Thursday, June 5, 2014

Common Low-Slope Roof Problems

Obvious or unforeseen roofing problems are a part of the world. Get over it. One day you’ll be sitting at home with a cup of hot cocoa with a couple mini marshmallows with the fire blazing watching the view until you feel the slightest drop of water on pelt your head. It’s inevitable. Whether it’s poor craftsmanship or negligence, problems will arise. Buildings magazine examined the most common problems that can lead to roof failure or reduced service life. However, this is not a self-diagnostics list so please do not try to do any of this stuff yourself, call us here at Jordan Roofing.

1. Roof Leaks and Moisture - No matter what type of roof you have, if you have leaks there is going to be a problem. Leaks can result when single-ply membrane roofs are installed with poor seams. Without the good seams, the membrane holds water, and you've got to have the seams glued or heat-welded correctly.

2. Blow-Offs, Tenting, Reduced Wind Uplift Resistance, and Billowing - Poorly attached flashing on hot bituminous roofs can cause open seams and laps which will eventually lead to blow-offs, reduced puncture resistance, and code issues (C.A.R.E.).

3. Poor Installation and Unsatisfactory Workmanship - A faulty installation dramatically increases the likelihood of problems and reduces a roof system’s life expectancy.

4. Lack of Maintenance - Getting your roof installed and then failing to maintain it is almost worse than unsatisfactory workmanship. Without check ups and patch ups you will find yourself with one of the top two problems. Do not be lazy.

5. Ponding Water - The roof has a good chance of performing the way that it should as long as the water is being chased off of the roof. However, if a little pool of water finds a nook or cranny to stay dormant in, coupled with UV rays, it can break down the membrane and perhaps even void your roofing warranty, so be careful.  


You might think “Oh this will never happen to me, my roof is just fine,” but I guarantee that naivety will get you either really wet, or really hot, so don’t be a hero and give us a call.