RESOURCES

Want to be able to identify the signs that the roof on your commercial building may be in need of inspection or repair?  Here are five things to watch out for, with pictures to guide you.  While these tips will help you identify a number of potential problems, it is always best to bring in a professional roofing consultant to help determine which repairs you and your team can handle, and those that require expert assistance.

1. Alligatoring. If you have an older asphalt roof, look for signs of ‘alligatoring.’  That’s when small cracks, resembling alligator skin, appear throughout the roof.  These cracks are allowing water to seep into the structure below every time it rains or snows.  If alligatoring is present, get a full inspection to determine of it’s time to replace your roof.

   

2. Flashing & Counterflashing Pulling and Repairs. Flashing and counterflashing can be problematic if not installed or maintained properly.  These are also the areas where water intrusion is most likely to occur.  Many building managers and maintenance teams will attempt to repair flashing issues on their own – by applying sealant or caulking affected areas.  If handled incorrectly, these stopgap measures won’t last and water will continue to find its way through.  Your roof inspector can advise you of the best way to handle these types of repairs.

   

   

3. Pipe and Vent Cap Issues. Check around pipes, soil stacks and vent caps for erosion.  Sealant should hold tight around these fixtures, with no breaks.  If you see cracks in the sealant or an opening between the sealant and the roof fixture, these need to be repaired immediately as water is leaking through.  You also want to look for any holes or breaks in vent caps, as these will allow water into the vent – which will then carry it throughout your building.

   

   

4. Ponding Water or Discoloration at Membrane. If you have ponding water on your roof or discoloration of the roof membrane, it means that water has gotten beneath the membrane.  As the membrane is the barrier between your roof and the underlying structure, water here can result in wood rot and costly repairs if not addressed promptly.

   

5. Failing Seams at Roofing Membrane (EPDM). Over time, membrane seams will erode and fail as the sealant is exposed to weather extremes.  Check any and all seams to ensure the seals are still in place.  Again, should you see any failures or erosion, address these quickly.

   

Be sure your roof isn’t providing any opportunities for water to invade your structure.  The architects, engineers and roof consultants at K2N Crest  offer professional architectural and structural design and evaluation services to building owners and managers throughout Illinois and Hawaii.  www.k2n.com