Same commercial roofing problem, different building

By Dani Sheehan.

No two roofs are exactly alike, but you can identify common roofing problems in commercial systems and plan ahead for future repairs.

Whether it’s a focus for your company or a necessary addition, every commercial contractor deals with repair calls. Many of these calls will look familiar and have similar solutions. In a recent blog article by Beacon Building Products, they discussed common commercial roofing problems and their solutions to make your repairs as efficient as possible.

Some of the most common roofing problems include:

1 – Shrinkage

Problem: On EPDM and modified bitumen roofs, shrinkage is a common issue caused by improper manufacturing or installation. It can also be triggered by UV exposure in areas with intense sun. You’ll recognize shrinkage because the material will start to pull away from areas like flashing or cause the membrane to tear or sections may tent up, leaving the roof vulnerable to water leaks and additional damage.

Solution: The most productive solution to this problem is to cut back and reapply the membrane. It is also likely you’ll need to replace the flashing if it has been damaged in this process.  

2 – Bubbles and blisters

Problem: Blisters and bubbles are frequently seen in TPO and EPDM systems. Caused from poor adhesion between the layers or high temperatures leading to the expansion of the material, the roof surface swells, creating air or moisture pockets between layers of the roofing material.

Solution: For TPO systems, a layer of fleece back tape topped by 981 or 985 Roof X Tender can quickly mend the affected area. Roof X Tender can also be used for EPDM systems, but an additional layer of 482F polyester fabric can also be applied for extra reinforcement.

3 – Edge metal failure

Problem: Flat roofs frequently face problems with metal edging strips failing. Most commonly, you’ll see the edging start to separate, or it will be poorly aligned.

Solution: Fleece back tape is a must-have in your toolkit and can quickly secure the edge strip. You might also apply a layer of one-ply polyester and a topcoat of 705 or 805 Roof X Tender.

Read the full article for additional tips to fix common commercial roof problems quickly.

Photo source: Beacon