Roof issues are an unavoidable fact of commercial real estate ownership. While dealing with commercial roofing issues can be frustrating, there is some good news! Many problems with commercial roofs are very common, and partnering with a full-service Denver roofing contractor like Sol Vista Roofing for routine inspections and seasonal maintenance can help uncover the most frequent issues early on.
Here are the nine most frequent commercial roofing problems
If you are experiencing any of these at your property, get in touch with us early on to remedy the problem quickly and cost-effectively.
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Commercial Roof Leaks
A leaking commercial roof is a very common issue that Denver roofing contractors see. We can help avoid it by performing regular proactive maintenance, but if it is too late for that, an experience roofing team like ours can quickly diagnose and fix the leak.
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Ponding Water
Ponding water poses a risk to any roof, but the solution may be easier than you think. Many times it is caused by clogged roof drains or gutters, and a simple cleaning can solve the problem. It is also possible the pooling water is due to insufficient slope to direct the water to the drains, which may require more substantial repairs from a qualified Denver-area commercial roofing contractor.
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Poor Workmanship
Frequently when diagnosing commercial roof issues, we find the source of the problem was poor-quality installation. Bad installation can affect your manufacturer’s warranty and reduce the expected life of your roof. In these cases it is best to act quickly with a reputable roofing team to remedy the problem and avoid future issues.
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Shrinkage
Some commercial roofing materials experience expansion and contraction with temperature changes and prolonged sun exposure. This can cause your roof to warp over time, which can create breaking at the edges and seams around the perimeter. These can be repaired to prolong the roof’s life if caught early enough, so we recommend regular inspections to assess your commercial roof’s performance.
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Lack of Maintenance
Being proactive about routinely inspecting your commercial roof and performing minor maintenance can go a long way in maximizing the roof’s life expectancy. Without routine maintenance, minor issues can become major headaches in a short time. We have worked with commercial real estate owners, investors, and property managers to put together maintenance plans to remove this concern.
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Damaged Flashing
Metal flashing is a critical component of any commercial roof and is commonly installed on walls, curbs, and around objects like skylights. The flashing deflects and redirects water away from vulnerable roofing joints and seams. Damaged flashing or improper installation are leading causes of commercial roof leaks.
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Blow-Offs
Denver is known for fierce storms and occasional damaging winds that can create wind uplift can cause roof blow-offs. This happens when high winds travel over the top of the roof perimeter, creating a space between the wind and your roof resulting in a suction effect that can be strong enough to pull roof material off. These can often be repaired quickly, but if the damage is large enough it may require a new roof installation.
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Incorrect Materials
The material selected for a commercial roofing project depends on the climate, type of structure, and building usage. It is important to weigh all factors when determining what materials to use on your commercial property. Choosing the right roofing contractor with experience recommending the right material choices can save a lot of headache down the road.
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Punctures
With flat and low-slope commercial roofs being easy to walk on for property managers, contractors, tenants, or others, there is more risk of human-caused punctures to the roof’s surface. Only walk on your commercial roof when necessary, and do so with caution to protect your asset.
The best way to stay ahead of these issues and prolong your commercial roof’s life is by having regular roofing inspections performed, and acting on maintenance items quickly. Our team at Sol Vista Roofing can help put a plan together for your roof to take the stress out of maintenance and repairs. If you’re overdue for an inspection and would like to see how we can help, get in touch with us today!
