By Jesse Sanchez. 

Intense summer temperatures can accelerate membrane deterioration, weaken seams and expose commercial roofs to premature failure. 

Extreme heat can take a serious toll on commercial roofing long before damage becomes visible from the ground. Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing explains that sustained summer temperatures place roofing systems under chemical and structural stress, with dark or aging membranes potentially reaching surface temperatures of 180 to 190 degrees even when the air temperature is significantly lower. 

At those temperatures, roofing polymers can soften, oxidize and lose the flexibility needed to maintain a watertight barrier. Ultraviolet exposure further accelerates deterioration by breaking down the chemical bonds that provide tensile strength and elasticity. The effects vary by membrane type. Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes reflect solar radiation, but prolonged heat can weaken seams as the material oxidizes and hardens near welded edges. Surface chalking is an early indication that ultraviolet exposure is degrading the membrane’s protective outer layer. 

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) membranes are particularly vulnerable to heat-accelerated shrinkage. As the material ages, it can contract, pulling away from parapet walls, lifting flashings and opening adhesive-bonded seams.  

Modified bitumen systems face a different challenge. High surface temperatures can soften the asphalt component, causing rippling, aggregate displacement and surface distortion. Repeated heat exposure can also produce alligatoring, a pattern of deep cracking that develops as the material hardens and loses flexibility. 

Extreme heat can also intensify roof blistering. Blisters form when trapped air or moisture expands beneath a heated membrane, separating it from the substrate. Although an intact blister may not leak immediately, repeated heating and cooling can fatigue the surrounding material until it ruptures. 

Property managers should inspect roofs after the summer season for cracking, chalking, lifted edges, separating flashings and blistering. These conditions may indicate declining membrane performance or potential water-entry points. 

For replacement projects, white or light-colored thermoplastic polyolefin and polyvinyl chloride membranes can reduce surface temperatures while providing heat-welded seam integrity. Reflective coatings may also improve the performance of modified bitumen systems. 

Learn more about Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing’s commercial roofing services and heat-damage assessments!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Reflective roof coatings can help commercial buildings in warm climates reduce rooftop temperatures, ease air conditioning demand and improve performance. 

High cooling costs are not always just an HVAC problem. According to Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing, for commercial buildings in hot, sun-drenched climates, the roof can play a major role in how much heat enters the building and how hard air conditioning systems must work to maintain comfortable interior temperatures. 

Reflective roof coatings offer one way to address that challenge without the disruption and expense of a full roof replacement. These liquid-applied membranes are designed to reflect solar radiation and release absorbed heat away from the building. Once installed, they create a seamless protective surface that can improve the energy performance of an existing roofing system. 

Common coating options include acrylic, silicone and elastomeric systems. Acrylic coatings are cost-effective, highly reflective and well suited for dry climates. Silicone coatings provide strong resistance to ponding water and ultraviolet exposure, while elastomeric coatings offer flexibility as the roof substrate expands and contracts. When properly specified for the building and climate, each can function as a cool roof solution. 

The performance of these coatings is tied to solar reflectance index (SRI), which measures how well a surface reflects sunlight and releases heat. A higher SRI helps the roof stay cooler in direct sun. White or light-colored coatings can reflect a large percentage of incoming solar radiation instead of allowing that heat to transfer into the building. 

That difference can be significant in warm climates such as California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas. Reflective coatings can reduce heat gain, allowing air conditioning systems to cycle less often and operate more efficiently. Lower surface temperatures may also reduce peak energy demand, support HVAC longevity and improve interior comfort. 

Coatings are not a solution for every roof. They may be appropriate when the existing roof is structurally sound, leaks are minimal and repairable and insulation remains effective. Roofs with structural failure, saturated insulation, extensive membrane damage or too many layers may require replacement instead. 

For building owners and facility managers, professional evaluation is essential. Substrate condition, drainage, ultraviolet exposure, climate zone, building type and installation quality all affect performance. When properly selected and installed, a reflective roof coating can extend roof life by 10 to 15 years while supporting energy savings. 

Learn more about how reflective roof coatings can help commercial buildings reduce cooling costs and improve long-term roof performance!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

A spring drainage review can help identify roof issues before standing water turns into leaks, interior damage or costly repairs. 

Water damage on commercial roofs often starts quietly; it might be a clogged drain, some debris build up or just a low spot on the roof. These all can lead to standing water on a roof which, over time, stresses seams, weakens roofing materials, soaks insulation and increases the risk of interior leaks. So, what might start out as a small issue can quickly snowball into expensive problems and even dramatic roof failures. This is something that the team at Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing sees every year, which is why they recommend inspecting your low-slope roof every spring. 

Why spring? Spring is a critical time to look for these issues because winter often leaves behind debris and hidden wear. Leaves, branches, dirt, gravel and windblown material can collect around drainage points, slowing runoff just as seasonal rain increases. Storms may also loosen strainers, damage gutters or push debris into openings. 

A practical spring checklist begins with clearing visible drainage points and checking for standing water after rainfall. Drain covers and strainers should also be inspected. Make sure to watch how water moves where it is safe to do so, check downspouts for blockages and look for interior stains or damp areas near known drainage locations. Roof areas around drains, scuppers and edges should be reviewed for cracks, seam separation, punctures or other wear. 

As you go through this inspection, keep in mind these warning signs in particular:  

• Persistent ponding 
• Slow drainage 
• Overflowing gutters or scuppers 
• Interior leaks 
• Recurring moisture 

These are signs that need closer attention as they may indicate a drainage system that is not working as intended.  

Overall, routine inspections in the spring can help property managers know when water damage is occurring before disaster strikes. This gives them time to call in a commercial roofing professional to further evaluate and subsequently repair the issue.  

Learn more about preventing water damage with a spring commercial roof drainage checklist.

Original photo source: Kodiak Roofing and Waterproofing