For a business owner, the integrity of your commercial roofing is of the utmost importance. Your roofing system ultimately protects your assets, staff, and all of your business operations in regards to the environment. Not addressing simple and common commercial roofing issues can result in serious financial losses and disruptions to your operational flow. Understanding these issues and dealing with them in a timely manner is key to keeping your business environment healthy, especially as it pertains to commercial roofing services in Houston & Katy.
Important Commercial Roofing Problems That Require Urgent Repairs
The challenges that commercial roofs deal with are different from residential roofs. The larger surface areas, drainage criteria, and heavy equipment installed on commercial roofs can result in unique vulnerabilities that business owners need to be aware of.
Water Damage and Drainage Problems
Water-related issues are the most expensive commercial roofing issue for any business owner. There are also issues that arise on flat or low-slope commercial roofs that can cause ponding water and act as a source of water-related problems. Ponding water occurs when drainage systems back up or are inadequately designed. The longer the roof membrane remains in contact with water, the more issues it causes the facility manager. Some of the consequences of ponding water are:
- Deterioration of the membrane from prolonged contact with water
- Structural damage due to excessive weight loads
- Growth of mildew and mold creating indoor air quality issues
- Saturation of the insulation resulting in energy loss
Poor drainage systems can amplify the numerous issues associated with standing water, which is why constant inspection and maintenance of gutters, drains and scuppers is very important to reduce the chance of standing water.
Installation and Workman Defects
Substandard installation practices are a major source of commercial roofing issues. Unfortunately, this issue will show up immediately or over the long term, and often creates an ongoing maintenance hassle:
- Membrane was not adhered properly and separates prematurely
- Flashing was not adequately installed around your penetrations
- The material was simply applied incorrectly and led to early failures
- Poor seam welding creates vulnerable leaking spots
Commercial roofing services recommended for Katy business owners with experience will lead them to the proper installation practices that will help avoid these costly issues.
Failure Mechanisms of Membrane Systems
Commercial roofs generally use single-ply membrane systems such as TPO, EPDM, or PVC. These materials endure constant environmental exposure to:
- UV rays from the sun that degrade and embrittle material
- Thermal cycling that expands and contracts building materials, causing stress • Punctures caused by foot traffic and falling debris
- Chemical contact, such as HVAC equipment or Manufacturing processes
Routine inspections of membrane systems find the early signs of deterioration before system failures happen.
The Unseen Effects of Postponing Roof Maintenance
Postponing commercial repairs to your roof results in a chain of events that affect more than the roof. When emergency conditions arise, the cost of business interruption is often higher than cost to repair. Water damage can ruin inventory, equipment and important documents, along with liability issues related to the safety of employees.
Replacement of bag insulation (if at all possible) can result in significant energy cost increases. A damaged commercial roof can exacerbate heating or cooling increases by 20-30%. Costly repairs have a positive ROI with timely maintenance.
Weather-Related Risks
The Houston and Katy area’s environment poses risks to commercial roofing systems. The Houston area has high humidity, causing rapid material deterioration, while severe weather created a constant risk of damage:
- Hurricane force winds causing membrane blow-off
- Hail creating punctures and impact damage
- Temperature changes causing thermal shock
- Heavy rain creating a flooding risk if drainage is overwhelmed
Preventive Plans for Long-Term Roof Longevity
Having a regular program of maintenance is the best way to protect your investment – and avoid having to deal with emergency repairs. You’re going to want to check with roof services that can demonstrate a systematic way of caring for the roof; normal activities might include:
Routine Professional Check-Ups
Regular professional inspections at least quarterly provide a unique opportunity to detect probable problems before they become a full-blown emergency. An inspection should ascertain:
- The condition of the membrane
- The working condition of the drainage system
- The working condition of flashing and penetrations sealing
- Any need for urgent repairs to structural components
Proactive Maintenance Programs
A scheduled maintenance program will identify, and hopefully fix, minor issues before they turn into larger issues. Routine maintenance will include removal of debris, clearing out drains, and repairing small punctures or tears on the spot.
Emergency Response Plans
An ongoing relationship with dependable roofing services at the best possible price will guarantee a timely response when problems arise. No one likes to deal with emergency repairs, but having a reliable company available will help lessen the damage to the roof and the related costs.
Picking the Best Commercial Roof Partner
When selecting the right commercial roofing service, carefully assess experience, licensing, and awareness of the local market. Companies familiar with the climate challenges of Houston and Katy can offer a solution that takes into account the possible long term plaintiff issues.
Choosing contractors that offer a full solution (inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement) will make the process seamless and provide consistency and continuity for your roofing project from inspection to replacement.
Protecting Your Investment Through Professionalism
Don’t let commercial roofing problems affect your bottom line or the day to day operations of your business. A proactive approach to maintenance, and calling in the professionals promptly, protects your property investment and also ensures that your business can still operate without hindrances.
Whether you have an ongoing leak, figuring out preventative maintenance, or replacing your entire roof, with commercial roofing services you may prevent a costly emergency and keep your maintenance manageable!
Contact us today for a thorough assessment of your commercial roofing needs, and learn how our knowledgeable team can offer you dependable commercial roofing services in Houston & Katy at competitive prices.
