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Common Causes for Roof Damage

FLOYD MASON • May 28, 2021

As a commercial property owner or business owner, you know how important the structural integrity of your commercial roof is to the safety of your employees and your company’s assets. Unfortunately, unless there is an issue with your commercial roof , it is not likely that it crosses your mind often.

As a business or property owner, you should prioritize avoiding commercial roof damage to protect the well-being of employees and your business. Common causes for commercial roof damage include:

Wind Damage

Strong winds and severe weather are common causes of commercial roof damage. If your commercial roofing products were improperly installed and maintained, the wind could place pressure on the roof’s flashing and, in combination with the internal pressure, can cause an uplift. This pressure can lead to damage to the seams, membranes, and flashings. With high winds, you may experience chimney caps and vents being blown off, which opens a place for water to leak in. Be sure to have your roof inspected after experience severe weather.

Leaking and Faulty Flashings

Faulty flashings are one of the most common issues that commercial roofs face. These roof leaks are typically caused by flashings that were installed incorrectly to the curbs and walls. Flashing should be installed with contractions and expansions in mind. When you experience a leak, the installer may not have accounted for expansions and contractions, causing a leak.

Leaks can also be caused by issues with the pitch pan, which is used to seal the pipes around the roof. Without a proper seal, they can lead to leaking.

Puncture or Penetration Damage

In some cases, damage can occur while maintenance is being performed. If new penetrations or punctures caused by tools or equipment occur, this can cause your commercial roof to leak. If you experience a puncture or penetration, be sure to have the roof professionally repaired and sealed immediately before further damage can occur.

Standing Water

A poor roof design or clogged drains can cause water to pond on top of your commercial roof. This standing water can cause deterioration in the materials of the roof, which ultimately leads to leaks and structural damage. In some cases, the cause of your standing water can be as simple as a clogged AC unit, but in other cases, it could be caused by a roofer who didn’t consider the slope of the roof and proper water drainage when designing your commercial roof.

Lack of Maintenance and Regular Inspections

If you don’t regularly maintain your commercial roof, it can leave you with a hefty bill for repairs. With maintenance, you can minimize or avoid these repairs altogether. If you notice any small stains or signs of leakage in the ceiling of your building, be sure to contact the commercial roof contractors at ACR1 immediately to have your roof inspected. We can find and repair commercial roofing issues before they turn into bigger, more costly issues.

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Author: Floyd Mason

Born and raised in farming in Iowa

Worked in and around construction since 1977

BS in Corporate Finance and Financial & Estate Planning from Brigham Young University. Involved in Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years, Scoutmaster 15 years Estimator, Project Manager, Sales Representative, Crew Leader, Laborer, Territory Manager, District Manager, Regional Manager, National Sales Manager,

ACR1.COM Sales & Marketing Manager since 2013.

An aerial view of a factory with a lot of buildings and silos.

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