As a building manager or even a homeowner, eventually you will have to deal with an unforeseen problem with your roof. Flat roofing contractors commonly see the same low-sloped roof problems no matter what type of building.
Low-sloped roofs, like any other roof structure, are prone to premature failure for one reason or another, just like any other building sub-structure. To give you an idea of what you may have to deal with sometime in the future, we have compiled a list of the top 10 common roof problems you typically find on a low-sloped roof.
10. Roof Leaks and Moisture Infiltration
It doesn’t matter what type of roof you have, if you have a leak, then you have a problem. That leak can quickly lead to other structural or cosmetic problems so it needs to be addressed at once. Built-up roofs (BUR) commonly see leaks around improperly fastened flashing or anywhere that the membrane stops or starts abruptly. Modified bitumen and hot bituminous see leaks when a moisture barrier is not properly installed under parapet wall caps. Leaks also occur with single ply membranes where the seams are improperly sealed, or care is not taken to ensure a correct bond.
The membrane itself will keep water from infiltrating the building; it is when seams, pipes, or other mechanical devices protrude from the membrane that leaks can occur if they are not properly sealed.
9. Blow-offs, Billowing, Wind Uplift, and Tenting
Special care has to be used when fastening a low-sloped roof to a building or tremendous damage can occur due to wind. Seams can open up and cause a portion of the membrane to lift. Sections of the roof can blow-off, caused by improperly installed flashing and in severe cases, wind-uplift can cause the entire roof to lift from the building.
It is not just poor workmanship that causes roof problems like these. Seams sealed with a cold adhesive require time to cure before a complete bond is created. Wind and rain can infiltrate the seams before they have time to cure so care must be used when using this type of adhesive.
8. Poor Installation and Faulty Workmanship
When it comes to a low-sloped roof, hiring a company that has a good reputation and knowledge of the roofing industry is the key to the longevity of your roof. There are many flat or low-sloped roofing contractors to pick from, and if you hire a contractor who is not knowledgeable with the latest materials and how to use them, then you take a huge risk of premature roof failure.
Going up on the roof for an inspection generally will not show the hidden problems that can arise from a faulty installation; things like failure to clean the sub-structure prior to the installation of the membrane result in poor adhesion. Torch applied modified bitumen performance can be compromised if the installation crew does not relax the membrane prior to installation. Be sure that the company you hire has properly trained its crew or blisters, lifting, leaks, and other workmanship issues can occur down the road.
We will continue our look at the 10 most common issues with low-sloped roofs found on buildings next week as we continue with a look at maintenance, ponding, and punctures.