Roofs in industrial buildings are subjected to a plethora of challenges on a daily basis. This includes the use of chemicals, heavy equipment and machinery, foot traffic from staff and customers and weather conditions. All of these factors can contribute to problems such as ponding water, cracking and crazing of the roof membrane, shrinkage of single-ply roofing systems and roof deck decomposition. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect your industrial roof from these common problems.
Whether due to neglect, age or poor installation, the majority of roofing problems start out as minor issues that are easily repaired if caught in time. With proper maintenance and routine inspections, these small problems can be prevented before they cause major damage.
One of the most common problems that affects commercial and industrial roofing is leaks. Whenever there is a leak in a commercial roof, it is crucial that it is fixed right away to avoid costly damage to inventory, materials and supplies. Leaks can lead to wet insulation, structural deterioration, mold problems and loss of productivity for employees. The most common leaks can be caused by faulty venting, clogged gutters and poor drainage.
Blistering is another problem that can be caused by a number of different things, including faulty repairs, lack of maintenance and even excessive temperatures. These blisters can be extremely damaging to your roof, causing water or air to penetrate the roofing material and cause leaks. If left untreated, they can lead to severe damage and roof collapse.
Regardless of the type of roofing system, industrial roofs can suffer from a number of issues caused by extreme weather conditions. Heavy rain, high winds and snow can all be very difficult on the roofing materials and structure. In addition, if a building already has underlying problems such as leaking or poor drainage, these weather conditions can be disastrous.
As a result, industrial roofs need to be inspected frequently to identify and repair any minor damage before it becomes a major problem. These routine inspections can also help to spot issues such as base flashing that is slipping, ponding water or pitch pockets that haven’t been filled.
Another problem that is often found in industrial roofing is damage to the roof caused by foot traffic and machinery. Scratches and scuff marks on metal panels are easy to fix with paint or touch up pen, but any gouges that go all the way through the panel should be brought to the attention of the roofing contractor immediately as these can cause serious problems.
While it is possible to reduce the risk of these issues occurring by conducting routine inspections and ensuring that your roofing system is properly maintained, it is important to hire a premier roofing company to ensure you have the most protected and longest lasting roof possible. With a comprehensive roofing service, you can be confident that your industrial roof repair will provide optimum protection for your inventory, employees and customers for years to come.
