Main Causes Of Commercial Flat Roof Leaks

An owner or operator of a commercial structure with a flat roof will have experience with roof leaks. If the leaks aren’t addressed, a commercial flat roof replacement will be in the budget. If the roof of your building is relatively new, you have escaped the problem. If not, call a contractor that specializes in commercial flat roof replacement services when problems arise. The contractor will determine the problems and come up with a strategy to mitigate the problems. Make no mistake, a commercial flat roof replacement in North York is an expensive proposition and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

A leak problem can be invisible at first but will take on a life of its own if no action isn’t taken to stop the leak. Roof replacement services will be the only solution when the problem is beyond a commercial flat roof repair in North York. There are many reasons why you need Toronto roof replacement services, and there are solutions to stop the problem from festering.

Causes of flat roof leaks

• In Canada, we enjoy the four seasons with the colours in the fall and the warm temperatures in summer. But, the variations in weather can be tough on a commercial flat roofing system. When the climate or temperature swings wildly, it will heat the roof or cause it to contract when it is cold. This puts stress on the roof, and commercial flat roof repair services can help alleviate the distress your roof is in. The best solution for the problem of temperature variance is though a reflective coating. The coating will assist in maintaining a constant temperature, reducing wear and tear on the roof. In the roofing industry, there are many different coatings to choose from. But the important thing is to keep your roof from going from 60 degrees to 200 degrees in 24 hours. The coating will be the shield your roof needs to do the job of protecting the building.
• Standing water or ponding is another threat to a roofing system. Eventually, you will need Toronto roof replacement services if you don’t deal with the accumulation of water on the roof. After a rainstorm, standing water that is still on the roof after 48 hours is considered standing water because it won’t drain. The problem is created by a lack of slope on your flat roof. The flat roof isn’t truly flat; it needs a .25-inch grade per foot that leads to drains and outlets at key locations on the roof. This is not a harmless problem; once the water starts to pond, it will create damage. If you see water on the roof, call a contractor immediately to deal with the problem. In the meantime, you can use pumps or the addition of more drains to eviscerate the problem. Don’t engage in any repairs on your own.
• As time marches on, the obsolescence of technology will render old systems useless. It happens in the roofing industry all the time. Old roofing systems will be susceptible to leaks based on age and use. Roofing technology has evolved over the last couple of decades, and great strides have been made in the extension of a roof’s life. If your roof is more than 15-years old, start planning for a roof replacement. It is dangerous to the building and occupants to operate a structure that has a roof that has seen better days. If the roof has some life left, you can have a coating applied to extend the life of the roof and prevent leaks. If the roof can’t be saved, and a complete rip-out is in order, do your homework. There are many different types of flat roofing systems out there, and you can find the one that is right for your building.

Choosing a Flat Roofing System for Your Commercial Building

A flat roof replacement can take on many forms. You can have a membrane system like the EPDM or TPO. They come with subtle differences, but both will serve the purpose, keeping your building protected. If a hot tar and gravel roof system is what will suffice for your building, buy a built-up roofing system. It is economical and will be overlaid on your current roof.An added bonus, it is fire retardant.

Choosing a modified bitumen roof system is comparable to an asphalt roof with a subtle difference. Polymers are added to the mix to create a longer-lasting roofing system. The bitumen system is rolled out over your current system and is affixed with a blowtorch. The downside of this system is the fact that an open flame is necessary to seal the roof. Fires happen, more than one building has burned to the ground due to problematic installation. Safety is job one, inspecting your roofing system regularly will allow a level of protection for the occupants of your commercial building.

During your regular inspections, you will detect flaws or problems with your roof. If they are problems that need to be solved with a completely new roof, spend the money. It isn’t about cost here but what the expenditure will accomplish long-term for your building. If you have identified any of the problems outlined here, do some research before you make any decisions. This is not a be-all, end-all for roofing problem identification. But a place to start when you realize a problem is beginning. Consult a professional roofing contractor when you have determined the problems that need professional solutions.