HERE FOR ALL OF YOUR ROOFING NEEDS!
Many contractors are assigned with one difficult task to accomplish: How to identify roof problems. Here is our list of common areas on where to inspect and discover those roof problems. Although there could be different areas that you have to investigate, these are the most repeated scenarios.
Weathering
Roof material deteriorates with direct exposure to inclement weather. Exposure to pollutants or industrial atmosphere may accelerate the decay of your roofing material.
Lack of Maintenance
It is most common on flat or low-sloped roofs. Failure to correct an uneven roof will cause the accumulation of sediments and water that will eventually destroy your material.
Design Problems
Design-related problems are expensive to correct, and normally the corrections must be done while the replacement of the roofing material is undergoing. Some examples are:
- The weak structure supporting the roof that might deflect excessively under active loads
- Improper roof slope, sagging roof, or inadequate drainage system, resulting in accumulation of water
- Incorrect system to allow expansion and contraction of changes in deck material or changes in direction
- Incompatible roof materials
Wind
The vacuum and the uplifting pressure created by wind, blowing over the edge of the roof, can partially rip the roofing membrane or system that has been applied. To counteract the forces that are exerted on the roof, the roofing and insulation must be fastened and secured to the perimeter and the main roof structure.
Flashing Material
The function of the flashing is to provide a seal, a watertight seal, between roofing materials, roof sections, and other parts of the building. It is an area that should be carefully inspected prior to any other area. Incorrect installation procedure or attachment, and improper sealing of the flashing will allow the water to enter between the roofing systems and the roof structure. Sometimes, installing a flashing over a joint or cap will eliminate the problem if it is detected early in the construction.
Base Flashing
Base-flashing problems also present some serious and important areas that you must inspect. Some common causes are:
- An insufficient number of base-flashing piles
- Improper height
- Insufficient overlaps
- Poor adhesion
- Incorrect fastening to the surface
- Insufficient coating
- Loose insulation below
Penetration Flashings
Either small or large penetration flashing can fail in several ways. As a matter of example:
- Improper design
- Broken seams in metal curbs due to building movement
- Deteriorated counter flashing
- Improper finishing of metal surfaces
- Standing water behind penetration curbs