Your commercial roofing system protects one of your most valuable business assets – as well as all of the equipment, tools, records, products and people inside. Maintaining the integrity of the roof is an effort that perhaps lacks glamour, but is nevertheless vital to operational continuity, efficiency, security and comfort.
Addressing three of the most common problems with commercial roof systems can prevent interruptions in production, loss of essential documentation, delays in customer service and potential health concerns. Preventing roofing “headaches” or addressing them via commercial roof repair services when the first symptoms appear can minimize the pain associated with breaches in your building’s roof.
Headache #1: HVAC-Related Breaches
Rooftop air conditioning units could be characterized as the “migraine headache of commercial roofing”. Installation of HVAC units requires roof penetration, automatically placing the immediate area at risk for leaks. Further, HVAC installers and service personnel may not be aware of the potential for damage when positioning the units or handling their tools, unwittingly compromising the roof’s waterproofing membranes and/or UV protective coatings.
Additionally, condensation ponding around HVAC units encourages the growth of vegetation and mold, which accelerates roofing membrane deterioration.
Remedies:
* Requiring a building facilities manager or knowledgeable designee to be present any time an HVAC technician – or any other service provider – is on the roof will discourage careless handling of equipment and tools.
* Designs which direct the condensation away from the roof’s surface through roof drains or interior lines can help prevent the pooling of HVAC discharge water.
Headache #2: Standing Water
Commercial roof repair efforts are often directed at addressing standing water that results from clogged drains or inadequate drainage systems. It is advisable to prevent premature roof aging by eliminating pools of water which attract airborne debris, subject the roof to biological attacks via algae, mold and plant growth, and weigh heavily on the structure of the roof – all of which cause long-term damage.
Remedies:
* Maintain drains free of clogs and structural damage.
* Install additional drains, strategically located to address the ponding area.
* Add slope or sump pits (depressions created by reducing insulation around the drain area) to facilitate draining.
* Add pumps to mechanically drain persistent ponds.
Headache #3: Wind-Related Damage
Roof failure during high wind events is usually related to forces pulling behind the roof’s edge, damaging flashing and membranes. However, when gale force winds throw debris onto the roof, membranes can be weakened or even suffer penetration by limbs, glass and other loose items.
Remedies:
* If you are in an area that commonly experiences high winds, your system must be designed to withstand repeated wind events. Consider the fact that manufacturers will not honor warranties if a system is improperly installed or if damage occurs because wind speeds exceeded the maximum specifications for the roof system you chose.
* Checking the entire roof – and not just the edges of the roof – is important to detect puncture or impact damage across the roof’s surface, as well as to identify areas where the membrane may have loosened at the edges. A specialist in commercial roof repair is always recommended to complete the necessary repairs or replacement efforts.
The specialists at Thermal Manufacturing Systems provide long-term system solutions for new installation and maintenance of all types of commercial roofing systems. They work with the building owner, consultant, specifier and contractor to ensure best fit, superior function and longevity for each project. Visit thermomaterials.com to see what almost 30 years of expertise can mean for your commercial roofing needs.
