Common Commercial Roof Problems and How to Fix Them

Commercial roofs are made from tough materials, and they are really durable. But this doesn’t mean they won’t have any problems over their lifespan. If you are a property owner or manager, it’s important to know common commercial roof problems so you can be prepared for potential issues and take steps to avoid or address them quickly. 

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we try to provide property owners with accurate information regarding their roofs. In this blog post, we will cover some common problems that your commercial roof may face over time. We will also discuss how much it costs to repair that specific problem. 

Let’s get started!

1. Roof Leak

Cost to Repair: $400 - $1,300

Leaks happen when water finds its way into your building through seams, holes, or cracks in the roof. Roof leakage can damage your walls, ceilings, and everything inside. If not fixed quickly, this issue can lead to other concerning problems like mold growth and structural damage.

Solution: To fix leaks, first find where the water is coming from, which might require a professional inspection. Once found, patch the hole or crack with compatible materials. Use sealants for small issues or replace damaged parts for bigger problems.

Regular roof checks can help catch leaks early before they cause major damage.

2. Ponding Water

Cost To Repair: $75 - $500

Ponding water occurs when rain or melted snow doesn't drain off your roof properly. Instead, it forms puddles in low spots. This standing water can be heavy, putting extra stress on your roof. Over time, it can weaken the roofing material and lead to leaks or even roof collapse.

Solution: To avoid ponding water, improve how water flows off your roof. This might mean adding more drains in problem areas or addressing slopes to fix low spots. Sometimes, using special insulation that's thicker on one side can help create the right slope for water to flow towards drains.

3. Damaged Flashing

Cost To Repair: $200 - $750

Roof flashing is the metal strips that seal the edges of your roof and around things like pipes or vents. When flashing gets loose or cracked, it can let water in. This often causes leaks in specific spots near roof edges or around roof fixtures. 

Solution: To fix damaged flashing, replace the broken parts with new metal strips. Make sure to use the right type of flashing for each area. 

Use good quality sealants to make sure the new flashing forms a watertight seal. This job often needs a professional to ensure it's done correctly.

4. Blisters

Cost To Repair: $250 - $1,000

Blisters on a roof look like bubbles in the roofing material. Blisters can pop if stepped on or when exposed to extreme heat, leaving holes in your roof. They're often caused by poor ventilation or moisture trapped under the top layer of the roof or from issues during installation.

Solution: To fix blisters, carefully cut them open and let any trapped moisture dry out completely. Then, patch the area with new roofing material that matches your existing roof. It's important to figure out what caused the blisters and fix that issue, too, or they might come back.

5. Roof Shrinkage

Cost To Repair: $350 - $1,250 

Shrinkage happens when the roofing material gets smaller over time. This can cause cracks in the roof or make it pull away from walls or other parts of the building. It's most common with certain types of materials like EPDM (a type of rubber roofing membrane).

Solution: When shrinkage is severe, the affected parts of the roof need to be replaced. When choosing new materials, consider options that are less likely to shrink. Some newer roofing materials are designed to resist shrinking better than older types. 

6. Punctures and Holes in the Membrane

Cost To Repair: $150 - $1,250

Punctures in your roof can allow water, dust, and other external elements to seep into your roofing system. This increases the rate of deterioration. 

Sometimes, objects like tiny stones on the roofing membrane make holes. People walking on the roof for maintenance can also damage it if they're not careful. 

Solution: For small holes, use roof sealants to patch them up. These sealants are made to stick well to roofing materials and keep water out. For bigger holes or a lot of small ones, you might need to replace that section of the roof with new material.

7. Poor Installation

Cost To Repair: $150 - $10,000+

We often stress the importance of proper installation. Improper installation often leads to all sorts of problems later.

Improper installation can mean using the wrong materials, not sealing the seams or the material properly, or not following the manufacturer's instructions. Poor installation can shorten your roof's life and cause early leaks or damage. 

Solution: The best solution is prevention. Always hire experienced, licensed roofing contractors for any roof work. Check their references and make sure they follow all the guidelines for the roofing materials they're using. If you suspect poor installation, have a different contractor inspect the work. 

8. Weather Damage

Cost to Repair: Click here to get a custom quote

Severe weather can hurt your roof. Hail can make dents or holes, while strong winds can tear off roofing materials. Extreme heat or cold can make materials expand and contract, causing cracks. Even sun exposure over time can degrade roofing materials.

Solution: Use roofing materials that can stand up to your local weather. In areas where hail is common, choose impact-resistant materials. Before storms, secure any loose roofing materials. After severe weather, have your roof checked for damage and repair any issues quickly to prevent bigger problems.

9. Clogged or Damaged Gutters and Drains

Cost To Clean Gutters: $0.80 - $2 per sq. ft.

Cost To Repair: $75 - $500

When gutters and roof drains get filled with leaves, twigs, and other debris, water can't flow off the roof properly. This is a common commercial roof problem that is often caused by a lack of proper maintenance. Blocked gutters or drains are a major reason for water ponding and overflowing gutters. 

If the gutters and drainage systems are damaged and not working properly, this can also be a reason for the same issues. 

Solution: Clean your gutters and roof drains regularly, especially after a sudden storm. You might need to do this several times a year. Consider installing gutter guards, which are covers that let water in but keep leaves and debris out. If damaged, fix the gutters and drains immediately to avoid future problems. 

10. Roof Aging

Cost To Replace The Old Roof: $3 - $20 per sq. ft.

No roof will last forever, whether residential or commercial. Over time, exposure to sun, rain, wind, and temperature changes will wear out any roofing material. An old roof is more likely to leak and have other problems. How long a roof lasts depends on the material and how well it's been maintained.

Solution: Keep track of how old your roof is and plan for replacement before it starts having problems. Most commercial roofs last 20-40 years, but this varies. 

When it's time for a new roof, choose materials that will work well with your local climatic conditions and for your building type. A new roof is a big investment, but it protects everything below it.

Why Is It Recommended To Hire A Professional Commercial Roofing Company?

Choosing a trustworthy and best-rated contractor in your area is important to ensure faultless roof repair. A professional roofer will inspect your roof properly and fix minor issues that can lead to future risks. Professionals have relevant knowledge, experience, and skills to address different roofing problems effectively. 

They can identify potential weaknesses in your roof structure that might not be obvious to an untrained eye. Professional roofers also use high-quality materials and proper techniques, which can extend the life of your roof.

Call McClellands Contracting and Roofing For Commercial Roof Repair In Pittsburgh, PA

If you are looking for a trustworthy partner who can repair your commercial roof in Pittsburgh, PA, or the surrounding areas, we are here to assist you! We provide the top-rated commercial roof repair services in Pennsylvania. We offer comprehensive roofing services for not only commercial buildings but also for homeowners.

Trust us as your roofing partner, and our roofers will ensure satisfactory workmanship and results. To know more about our services, feel free to call us today at (412) 353-5660.