Dealing with cracks and leaks in flat roofs can be a nightmare for building owners. The primary purpose of your roof is to shield your interior and yourself from the elements, making its upkeep crucial. When damage occurs, time is of the essence.
As a local roofing contractor in Tulsa, we take our responsibility seriously in aiding building owners during emergencies. In this article, we will address common issues that flat roofs can encounter and discuss how to address them before they escalate into significant damage.
Understanding Your Flat Roof
Chances are, your commercial flat roof is constructed from materials like EPDM, TPO, or modified bitumen. These materials are chosen for their durability, but they are not impervious to leaks or cracks. Cracks and leaks in flat roofs can occur due to inadequate maintenance, owner neglect, the weight of heavy objects on the surface, and water ponding.
The low slope of flat roofs can also lead to water pooling. Insufficient drainage might contribute to this issue.
While flat roofs can last up to 50 years, they can deteriorate more rapidly due to early damage such as cracks, blisters, and alligatoring. It’s imperative to address any leaks or problems promptly through repairs and restoration.
Causes of Cracks and Leaks in Flat Roofs
Weathering & Aging
Weathering and aging are primary contributors to cracks and leaks on flat roofs. Prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions like UV radiation, heavy rainfall, snow, and hail can harm roofing materials. Temperature fluctuations cause constant expansion and contraction, leading to surface cracks.
Ponding Water
Without a proper drainage system, flat roofs struggle to remove water. Stagnant water accumulating on your roof over an extended period can lead to more severe issues, such as cracks or leaks.
On flat roofs, identifying the source of a leak can be challenging. Water’s ability to spread over a wide area can obscure the origin. Even the smallest breach in your roofing membrane can result in major complications, so a thorough roof inspection is essential to pinpoint the source.
Poor Installation and Workmanship
Inadequate installation can also cause cracks and leaks in flat roofs. Shoddy workmanship can result in various problems, including inadequate seam sealing, weak joints, and faulty attachment of roofing materials. These issues can compromise the roof’s integrity and lead to further complications.
In conclusion, addressing cracks and leaks in flat roofs is imperative to prevent substantial damage. Factors like weathering, inadequate drainage, and poor installation contribute to these issues. As a roofing contractor, we are dedicated to assisting building owners in mitigating these problems and maintaining the longevity of their flat roofs.
This post was written by a roofing specialist at All Star Roofing. We offer the best Hillsborough county roofing contractors. We are a family-owned and operated roofing business, striving to be the best in our industry. Our family has been in the Tampa Bay area for over 60 years, and our objective has always been to provide roofing services at a fast, reliable, and competitive rate. All Star has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
