Flat Roof Repair
Nationwide Services
Property owners need to make informed decisions about whether they need commercial flat roof repair or a new installation.
Locating flat roof leaks and taking prompt corrective measures can extend its life and save money.
That’s why the interests of commercial building owners are best served by enlisting a flat roof repair contractor to conduct a roof inspection after a severe weather event and on a routine basis.
If you are unsure about the integrity of your flat roof or see signs of water damage, consider the following information before taking critical next steps.
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Types of Flat Roofing Systems
Commercial buildings are constructed with flat roofing systems because they provide significant benefits. These systems typically involve a pitch of approximately 10 percent for water removal purposes and to prevent a leaking roof.
The layout and strength allow them to handle heavy equipment such as HVAC units and pipe through multiple exhaust vents.
The design also allows expedited commercial flat roof repairs after severe weather events to prevent water damage.
Before choosing a flat roof repair contractor to implement emergency roof repair or replace an outdated one, it’s essential to understand how the following differences in materials and designs affect decisions.
TPO Roof
TPO (thermoplastic olefin) is widely viewed as one of the most environmentally sustainable materials.
Known for absorbing UV rays and proven to be flame resistant, an installation from an experienced flat roof repair company can last upwards of 20 years.
Constructed with a single-play layer of material that is fixed with plates and screws, this flat roofing system tolerates high temperatures and delivers enhanced durability.
The materials used are generally white or gray, but other colors are available if needed.
A flat roof repair company rolls out and secures membrane roofing materials.
These membranes remain popular due to their cost-effectiveness and use of durable materials that deter flat roof leaks.
However, severe weather events may result in TPO roof hail damage, and a roof inspection is advisable after a storm.
Build Up Roof (BUR)
The build up roofing system has been a mainstay for more than a century.
A flat roof repair company utilizes tar and gravel to develop a relatively thick layer of densely packed tar and stones.
Considered a low maintenance option that resists heat, a build up flat roof enjoys a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
The downside to this system involves its inability to withstand flat roof storm damage.
High winds or a hailstone storm can negatively impact the roof deck, and it’s not uncommon to sustain a leaking roof after a powerful weather incident.
EPDM Roof
Also known as the rubber roof, this single-ply membrane is typically secured with an adhesive product or anchored with fasteners.
In some cases, a less-than-experienced flat roof repair services provider may have weighed the rubber material down with rocks.
This may leave the installation vulnerable and require EPDM roof repair following extreme wind gusts or a hailstone storm.
An EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) ranks among the least expensive systems to install, and temporary flat roof repair poses little challenge.
Usually black or white, the rubber material possesses a life cycle of 25-30 years.
It’s important to conduct an annual inspection and remain vigilant about hail damage to an EPDM roof.
PVC Roof
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) ranks as the third most used synthetic plastic polymer on the market today.
Highly resistant to flat roof leaks, it remains a cost-effective material for a flat roof repair contractor to install and lasts upwards of 20 years.
PVC roof repair comes into play when a significant hailstone storm impacts the roof deck.
Ice the size of baseballs falling at high speeds can cause wide-reaching flat roof hail damage.
Modified Bitumen Roof
Sometimes referred to as a torch down roof, a modified bitumen roof deploys asphalt-based sheets.
These sheets are often installed five layers deep, with the first layer comprised of insulation.
The top layer is coated to deter flat roof leaks and otherwise unnecessary flat roof repair services.
A Modified Bitumen Roof ranks among the more labor-intensive types to install.
Using either hot-mopping or cold-pressing, installations usually cost more than their single-ply counterparts.
Lasting upwards of 20 years, property owners often consider the upfront investment worthwhile due to reduced water damage.
However, modified bitumen roof repair may be required to secure sealants and flashing periodically.
Metal Low Slope Roof
Metal roofing systems have grown immensely popular in recent years based on their cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Often constructed from steel or aluminum sheets, fasteners or screws are used to secure them to sheathing or other infrastructure.
Often lasting upwards of 35 years, metal low slope roof repairs may be necessary after severe weather events.
High winds, tornadoes, and flat roof hail damage rank among the prevalent reasons emergency roof repair may be required following a storm’s direct hit.
Other less commonly employed flat roofing systems include materials such as concrete and green flat roof systems.
These niche installations generally require high-rated load-bearing beams and structural supports to carry excessive weight.
Properties with these and other unusual flat roofing systems may require a roof insurance rider to ensure coverage in the event of high wind, hailstorm, or tornado roof damage.
When You Need Flat Roof Repair
Flat roof repair services are typically needed following severe weather events, as well as when aging structures begin to falter.
Property owners often need time to weigh their options after sustaining flat roof leaks.
However, you can contact an experienced outfit to affect emergency or temporary flat roof repair while deciding whether to invest in a complete rehabilitation and building restoration.
In other cases, the high winds that drive tornado or hurricane flat roof damage task property owners with securing a quote from a public adjuster, determining if they have full roof insurance coverage, and hiring a reputable flat roof repair contractor to restore the system.
The following rank among the common reasons to schedule a roof inspection and have necessary repairs made immediately.
Flat Roof Repair for Hail Damage
Flat roof hail damage can be obvious when a hailstone storm rains down ice the size of baseballs.
Dents in the roof deck are obvious indicators an immediate roof inspection may be necessary.
But because the ice stones that strike buildings have irregular shapes and sharp edges, potential hail damage to an EPDM roof should be carefully reviewed.
Single-ply membranes are likely to result in TPO roof hail damage or PVC cracks. Needless to say, flat roof leaks follow.
Flat Roof Repair for Wind Damage
Perhaps the most prevalent flat roof wind damage is inflicted on metal low slope installations.
When wind gusts exceed 70 mph, the force can push under the exposed material overlapping soffits.
Other concerns involve flat roof wind damage loosening fasteners, screws, and flashing.
Flat Roof Repair for Hurricane Damage
Given that a named tropical storm presents wind velocities ranging from 74 mph to more than 150 mph, hurricane roof damage is to be expected.
But unlike some hazardous windstorms, hurricanes lift large objects and hurl than at residential and commercial buildings.
Hurricane roof damage is just as likely to occur from the sheer force of the winds as the hard objects bludgeoning a flat roofing system.
Flat Roof Repair for Tornado Damage
Even when a commercial building averts a direct hit, tornado roof damage can still occur.
Unlike other windstorms, twisters create a vacuum effect that pulls on nearby structures.
This can result in flat roof storm damage to metal, EPDM, TPO, and PVC installations because the materials are being pulled loose.
Before assuming a building was spared damage, commercial property owners would be well-served to schedule a flat roof inspection and alert a public adjuster to assess the loss before heavy rains seep into cracks and cause water damage.
My Flat Roof is Leaking
The worst damage may not result from obvious flat roof leaks that task property owners with placing buckets on floors.
Small cracks and loose flashing allow moisture to penetrate the building, weaken load-bearing supports and spur hazardous mold growths.
Following any high wind or hailstone storm, commercial property owners will sleep better after an experienced flat roof repair contractor conducts a thorough roof inspection.
Water is Pooling on my Flat Roof
Sometimes referred to as “ponding,” pools of water on a flat roof clearly indicate that water removal repairs are needed.
Contractors who provide flat roof repair services can identify the reason rainwater is not following the 10-degree pitch and traveling through drainage systems.
It’s not unusual for ponding to occur due to clogged drains and other impediments. In some cases, a sagging roof changes the trajectory of rainwater on the roof deck.
Aging roofs or weakened supports usually call for some level of building restoration that may be covered by roof insurance.
Signs You Might Need Roof Repair
Commercial property owners are strongly advised to avoid DIY flat roof repair attempts and contact an experienced flat roof repair company.
Unlike replacing asphalt shingles on a residential structure, flat roof repairs can prove deceptive.
It’s not unusual for water damage to appear on the ceiling and common sense dictates the source of the leaking roof is directly above it.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Cracks and pooling water can trickle onto cross-beams and travel a significant distance before flat roof leaks are present on ceilings.
If you notice any of the following telltale signs, contact a flat roof repair services specialist.
- Water Spots on a Ceiling
- Torn Flat Roof Membranes
- Cuts in Rubber or Cracks in Flashing
- Cracked Sealants Around Venting Pipes
- Pooling Water on Flat Roofs
- Moisture forming Around Interior of Windows
- Dented Metal Roof Panels
- High Wind Damage to Screens or Siding
- Raised Roof Fasteners
- Air Pockets Under Roofing Materials
- Misaligned Roofing Materials
- Seams or Panels Appear Loose
- Hailstone Storm Damage to Areas of the Property
Emergency roof repair specialists understand that commercial property owners experience a heightened risk of extensive water damage following a devastating hurricane, tornado, or hailstone storm.
These responders typically work longer hours to protect commercial property investments with prompt, temporary flat roof repair.
Flat Roof Hail & Wind Damage Photos
What a Flat Roofing Company Does
A flat roofing company supports local businesses by expediting repairs following devastating weather events and by installing durable systems that protect the structural integrity of commercial buildings.
A flat roofing system remains the first line of defense against harsh weather and water penetrations that can ruin inventories, equipment, and create health hazards.
Those are reasons why a flat roof repair contractor performs an in-depth inspection at the owner’s request that involves water removal, the source of a leaking roof, and areas in decline.
These generally include flashing, sealants, underperforming gutters, loose fasteners, slow drainage systems, and seemingly minor flat roof storm damage, among others.
An experienced flat roof contractor provides building owners with a reliable estimate and implements corrective measures.
These range from fixing minor flat roof leaks to a complete rehabilitation.
A flat roof repair contractor is a soup-to-nuts resource when your building sustains damage or the roof slips into decline.
Can my flat roof be repaired?
Flat roof leaks and surface damage can usually be corrected without property owners incurring a major expense. But when water damage persists, support structures can weaken and a new installation may prove necessary.
The same holds true of flat roofs that are at or past their life expectancy. Property owners who conduct routine maintenance and schedule an annual roof inspection are more likely to experience reduced flat roof repair costs.
What is the best material for a flat roof?
It’s important to understand that the best roofing material requires property owners to make informed decisions. Cost, building type, weather patterns, and other factors must be accounted for when choosing a flat roof material.
That’s why a property owner would be well-served to consult with a commercial flat roof repair and installation professional.
How long does a flat roof last?
An adequately maintained flat roof can last up to 20 years, and low slope metal panels may not require replacement for 35 years.
The key to maximizing return on investment revolves around an annual roof inspection and working with a flat roof repair services outfit should damage occur
How do you keep a flat roof cool?
Like higher-pitched roofs, insulation remains a critical temperature control element. Flat roofing systems typically utilize foam insulators to manage heat and cold. A build up roof also includes insulation as a base layer for this purpose.
Commercial buildings located in regions with extreme heat can also utilize white roofing materials to deflect the sun’s rays.
How often should my flat roof be inspected?
It’s advisable to schedule an annual flat roof inspection to identify and correct emerging cracks, damage, or pooling water.
Property owners can avoid the costly expenses associated with water damage remediation by making ongoing flat roof repairs.
What type of maintenance should be done on my flat roof?
A commercial building’s roof remains its front line of defense against water damage and pest infestations.
During an annual roof inspection, a contractor identifies small cracks, loose seams, decaying materials, and other issues.
Routine maintenance typically involves making minor flat roof repairs to correct these and other issues. It’s also essential to clear debris from the roof deck and drains.
How to Select a Flat Roof Repair Contractor
Flat roof repair requires an experienced commercial roofing contractor. Flat roofing is a specialty field of roof repair, and complex roof systems require careful craftsmanship and adherence to strict manufacturer standards.
If your roof has suffered hail or wind damage, you will want a contractor that can work with you every step of the way.
One that is able to perform emergency roof repairs as needed, loose lay metal temporary roofing if necessary and total installation.
Look for an asphalt shingle roofing contractor with the following qualifications:
- Is licensed, bonded, and insured in your state
- Trained & certified by the manufacturer to offer the best quality and warranty options
- Experience installing your type of flat roof on multiple projects
- Experience managing staged roofing projects that may require parallel tear-off and installation
- Experience working with insurance companies on damage claims
An experienced roofing contractor can help you avoid leaks and major problems and provide a roofing systems that lasts for decades.
RestoreMasters has been honored with multiple years on the Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest Growing Companies and consistently ranks among the Top 100 Roofing Contractors in the nation.
In addition to flat roof repairs, RestoreMasters offers: all common types of roofing systems, shrink wrap roofing, roof tarping, loose lay membrane roofing, emergency roofing & repair, water removal, water damage restoration, mold remediation, catastrophic damage inspections, property damage documentation, testing & damage reports, fencing & perimeter security, disaster recovery services, permanent roof replacement, interior restoration services. and general contractor services.
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