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You don’t have to be a roofing expert to know that leaks lead the list of flat roof problems.
There are two types of flat roofs: those that leak and those that are about to leak. While regular inspections and routine maintenance may prolong the life of your roof, eventually, the roofing material will break down due to exposure to harsh weather, lightning strikes, UV rays, and roof traffic.
Common Flat Roof Issues
Even though most would name leaking as the most common flat roof problem, other issues can develop on a flat roof that may eventually cause leaking as well as structural damage. Here are some common issues that need to be fixed to maintain the integrity of your flat roof.
Leaking Flat Roof
Unfortunately, leaks are very common problems in schools, warehouses, and commercial buildings. However, there are a lot of issues that can cause a leaking roof. Whatever the cause is, leaking roofs can damage equipment or merchandise, cause mold to grow inside the structure, and lead to slip and fall accidents inside your building.
Pooling Water
The term “flat roofs” is a bit of a misnomer, as they are typically constructed with a slight slope to allow for water drainage. However, the roofing materials break down over time after being constantly exposed to a harsh environment. This problem and poorly functioning drainage systems may cause standing water on the roof.
The pressure exerted from the ponding water will eventually cause the roof to sag. This moisture damage may even affect the structural integrity of the building.
Blistering
Sometimes moisture gets trapped under the asphalt membrane, which causes it to detach from the underlying layer. When this happens, the roof begins to crack and bubble, resulting in something that looks like alligator skin. These cracks and blisters may lead to splits unless the roof is properly maintained.
Buckling
Trapped moisture under the asphalt membrane will cause blistering. However, as commercial buildings shift and settle, the asphalt membrane on top of your flat roof may begin to buckle. Cracks will then form on what was once a waterproof membrane.
Loose Flashing
The pieces of metal strips that are installed around vents, chimneys, and skylights are called flashing. Flashing is meant to prevent leaks. However, as the roof material expands and contracts with changing weather and temperatures, the flashing sometimes pulls away from the edges and corners of the flat roof.
A Solution to Your Flat Roof Problems
There are ways to prolong the life of your roof. However, you will never be able to eliminate the problems mentioned completely. You may be vigilant about cleaning your roof’s drainage system and performing routine maintenance on your roof surface. However, these common flat roof problems simply can’t be avoided forever.
If you are faced with an expensive flat roof replacement project on your commercial building, contact the roofing professionals at EverSeal. EverSeal provides a cost-effective way to prolong the life of your roof by applying a liquid sealant onto your existing roof. The liquid solidifies in hours and forms a continuous leak-proof seal with no seams or gaps. This system can be used on a flat roof or low-sloped roof.
The benefits of using an EverSeal Roofing System include:
- 50-year guarantee
- No roof replacement is necessary
- 100% sealed & leak-proof
- It saves thousands of dollars
Key Takeaways
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Common problems of flat roofs include leaking, blistering, buckling, and loose flashing.
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Even with regular maintenance, a commercial roof breaks down over time.
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EverSeal is an alternative to installing an expensive new roof.
EverSeal Extends the Life of Flat Roofs
Get an instant satellite quote from EverSeal if your flat roofing contractor says it’s time for a replacement. We may be able to extend the life of your roof – while getting rid of all of those pesky leaks. Visit our website to look up satellite images of your roof membrane, followed by a free estimate.
