Common Reasons for Commercial Roof Repair

1. Weather Damage

Extreme weather is the most common villain behind commercial roof repairs. Severe storms involving heavy rain, hail, high winds, or snow and ice can significantly stress and damage commercial roofing systems. These extreme weather events often cause immediate problems like punctures, cracks, lifted membranes, or loosened fasteners. If the issues are not promptly repaired, long-term deterioration and water infiltration can occur.

Hailstorms

Hailstorms frequently lead to catastrophic damage under the following circumstances:

Hailstones larger than 1 inch often cause dents, cracks, and punctures in roofing.
Heavy rain overpowers drainage systems, causing overflow and water pooling under membrane seams or flashed areas.
Wind speeds over 50 mph lift roof components, leading to tears, uplift, or shifted areas.

Prolonged Sun Exposure

The sun’s harsh UV rays and heat are also incredibly taxing on commercial roofing over time. On hot days, some commercial roofs may reach temperatures over 180°F, causing the following:

Membranes and coatings become brittle and begin to degrade.
Undetected deterioration caused by sun exposure can lead to cracks, splits, and peeling issues.
UV exposure triggers chemical changes at the molecular level, breaking down the basic integrity of both organic and synthetic materials.
Asphalt shingles may curl, exposing nail heads to moisture.
Single-ply membranes develop surface checking and tiny fissures.
Coatings chalk, discolor, or lose their elastic properties.

Regular inspections help detect early sun damage before it escalates into leaks or holes. Property managers should also consider installing reflective membranes or coatings to minimize solar heat gain.

Snow and Ice

In cold climates, freeze-thaw cycles coupled with heavy snow loads threaten commercial roof integrity all winter long. Ice damming around ill-designed drainage areas is another common problem for flat roofs. When water has no escape path, it pools under membranes and flashings, eventually leading to decay, deterioration, leaks, and even roof collapse.

Under these circumstances:

Temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, causing roofs to repeatedly expand and contract.
Roofs experience warped panels and loosened seams prone to moisture intrusion.
Thermal shock accelerates the weathering process.
When snow on a warm roof underneath melts and refreezes at the surface, large ice dams can form along eaves and low-pitch sections.
Trapped water backs up under shingles, membranes, and flashings—eventually leading to catastrophic leakage and decay once it thaws.

Improving insulation and ventilation allows roofs to maintain an even temperature, reducing condensation buildup. Being proactive against winter weather damage helps commercial property owners save on costly emergency leak repairs down the road. Springtime inspections should always be scheduled after the snow melts to address any related deterioration or compromised areas.

2. Age and General Wear

Roofs aren’t designed to last forever. Materials degrade, sealants fail, and exposure to the daily cycle of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations takes its toll. When materials reach the end of their lifespan, commercial roof repair or replacement becomes inevitable to protect the integrity of the structure beneath.

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How Aging Affects Roof Health

Commercial roofs are typically warrantied for 10-30 years, depending on materials, but may only last 15–20 years in practice. Over time, UV rays, weather, debris, traffic, shifting buildings, and more slowly damage roof components like membranes, flashings, seals, and coatings. Plus, buildings settle and move over time. Such movement can strain the roofing materials, causing cracks or gaps where water might enter. Monitoring structural movement and ensuring the roofing system’s flexibility to adapt can prevent serious damage.

Commercial property managers should be proactive about roof maintenance, inspections, and planning for replacement based on a roof’s age and expected service life. While quality materials and installation may enable a roof to outlast its warranty, problems inevitably begin mounting with advanced age. Tiny fractures expand into cracks, seals dry out and split, flashings work loose, and coatings wear off. Once leakage occurs, interior water damage is likely.

The Effects of Neglected Maintenance

Regular commercial roof maintenance helps maximize roof lifespan, functionality and return on investment. When maintenance is neglected, roofs deteriorate faster from cumulative unaddressed damage. Being proactive about roof replacement based on age helps avoid emergency tear-offs or failure. It also prevents avoidable property damage from leaks. In general, commercial roof replacement should be budgeted for every 20–25 years.

3. Ventilation Issues

Proper ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining this health, and when it is compromised, the consequences can be significant. Inadequate ventilation leads to the accumulation of heat and moisture, which can have deleterious effects on the roof’s integrity and the building’s interior. Without a clear path for hot air to escape, temperatures can rise, which not only contributes to wear and tear on roofing materials but can also lead to inflated energy bills as cooling systems work overtime to compensate for the heat buildup.

Even more so, trapped moisture is the nemesis of a durable roof structure. It encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which can degrade indoor air quality and eventually lead to structural damage through rot. These issues diminish the longevity of the roofing materials but can pose health risks to occupants and necessitate costly repairs.

To prevent these problems, it is crucial to ensure that roof vents are free from obstruction. A well-ventilated roof allows the building to “breathe,” facilitating the flow of air that carries away excess heat and moisture and thus preserving the roof’s condition over time. In short, neglecting the ventilation of a commercial roof is a surefire route to accelerated degradation and the need for premature roof repair or even replacement.

4. Improper Installation and Maintenance

Unfortunately, when a roof is compromised by faulty installation, its intended lifespan can be dramatically cut short. This causes mishaps like:

Improperly aligned shingles
Insufficient sealing
Substandard flashing that quickly becomes the weak points that allow moisture to penetrate the building envelope
Water ingress that can wreak havoc by turning into leaks

In bustling commercial districts like Philadelphia, such oversights are particularly unforgiving. The detection of a leak, if delayed, can escalate into a catastrophe, causing substantial structural damage, damaging interior spaces, and even threatening stock or equipment. Regular maintenance is a necessity. Through frequent inspections and prompt attention to even minor issues, larger problems can be forestalled, ultimately safeguarding a business’s bottom line and the soundness of its commercial space.

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How to Find an Expert Commercial Roof Repair Service

Despite these common issues, selecting the right commercial roofing service is essential to protect your investment and maintain the integrity of your property. A proficient roofer will not only address current repair needs but also offer a maintenance program to prolong your roof’s life. Here are the recommended steps to find a reputable roofer:

Start With Research
Conduct an online search for accredited commercial roofers in your vicinity. Utilize industry-specific platforms like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) for a list of vetted professionals.
Verify Business Credentials
Ensure the roofing service is properly licensed to operate in your state. Confirm that they carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Check for industry-standard certifications that indicate training and adherence to best practices.
Evaluate Their Full Range of Services
Identify if they offer a comprehensive set of services, including installation, repair, maintenance, and emergency services. Ensure they can provide a thorough roof inspection and outline a clear plan of action.
Compare Quotes and Services
Get detailed written estimates from multiple companies to compare prices. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as this may indicate substandard materials or workmanship.
Discuss Warranty, Maintenance, and Follow-Up Services
Inquire about warranty terms for both materials and labor. Ask about after-service support in case issues arise following the repair work.
Finalize the Agreement
Once you’ve chosen a service, review the contract thoroughly before signing. Ensure all aspects of the service, including scope, timeline, budget, and safety protocols, are clearly laid out.

Transform Your Building With Seal Roofing

Is your commercial property in Philadelphia in need of a durable and professional commercial roof repair? Look no further than Seal Roofing, with over 30 years of expertise and a commitment to seamless installation and transparent pricing. Contact us today for a free estimate and safeguard your business with our top-quality roofing solutions and ongoing maintenance support!

Common Reasons for Commercial Roof Repair

1. Weather Damage

Hailstorms

Prolonged Sun Exposure

Snow and Ice

2. Age and General Wear

How Aging Affects Roof Health

The Effects of Neglected Maintenance

3. Ventilation Issues

4. Improper Installation and Maintenance

How to Find an Expert Commercial Roof Repair Service

Transform Your Building With Seal Roofing

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