6 common commercial roof issues and how inspections can help avoid them

By Roofing Corp of America. 

Commercial roof inspections can help extend the life of your roof and lower costs in the long run.  

The most critical part of maintaining a commercial property and the safety of its occupants is ensuring a strong, healthy roof system. While the roof is often out of sight, out of mind for many people, staying on top of roof maintenance, including annual roof inspections, can be the key preventative measure in providing long-term protection and low costs. 

Your commercial roof is exposed to extreme temperatures, rain, wind, animal activity and fallen tree limbs year-round. What might seem like a small problem at first – minor cracks, gaps, pooling water – can quickly compound, ultimately resulting in serious damage if gone unchecked, such as rotting wood or mold infestations. Proper roof inspections and roof maintenance can play a crucial role in extending the longevity of your roof from these natural and common occurrences. 

Warranties can also help keep costs under control. However, no warranty lasts forever and may not be valid under certain circumstances. For example, most roofs maintain their warranties only if they have undergone steady, consistent maintenance and inspections year after year. This is another reason why regular roof inspections are to your benefit! 

While performing a total roof replacement can be needed depending on the circumstances, we at Roofing Corp of America wanted to educate building owners to have a more proactive versus reactive approach to the health of their roof in order to extend each roof’s life span.  

Common roof issues 

1 - Wind uplift damage 

While roof material and installation processes have evolved for maximum efficiency, mother nature can have a mind of her own. Flat or low-sloped roofs, common on commercial properties, fight against wind damage better than high-sloped roofs, such as those on a typical home. But that doesn’t make roofing material invulnerable to wind, especially if a property has single-ply roofing. 

2 - Damaged flashing 

Flashings are installed at walls, curbs, pipes and other penetrations to prevent water intrusion.  Damaged or improperly installed flashing can create gaps where water can enter, ultimately ending up in a higher likelihood for roof repair. 

3 - Ponding water 

Poor design and drainage can lead to standing water, which can cause leak damage and rot. Clogged gutters and drain baskets are a major source of ponding water. 

Ponding water is a significant concern for commercial roofing because it can lead to leaks, structural damage and accelerated deterioration of roofing materials. Standing water adds unnecessary weight to the roof, potentially compromising its integrity over time. Routine roof inspections are essential for identifying areas where ponding occurs, allowing property managers to address drainage issues before they escalate. 

Roof inspectors can evaluate drainage systems, locate low spots and recommend corrective actions, such as re-sloping or improving drainage pathways. Regular monitoring not only extends the life of the roof but also safeguards the building’s overall structural health. 

4 - Punctures and open seams 

Punctures often occur because of accidental human actions, such as from other trades or tenants. Debris blown or tossed on the roof can also cause punctures. Seams can be lifted from high winds, causing leakage, heat loss and eventually roof failure. 

5 - Failing caulk 

Proper caulking is essential in roofing because it creates a watertight seal that prevents leaks and moisture intrusion. This helps protect the structural integrity of the roof and the underlying materials from water damage, mold growth and rot. Additionally, effective caulking can enhance energy efficiency by minimizing air leaks, reducing heating and cooling costs. Regular inspection and maintenance of caulking are crucial to ensure long-term roof performance and to avoid costly repairs down the line. 

As sealant ages, tiny openings and cracks may occur, eventually leading to roof leaks. Caulk usually needs to be replaced every two to five years. 

6 - Blisters 

Blisters are a significant concern for commercial roofing as they can indicate underlying moisture trapped beneath the roofing membrane. These blisters form when water vapor accumulates, causing the membrane to bubble and weaken. If left unaddressed, blisters can lead to membrane failure, leaks and extensive water damage, compromising the building’s integrity. Additionally, they may disrupt the roofing system’s insulation properties, resulting in increased energy costs. 

Conducting a regular roof inspection is crucial for detecting blisters early, allowing for timely repairs to prevent further deterioration and ensure the longevity and performance of the roof. Addressing blisters promptly is vital for protecting your investments 

The importance of proactive roof maintenance 

Fixing a leak before it happens is far less expensive than fixing it after it occurs. In addition to rot and mold, insulation can be compromised, interior machinery and storage can be ruined and moisture can also create tremendous additional damage when it boils in the summer and freezes in the winter.  

But, for many building managers, a roof is “out of sight, out of mind.” Damage can fail to be discovered due to the inconvenience of accessing a roof regularly. This makes professional roof inspections essential to finding these problems before they worsen so you can make a repair instead of a full roof replacement. It’s been shown that preventative roof maintenance can double a roof’s life expectancy. 

The recommended roof maintenance process 

Roof maintenance begins with a professional commercial roof inspection from a qualified commercial roofing expert. The process generally includes three main components: visual inspection, general maintenance and reporting.  

1 - Expert visual inspection 

A professional inspector will examine every part of the roof to identify damage, cracking or indications of water ponding. They will also inspect seams and penetrations and confirm flashing and drainage components are functioning as expected. Sometimes roof leaks may not be visible to the naked eye, but upon further inspection, water may have been soaking down through the insulation and to the roof deck.  

2 - General maintenance 

Minor repairs will be made once the problems have been identified, such as re-sealing or re-caulking small penetrations or gaps. Trash, tree limbs and other debris will be removed and discarded. Loose flashing or drainage components will be re-secured as needed.  

3 - Reporting and repairs 

A comprehensive report with photos will be issued. Minor areas that could be remedied during the inspection process will be identified, with a list of those needing to be addressed immediately. The inspection records should be kept in case they are required for future warranty claims and ongoing maintenance. 

Original article and photo source: Roofing Corp of America