The low-slope roofs and flat roof systems used on commercial buildings have always been designed to create a lower-maintenance option to a roof with steep pitch. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t roof maintenance requirements for any roof design or roofing system.
With older styles of roofs, particularly those that are seamed such as TPO or EPDM systems the seam area is particularly prone to leaking that becomes more problematic as the roofing material ages. Ongoing exposure to water, heat, and freezing all creates the possibility of damage, and with EPDM roofs shrinkage over time is also serious consideration.
Modified Bitumen roofing systems, can blister and cause problems, and the surface layer will eventually wear away. BUR or built-up roofs are just as problematic, and blistering can be even more significant if moisture is present in the layers, and it heats, causing expansion.
Be Proactive
If the building currently has an older style of commercial roof, it is important to be proactive with roof maintenance and keep a careful eye on areas where there may be potential leaks and problems.
Generally for a commercial building, hiring a roofing company to provide an annual maintenance check and service is the best option. Offsetting the cost of the service is the much more costly option of having to deal with significant leaks and other issues which can impact not only the surface but the structural components of the roof. Keep in mind many of the older commercial roofing systems are designed for a 10 to 20-year life cycle under ideal conditions.
With annual roof maintenance programs, you should also be able to predict the current efficiency of your roof, and when you can time the need for replacement with your budget. In many situations once small repairs start popping up not related to a specific weather incident, it is time to consider upgrading or renovating the roof. This will be cheaper than continuing to pay for multiple smaller to medium sized repairs that will not resolve the issues with the roof aging and deteriorating over time.
Time to Replace
When it is time to replace the roof rather than continue with ongoing roof maintenance and repairs, moving to the latest in technology for seamless roofing options is well worth considering.
Easy to apply, durable and designed to prevent the issues with leakage and wear and tear on seams and throughout the roof common with the older systems, this is a cost and energy effective option. These fluid-applied membrane systems will last for years and have extremely low roof maintenance requirements while boosting building energy efficiency.
