Blog Layout

Does My Commercial Roof Need Repair?

FLOYD MASON • Jun 28, 2021

When your commercial roof begins to fail, the signs can be obvious or may be subtle enough that they go unnoticed. The longer these issues persist without intervention, the more likely you are to experience further damage such as leaks. Leakage can spread throughout the commercial property and cause more significant damage.

Identifying these issues quickly and having the proper roof repairs completed can help you mitigate the risk of more costly damage such as roof leaks. To help you better understand common roof issues, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of roof issues and how to recognize them.

Sagging Roof Areas

If you have noticed any sagging areas of your roof, it is crucial to contact our roofing professionals immediately. A sagging roof can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is accumulated moisture from heavy snow or rainfall on the roof’s surface.

The best way to prevent sagging is to clear the roof when moisture or snow has built up to prevent the extra weight from straining the roofing materials.

Roof Bubbles

While inspecting your roof, roof bubbles or blisters may indicate that your roof was not properly installed. In some cases, these bubbles are subtle at first and become more noticeable as time goes on.

When moisture becomes trapped under the roofing materials, it eventually evaporates and creates a bubble. These bubbles leave an opening for water to seep into the roofing materials, which can cause serious damage to the structure of the building.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a sign of roof damage that often goes unnoticed. If you have noticed that there is more water coming from your exterior downspouts than what is landing on your roof, this could be a sign you have clogged drains.

If you have a substantial amount of water coming from your downspouts, inspect your roof for any signs of a clogged drain or water pooling on the roof. Ponding water will cause deterioration to the insulation layer as well as cause moss and other debris to collect.

If water is ponding on the roof surface, it will eventually seep into the roof materials and cause major damage not only to the roofing but also to the building itself. With regular maintenance and inspection, you can ensure the drains are working properly, and the roof remains free of pooling water.

Seaming Gaps

Many commercial roofing systems require seams to join the waterproof materials over the top of the roof’s decking. The problem with seams is that water can get through them and seep into the roof. The roof will need to be inspected to ensure there are no faulty seams that could compromise the waterproof properties of your roof.

If you notice any faulty seams, it is crucial to contact our roofing professionals right away.

Moisture Infiltration

If you have noticed water leaking into your building, then it is because there is moisture infiltrating the roofing system. Common signs that your roof is leaking include water stains on the ceiling and water dripping down corridors or hallways, as well as more subtle signs such as a damp or musty smell coming from the roof.

It is crucial to act quickly at the sign of leakage to get the repairs needed to extend the life of your roof and protect the structural integrity of your commercial building.

Failed Flashings

Flashings are a critical component of your roof because they create the seal between your roof and other structures such as vents or chimneys. Poorly detached, deteriorating, or missing flashings can indicate that there is something wrong with your roofing system.

Damaged or missing flashings can lead to water infiltration, so be sure to contact our roofing professionals to assess the damage as soon as possible so we can make repair or replacement recommendations.

Work with ACR-1 for Your Commercial Roofing Needs

At ACR-1, we work to provide our clients with top-quality commercial roofing solutions. If you have noticed any of these issues with your roof, be sure to contact our team of professionals today so we can assess your roof and make recommendations for repair or replacement.

Contact us today to learn more!

Author: Floyd Mason

Born and raised in farming in Iowa

Worked in and around construction since 1977

BS in Corporate Finance and Financial & Estate Planning from Brigham Young University. Involved in Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years, Scoutmaster 15 years Estimator, Project Manager, Sales Representative, Crew Leader, Laborer, Territory Manager, District Manager, Regional Manager, National Sales Manager,

ACR1.COM Sales & Marketing Manager since 2013.

Best Roofing Practices for Mines and Mineral Plants -
26 Mar, 2024
Don't let harsh conditions affect the longevity of your roofing system. Learn the best practices for protecting mines, mineral plants, and other industrial facilities from ACR1 Commercial Roofing.
Monolithic Roofing Systems Explained
26 Mar, 2024
Upgrade your commercial building with the latest monolithic roofing systems. Discover the benefits and how they can protect your property for years to come with ACR1 Commercial Roofing.
13 Feb, 2024
Flat roofs can be a great choice for buildings due to their affordability and durability. However, if not done correctly, flat roofs are prone to water damage. Proper drainage is essential for the longevity of a flat roof, and selecting the correct drainage system is critical. Here we will discuss three common flat roof drainage systems - gutters, interior drains, and scuppers - as well as their pros and cons. Gutters Gutters are the most common form of flat roof drainage because they are low-cost and efficient when it comes to redirecting water off the roof. Gutters should be installed at a certain angle (approximately 1/4” per foot) to ensure proper water drainage. Gutters also need to be maintained over the years, as debris and leaves from storms or rain water can clog them up and create standing water. Pros: Low-cost installation and maintenance Easy to install Can direct water away from the foundation of the building Cons: Prone to clogging Requires periodic maintenance and cleaning Overflow from rain storms can cause damage to surrounding areas Interior Drains Interior drains are often seen as the higher-cost alternative to gutters. They are installed directly into the flat roof’s membrane and include a network of pipes that drain water off the roof into a downspout. Pros: Low maintenance More reliable than gutters in terms of preventing roofing damage Can be adjusted to fit any size of flat roof Cons: Expensive installation and maintenance costs compared to gutters May require frequent adjustments depending on the environment surrounding the building Can be difficult to install if the roof does not have the right slope Scuppers Scuppers are metal or plastic openings that allow water to drain off flat roofs. They generally come in square or rectangular shapes and are installed along the perimeter of a roof. The size and shape of scuppers should be adjusted accordingly in order to prevent water from overflowing onto the sides of a building. Pros: Easy and cost-effective installation Low maintenance costs compared to gutters or interior drains Can be adjusted to fit any size of flat roof Cons: Prone to clogging due to debris and leaves Overflow from rainstorms can cause damage to surrounding areas Can be difficult to install correctly if the roof does not have the right slope When it comes to selecting the best drainage system for your flat roof, there are a few things to consider. Gutters, interior drains, and scuppers all offer their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to select the right drainage system for your needs in order to ensure the longevity of your roof and protect it from water damage. Flat Roof Repair and Inspection Services If you are looking to repair or replace your flat roof, make sure to contact a certified roofing professional who can assess your current roof and provide the best solution for your needs. At ACR1 Commercial Roofing, we specialize in flat roof repair and installation . Our team of certified professionals has years of experience working with flat roofs, so you can be sure that your roof is in safe hands. Contact us today to learn more!
Flat roof with pooling water
13 Feb, 2024
Learn about the unique challenges and solutions for flat roofs when it comes to handling rain, and how ACR1 can provide expert commercial roofing services for your building.
By FLOYD MASON 11 Sep, 2023
Flat roofs can be a popular choice for homes and commercial buildings, but they must be maintained and managed correctly to ensure that rainwater doesn’t cause damage or unwanted leaks. That’s why it’s important to understand the components of a flat roof drainage system and how they work together.
Can You Use Silicone on a Flat Roof?
By FLOYD MASON 30 Aug, 2023
Learn why silicone roofing is becoming more popular with flat roofing and the benefits it can provide your roof from the experts at ACR1.
Common Commercial Roofing Problems for Florida Businesses
By Floyd Mason 14 Jul, 2023
Florida businesses need to be aware of these common commercial roofing problems! Prevent damage to your roof with these tips here.
Why Flat Roofing is a Popular for Chicago Businesses?
By FLOYD MASON 22 Jun, 2023
Designing your commercial building? Learn why flat roofs are becoming increasingly popular among local businesses and how you can benefit from them.
Flat Roof Maintenance for Spring
By FLOYD MASON 22 May, 2023
Are you in need of commercial roof maintenance as we move into spring? Find out the best preventative steps you can take to make sure your roof is ready.
How Hail Damage Can Impact Your Roof
By FLOYD MASON 29 Apr, 2023
Learn how hail can cause serious damage to the roof of your commercial property, and what steps you need to take in order to protect your investment from future storms.
More Posts
Share by: