Understand the top 10 common roof problems of low-sloped roofs (flat-roof).
Roof leaks and moisture.
Leaks can occur for a number of reasons. Built-up roofs (BUR) might experience leaks due to flashing details that weren't fastened properly during installation. Leaks can also result when single-ply membrane roofs are installed with poor seams. The membranes themselves will hold water. You've got to have the seams either glued or heat-welded properly.
Blow-offs, tenting, reduced wind uplift resistance, and billowing.
Leaks are not the only problem that can result from improperly installed flashing. Hot bituminous roofs where flashing is poorly attached may experience open seams and laps and ultimately cause blow-offs. Wind uplift resistance can be reduced greatly if seams are not cured adequately on cold-applied mod bit systems.
Poor installation and unsatisfactory workmanship
A faulty installation dramatically increases the likelihood of problems and reduces a roof system’s life expectancy. “Workmanship does tend to be one of the more common problems or common reasons for problems that crop up at some point in the life of the roof.
Lack of maintenance
There are many reasons not to neglect the roof – including financial and business continuity reasons. Being wise to problems can prevent their escalation. “The problem in roofing is a lack of education on all levels. But if the owner of the property is better educated, but to perform routine inspections, you don't have to know a lot about roofing.
Ponding water
During the design of a dead-level or flat roof, slope should be added with tapered insulation or crickets. This helps illiminate dead spots for water to sit. UV rays compound problems by creating have adverse effects on BUR and asphalt-based mod bit roofs.
Punctures and the addition of penetrations post-installation
For all owners, but especially those with single-ply or spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof systems, damage from foot traffic can be problematic. "Punctures are something on high-traffic areas that can be a problem," says Harriman of single-ply systems. "One of the things we like to do is add walkway paths or extra sacrificial layers of membrane."
Safety
The installation of hot bituminous and torch-applied mod bit systems requires strict adherence to safety procedures. Overheating asphalt can result in burns, and fires in the kettle and on the roof. During installation, odors from cold-applied mod bit systems can cause discomfort and alleged illness among building occupants.
Improper repairs
Using materials that are not intended for application on specific roof types can result in permanent damage to the roof. One of the most common problems we see with metal roofs is improper repair. People go up with caulking and plastic roof cement and improper materials that are in no way intended for that purpose.
Shrinkage
The two most common things I see, especially on ballasted membranes, are pulling of the flashings (which is due to shrinkage of the field membrane) or you could have deterioration – surface crazing and cracking of uncured membrane, commonly used at perimeter and penetration flashing
Blistering
Blistering, ridging, splitting, and surface erosion are symptomatic with BUR, and can eventually lead to bigger problems. While blisters are not always worth fixing, one of significant size should be addressed.
