Although flat roofing isn’t usually the first choice for home builders in Canada, it is the most popular choice for commercial builders. Contrary to popular opinion, this type of roofing is neither perfectly “flat,” nor does it pose more maintenance problems than a pitched roof. That said, every type of roof needs regular maintenance and repair to keep it working properly. Whether your roof is pitched, flat, skillion or bonnet, there will be issues specific to the type of architecture you have chosen. The 5 most common reasons for commercial roof repair concerning flat roofs are leaks, cracking, billowing, noise and water pooling.
Leaks
Leaks are most commonly found in commercial roofs that were not properly installed in the first place; they are also found in roofs that have not been properly maintained over the years. In the first case, the problem is often inferior waterproofing materials, or hasty construction and layering of the building materials. Any roof, even if it has been built to the highest standards, does require maintenance to keep out the rain, sleet and snow. Otherwise, the eventual wear and tear on the roof will let in small amounts of water that grow over time.
Cracking
No building materials are immune to the powerful rays of the sun. In terms of commercial roof repairs, this means that cracking from continual expansion and contraction is a very common issue. The problem is quite rudimentary: first the heat from the sun causes the materials in the roof to expand; when the air becomes cooler at night, they contract down again. This constant stretching and shrinking leads to cracks in the once-pristine layers of wood, metal, asphalt or rubber. Cracking is a prime example of why it is so important to inspect and make small repairs to your roof regularly.
Billowing
If you live in the prairies, chances are good that you have witnessed an entire roof being blown off a barn or house during a heavy wind storm. While this problem is most common with high, pitched roofs, your commercial flat roof is also susceptible to powerful winds. Known as “billowing,” this common issue occurs when the roof is exposed to frequent high winds and begins to lift up from its base. It can be difficult to believe that mere wind can lift the layers of your roof, but it’s much more common than you may think!
Noise
Squeaking, crackling and other irritating sounds are common side-effects of a roof that is cracking or billowing. Usually, noises such as these can be addressed with minor repairs such as re-affixing the uppermost layers of the roof. In some cases, painting the roof white can help with the sound of expansion and contraction, since this way it absorbs less heat directly from the sun.
Water Pooling
Water pooling occurs when rain or melted snow does not drain off the roof as it should. This can happen when drains become clogged, or when the roof itself begins to sag due to age or improper maintenance. The best time to have this issue repaired is as soon as you notice the pooling, otherwise the roof can begin to sag and leak.
All of these issues can be repaired very easily in most cases. If you notice any of these problems in your own building, don’t hesitate to call an inspector!