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 can help identify problems earlier and reduce the risk of more costly repairs or premature replacement.

Flat roofs are a common type of roof found on commercial and industrial buildings. While they have their benefits, flat roofs can also develop problems that may shorten roof life if ignored. Proper and proactive maintenance can help reduce the risk of premature flat roof replacement.

Common Flat Roof Problems

Some common problems associated with flat and low-slope roofs include blistering, ridging, splitting, and ponding water, or water that remains on a roof for a prolonged period of time. Repair costs can become significant if these issues are allowed to worsen, which is one reason regular inspection and maintenance are important.

To properly maintain a flat roof and help reduce the risk of common problems, building owners can consider these maintenance practices:

• Proper drainage: Low-slope roofs depend on properly designed and maintained drainage systems. If water does not drain as intended, prolonged ponding can contribute to deterioration and may lead to leaks or other damage. Keeping drains, gutters, scuppers, and other drainage components clear and functioning can help reduce these risks.
• Remove snow & debris: Accumulated leaves, branches, and other debris can block drainage and trap moisture. Snow accumulation can also add substantial weight to a roof. Debris should be removed as part of routine maintenance, while snow removal should be handled carefully and when conditions warrant it to avoid damaging the roofing system.
• Maintenance of trees: Trees near a commercial roof can contribute leaves and debris, and overhanging branches may contact or damage the roof during wind events. Branches should be maintained so they do not rub against or threaten the roof, while allowing for the needs of the specific property and tree.

Finding a Dependable Roofing Professional

When you’re looking for a commercial roofer to perform flat roof maintenance or repairs, Choice Roof Contractor Group provides a way to connect with independent commercial roofing contractors in different areas.

Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide alliance of independently owned commercial roofing contractors. Members meet the group’s current membership requirements, including third-party training or certification, proof of insurance, professional business conduct, and commitment to the group’s values.

Members are independent contractors that perform their own inspections, provide their own recommendations to customers, and perform their own roofing work.

To learn more or to contact a member, 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 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. Persistent ponding water should be evaluated by a roofing professional so that drainage problems, damaged insulation, or other underlying conditions can be properly addressed.

2. Protection from the Sun

Like other types of roofs, flat roofs are prone to sustaining damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat and ultraviolet radiation. Different roofing materials respond to these conditions in different ways. When a roof is a suitable candidate, a high-quality reflective roof coating system may help reduce solar heat absorption and protect the existing roof surface. A roofing professional should first determine whether a coating is appropriate for the roof type and its current condition.

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 after significant storms or other events that may have caused damage. Have any identified damage promptly repaired.

Finding an Expert You can Trust

Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide alliance of independently owned commercial roofing contractors. Members meet the group’s current membership requirements, including 3rd Party Training or Certification, Proof of Insurance, Professional Business Conduct, and Commitment to the Group’s Values.

Members are independent commercial roofing contractors that perform their own inspections, provide their own recommendations to customers, and perform their own roofing work.

For more information or to contact a Choice Roof Contractor Group 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 working with reliable, qualified 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 consider before hiring anyone to perform work on your roof:

• Is the company properly licensed and insured where required?
• Do they have a positive track record among their customers?
• Are their technicians professionally trained?
• Do they participate in reputable industry organizations or professional networks?
• What warranty coverage is available for the project?
• Do they follow appropriate safety practices?
• Do they have the training or certifications required for the products and systems they install?
• What workmanship warranty or guarantee do they provide?
• Do they have the experience and resources needed for your particular roofing project?

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

A Nationwide Network of Commercial Roofing Contractors

Members meet the group’s current membership requirements:

• 3rd Party Training or Certification
• Proof of Insurance
• Professional Business Conduct
• Commitment to the Group’s Values

Members also benefit from shared knowledge, sales and marketing resources, professional connections, and the experience available through a larger contractor network.

Each member remains an independent roofing business. Members perform their own inspections, provide their own recommendations and estimates to customers, and perform their own roofing work.

Choosing a Commercial Roofing Company

Working with a contractor that participates in a larger professional network can provide access to broader knowledge and industry connections while still allowing building owners to work directly with an independent roofing business.

However, membership in Choice Roof Contractor Group is not a guarantee of a particular contractor’s workmanship or project results. Building owners should still evaluate the individual contractor’s experience, qualifications, proposed scope of work, insurance, applicable licensing, warranty terms, and suitability for the project.

To learn more or contact a member, 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 compare the many different types of commercial roofing materials available. How can you know which one is the best choice for your specific building project?

Some common types of commercial roofing materials include:

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

Keep reading as we explore some of the pros and cons of these roofing materials to help you better understand the options.

EPDM

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

PROS: EPDM has a long history of use in commercial roofing and is available in several installation configurations. It is relatively lightweight and can provide long service when properly designed, installed, and maintained.

EPDM membranes are also known for flexibility and weather resistance. Different membrane colors and configurations are available depending on the project.

CONS: Dark-colored EPDM can absorb substantial solar heat, which may increase roof surface temperatures compared with lighter or more reflective roofing materials.

Like other single-ply membranes, EPDM can also be damaged by punctures, sharp objects, heavy traffic, falling debris, or other impacts. Seams, flashings, penetrations, and attachment points require proper installation and maintenance.

Some EPDM systems use adhesives or tapes at seams, while installation methods vary by system. If water enters beneath a membrane, locating the source of the leak can sometimes be difficult because water may travel within the roof assembly.

TPO

Thermoplastic polyolefin roofing, or TPO, is a widely used single-ply roofing option for commercial buildings.

PROS: TPO membranes are commonly available in reflective colors, which can help reduce solar heat absorption. They are lightweight and may be mechanically attached, fully adhered, or installed using other approved methods depending on the system.

TPO seams are typically heat-welded, creating a continuous bond when properly installed. The membrane is also available in different thicknesses and formulations for different roofing applications.

CONS: TPO performance can vary by manufacturer, membrane formulation, installation quality, roof design, and project conditions.

As with any single-ply system, seams, flashings, penetrations, attachment, drainage, and rooftop traffic need to be properly addressed. Membrane thickness alone should not be used to judge overall system quality.

Fire performance, weather resistance, puncture resistance, and other characteristics should be evaluated using current product documentation and the requirements of the complete roof assembly.

PVC

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, roofing is a reinforced thermoplastic single-ply membrane used on many low-slope commercial buildings.

PROS: PVC roofing can provide good durability and is known for resistance to many chemicals, oils, and grease. Like TPO, PVC seams are commonly heat-welded.

PVC membranes are also available in reflective colors, and different systems may provide fire, wind, chemical, and weather-performance characteristics appropriate for particular buildings.

CONS: PVC roofing can be more expensive than some other membrane options. Older or weathered PVC membranes may also become more difficult to repair depending on their condition and compatibility with new materials.

Shrinkage, movement, punctures, failed details, and other problems can occur if a roof is poorly designed, installed, or maintained.

PVC and TPO are often compared because both are thermoplastic membranes with heat-welded seams. Their suitability depends on the building, roof design, chemical exposure, climate, traffic, fire requirements, budget, and other project-specific factors.

SPF

A spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof is created by spraying liquid components that react and expand to form a rigid foam layer, which is then protected by a compatible coating or other protective surface.

PROS: SPF can provide both roofing and insulation value in a single system. Because it is spray-applied, it can conform around penetrations, curbs, and other roof details.

A reflective protective coating over SPF may also help reduce solar heat absorption. Properly designed SPF systems can sometimes be used to improve roof slope or drainage, although underlying drainage problems still need to be properly evaluated and addressed.

CONS: SPF installation requires specialized equipment, careful proportioning, suitable weather conditions, and experienced applicators. Poor installation can result in defects or premature deterioration.

SPF also requires ongoing inspection and maintenance of its protective coating. Damage from foot traffic, tools, birds, hail, or other sources should be repaired promptly to protect the foam beneath.

Asphalt-Based Rolled Roofing

Asphalt-based rolled roofing products are used in some low-slope roofing applications. Their construction and installation methods vary by product and roof system.

PROS: Some asphalt-based roofing materials can provide a cost-effective solution for particular buildings and applications. They are familiar materials that many roofing contractors have experience installing and repairing.

CONS: Service life varies considerably depending on the product, roof design, installation, climate, drainage, maintenance, and exposure.

Seams, laps, flashings, and penetrations need proper installation and maintenance. Dark asphalt surfaces can also absorb substantial solar heat unless a reflective surface or coating is incorporated into the system.

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic roof coatings can be used as part of a restoration system on a variety of compatible commercial roof substrates.

The exact installation process depends on the existing roof and coating manufacturer. Some systems may use primers, base coats, reinforcement fabric, seam treatments, and one or more finish coats.

PROS: Acrylic coatings can provide strong reflectivity and UV resistance and may offer a cost-effective way to restore a suitable existing roof.

When properly selected and installed, a coating system can provide a continuous protective surface and may extend the useful life of the existing roof. Some systems can also be repaired or recoated in the future when conditions allow.

CONS: Acrylic coatings can lose thickness through weathering over time and generally require suitable temperature and weather conditions during application.

Performance in areas of persistent ponding water varies by product. Drainage problems should be identified and corrected rather than relying on a coating alone to solve standing-water conditions.

Acrylic coatings are not appropriate for every roof. Before restoration, the roof should be evaluated for wet insulation, structural deterioration, serious drainage problems, damaged roofing materials, failed seams or penetrations, trapped moisture, and other conditions that may need to be corrected first.

Get Advice from a Commercial Roofing Contractor

When you are deciding which roofing material or system is appropriate for your commercial building, a Choice Roof Contractor Group member can inspect the roof or project conditions and discuss available options.

Members are independent commercial roofing contractors that perform their own inspections, provide their own recommendations to customers, and perform their own roofing work.

The right roofing system depends on factors such as existing roof condition, building use, climate, drainage, insulation, structural capacity, chemical exposure, rooftop traffic, energy goals, budget, and maintenance expectations.