Inclement weather is a major cause of roof damage, and constant exposure to snow or water can tear down the roof and cause permanent damage. In some areas, snow accumulates on drains and gutters, leading to unwanted water accumulation. This can be due to obstructed drainage systems, a poorly installed roof, or a roof that has not been well maintained. The presence of standing water can add an incredible amount of pressure on the roof surface.
Without proper maintenance and regular inspections, costly repairs can be avoided if discovered in time. Homeowners should be aware of any small stains on the ceiling or leaks, and should contact a professional for a full inspection if they notice any signs of damage. Roof damage is inevitable over time, but with proper maintenance and regular inspections, homeowners can avoid expensive repairs if the damage is fixed quickly. One of the most common causes of commercial roof damage is an incorrectly installed joint cover. Statistics show that around 90% of commercial roof leaks are due to door closures that were not installed correctly.
The joint cover is placed on curbs and walls, and must take into account expansions and contractions in response to the elements. If it starts to leak, it may be because the installer did not consider these changes. Tar pans are used to seal the areas around pipes that run through the ceiling. If not properly sealed, they can leak. At Nations Roof, our professionals can install the joint cover correctly and help protect businesses by repairing and replacing leaky gaskets. Aging shingles are another major cause of roof problems.
When roofing materials are not precisely installed and maintained, wind pressure can put additional pressure on the roof gaskets. Commercial roofs are designed to withstand years of weather and pressure, but sometimes the roof membrane can be punctured and cause leaks that require costly repairs. When water accumulates, the acceptable weight load of the roof can be exceeded, which could cause massive structural damage to the roof that could even cause it to collapse. A gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds, so 100 gallons of water on a roof can add 834 pounds of dead weight to the top of the roof. Professional roofers use roof plugs to draw water away from critical areas of the roof and are typically installed around vents, chimneys, and skylights. In these cases, homeowners can unknowingly exceed the roof load and jeopardize the integrity not only of the roof but also of the building as a whole.
An inspection by a Nation's Roof professional can often reveal potential problems that can be easily fixed before they become major and costly issues.
