-quality EPDM roof can have a life expectancy of up to 20 years.

EPDM roofs are relatively durable and do not scuff or scratch easily. Further, though EPDM roofing material is black and, therefore, absorbs the heat, it is not easily damaged by UV rays.

CONS: Now, for the drawbacks of EPDM roofing. If you’re look for an aesthetically pleasing roof, this is probably not the type you want to choose. When rolled out on a roof, EPDM looks a bit like an unfurled inner tube. The black color, which is the color EPDM most typically comes in, can add a great deal of stress to your air conditioning systems because it absorbs the majority of the sun’s rays and exterior heat. EPDM is available in lighter colors to help it better reflect the heat, but opting for a lighter color will hike up your cost by about 30 percent.

Another disadvantage is EPDM roofs are prone to puncturing, so a hailstorm, falling branch or even a service person with the wrong kind of shoes can tear a hole in your roof. While it’s easy to repair a puncture, water can infiltrate and cause major problems if not patched quickly.

Additionally, it’s important to note that adhesives are used to bond seams. This is a drawback because there are longer-lasting methods available today when using other types of commercial roofing materials. Also, when an EPDM roof isn’t fully adhered, water can travel underneath the membrane. This makes detecting the point of a leak more difficult and also allows a leak to do far more damage to the underlying structure.

TPO

A thermoplastic polyolefin roof(TPO) has become a very popular option, especially among commercial building owners.

PROS: Like EPDM roofing, TPO is one of the more inexpensive types of roofing material and is actually less expensive than EPDM in most cases. Because TPO is white, it helps reflect the sun, thus reducing heat buildup inside your structure.

Like EPDM, TPO is light weight and can also be installed in different ways; it can be directly fastened to the roof deck or fully adhered with adhesives to the roof deck. It is also resistant to corrosion and breakdown, isn’t prone to algae growth or mildew, and it doesn’t need to be pressure washed.

Another huge benefit is having heat-welded seams vs. the use of adhesives. When using TPO, the plastics in the membrane are literally melted together, creating a far more dependable bond between seams. With seams being mostly responsible for roof leaks, this is huge!

CONS: Surprisingly, the drawbacks to TPO roofing are plentiful. First, its quality varies widely from manufacturer to manufacturer, so unless it comes from a highly reputable maker you really don’t know what you’re going to get. TPO also comes in a broad variety of thicknesses, which further adds to the consistency problems associated with this type of roof.

Because the top layer of TPO roofing material is laminated, weak points are introduced that can cause shrinking, cracking, crazing and deterioration. TPO rolls also typically come in small widths, which means there are lots of seams when they’re installed, and this further adds to the roof’s weakness and fosters potential problems.

Another concern is fire. TPO itself is not fire resistant. Watching a couple videos on YouTube will show how dangerous this roofing system can be if the building ever catches fire and proper retardants aren’t integrated.

Overall, many consider TPO to still be an experimental membrane and is currently in the 4^th generation of formulation. The Roofing Contractor’s Institute has ranked very high on the singly-ply membranes most problems list.

PVC

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, roofing is composed of two layers of PVC roof material with polyester acting as a reinforcement between the layers. The layers also include additives that make the material UV-stable and flexible, while also preventing curing. Like EPDM and TPO, it is lightweight.

PROS: On a flat or low-slope roof, PVC roofing’s lifespan is comparatively long, and it is also known for its durability. PVC is additionally resistant to moisture, fire, wind and chemicals, and the heat welding installation process used with PVC roofs creates a permanent bond between each roofing sheet and keeps the seams securely together.

CONS: There are a few downsides with PVC roofing. For one, it is an expensive option. PVC also tends to shrink over time, which can pull the seams, lift the corners and cause leaks. In cold weather, an older PVC roof is prone to shattering and puncturing, and PVC roofs can also be difficult to repair, as the hot air welds used on a new PVC roof don’t react well with an old roof.

Overall, PVC and TPO are usually compared a lot since they have similar advantages and are both heat-welded. The main differences are that PTO is more puncture resistant, PVC is more chemical resistant, TPO is better for the environment, and PVC is better for fire resistance. Either choice is usually better than EPDM, though.

SPF

A spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof is made from a form of plastic that transforms from a liquid into a solid in a matter of just seconds, while also expanding about 30 times as it dries.

PROS: SPF roofing is a sustainable choice that can pay for itself in terms of energy savings. A good multi-layer SPF system (such as spray foam covered with layers of premium acrylic roof coating) has outstanding tensile strength and durability, with a reflective top coat that helps building owners save on energy costs. With proper maintenance and regular roof coatings, an SPF roof can last 40+ years or more. The expansion properties of an SPF roof enable the product to effectively seal off gaps and crannies, making the entire roof watertight and airtight.

Unlike the other options, SPF provides insulation to save both heat and A/C, enhances building structural support while being lightweight, self-curbs around protrusions, and can be used to correct ponding water or more effectively channel water to drains by simply spraying more spray foam in areas that need built up.

CONS: Because SPF roofing is the product of a chemical reaction between two liquid compounds, it must be applied in a carefully calibrated way or the spray foam that results will not last long-term. It can take a roofing contractor a long time to master the application of this specialized system, and specialized training is needed, as well. SPF roofing can also be difficult and expensive to remove – which may be necessary if not properly maintained.

Asphalt Rolled Roofing

Asphalt rolled roofing is commonly used on buildings with low-slope roofs. It is composed of the same materials that are used to make asphalt shingles.

PROS: Asphalt rolled roofing is one of the more inexpensive roofing types, and it is also a relatively easy type of roof to install.

CONS: Asphalt rolled roofing has a very short life expectancy compared to other types of roofs, typically lasting only about 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Since this type of roofing product is rolled out and then stuck together at the seams, problems commonly develop where the rolls join together, which increases the necessity for maintenance and repairs. It’s also not energy efficient.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic coatings can be applied to a variety of roof types and are the preferred alternative to replacement approximately 80% of the time. A good system will require a primer, base coat, fabric (either full roof or only on seams), more base coat on top of the fabric to embed it, and then a final top coat. The end result is a seamless, fully adhered membrane that is robust enough to withstand heavy hail and could easily last as long as TPO and PVC with proper maintenance.

Although it isn’t mainstream yet, these coating systems can actually be installed directly to ply-wood in new construction. The fully adhered, water-tight, seamless, and renewable characteristics of a good roof coating cannot be matched by anything else on the market. In fact, one of our original members installed this system on his own newly constructed office.

PROS: Acrylic roof coatings are UV resistant, very reflective and easy to work with. They also provide building owners with a prime balance between performance and cost. Repair couldn’t be any easier as caulk is usually all that is needed. Importantly, towards the end of life, simply putting another layer of “top coat” to the roof could add as many as two decades of new life.

CONS: When weathering is a factor, acrylic products are prone to losing mil thickness. They also need to be applied at 50 degrees or above. Additionally, performance is generally poor in ponding water situations, so flat roofs may need to have depressed areas built-up beforehand.

Get Advice from the Experts

When you’re in a quandary regarding which roofing product to choose for your commercial building, a Choice Roof Contractor member can offer you the professional advice and services you need.  The group utilizes products that are created in the United States, keeping along with the trend of providing reliable, local services for business owners and property managers.

Call (800) 670-5583 today to speak with one of our members and to find a CRCG-endorsed contractor in your area!