Flat roofing is, surprisingly, a very practical and beneficial roofing option for many commercial applications. Regardless of the materials used, flat roofs cost less upfront and are easy to install, repair, and maintain. More so, flat roofs are multifunctional and offer your building more usable space. They’re even environmentally friendly and help save on your business’s energy costs. However, these roofs aren’t without their problems. Here are the most common issues with flat roofs and how to fix them properly or avoid them altogether.
Overexposure
Of all the problems that flat roofing experiences, overexposure is undoubtedly the most common. Due to its slope-less design, flat roofing is exposed to many different weather conditions and elements that other roofing options aren’t. Snow, rain, sleet, wind, and UV rays from the sun all slowly degrade the quality of your roof, regardless of the material.
As such, it’s normal and expected that flat roofing won’t last forever. However, there are ways to fix and even negate the impact of these outside environmental factors. For one thing, ensuring your roof is installed properly increases its durability. Additionally, a coating system can benefit certain roofing variations, like metal roofing.
Punctures
All types of roofing are susceptible to punctures, splits, and tears, regardless of incline. The above-mentioned environmental factors always have the potential to damage your roof and cause openings. However, flat roofs typically experience more foot traffic than other types of roofing, making the chance of punctures even more likely.
Something as simple as a repairperson dropping a sharp tool can cause significant damage to the roof. You can avoid or at least reduce the likelihood of punctures and other holes by installing proper walkways. Regular roof inspections are crucial to finding punctures and tears quickly and fixing them appropriately.
Debris Accumulation
Debris accumulation is a common flat roof issue that sometimes deters individuals from considering this option as a roofing solution. That’s understandable; flat roofs are much more likely to retain leaves, mud, trash, and water. Over time, these uninvited items and objects wear down the quality of your roof and put stress on the building as a whole. Luckily, installing a proper drainage system and conducting regular cleanings is a simple and affordable way to avoid excessive debris accumulation.
Yes, flat roofs do struggle with common issues. Luckily, many of these problems are easy to fix, and the pros of flat roofing make the extra work worth it. If you ever need help with your building, you can rely on our commercial flat roof repair services offered here at Armour Roof Co.!
