Whether a customer owns an industrial building or their home has a flat roof, they likely already know that it takes more work to maintain. While flat roofs are easier to build, they require frequent inspections and maintenance to ensure proper function and long life. In this guide, customers will learn about the most common problems with flat roofs and how to deal with them.
Alligatoring
A sure sign of the need for flat roof replacement is commonly called alligatoring. Here, the asphalt used to build the roof ages and loses its elasticity, and it eventually bubbles and cracks to resemble an alligator’s skin. It’s not only unsightly, it shows that the roof has deteriorated to the point where a Commercial Roofing Company in St. Charles MO will have to replace it.
Moisture and Leaks
Lingering moisture and leaks are common issues with flat commercial roofs, but they can be handled with prompt maintenance. Just like other roofs, flat roofs may develop leaks, but the water can’t go anywhere but down. If moisture gets into the roofing material, fungus, mold, and other problems may develop. The most effective way to handle the problem is to get the roof inspected and maintained frequently.
Buckling Membrane
An asphalt flat roof is built similarly to a shingled roof in that it’s made of an asphalt-soaked membrane. However, unlike a shingled roof, a flat roof’s membrane is a single piece. Over time, as the building settles and shifts, so will the roof. Excessive movement may cause the membrane to buckle, which can indicate the end of the roof’s lifespan.
Accumulated Water
As said before, on a flat roof, there’s no place for water to go. As a building settles with age, the roof will shift, and it may not be as level as it once was. Water can accumulate in dips and divots, and it should be drained away to prevent deterioration and damage.
If a customer has questions about the condition of a flat roof, or if they want to schedule an inspection, a commercial roofing company in St. Charles MO can help. Contact us by phone to set an appointment or visit the website for more information.
