Debunking 5 Common Myths About Commercial Roofs

A well-built commercial roof protects the building and its occupants from the adverse effects of severe weather and even assists with fire prevention. In order to care for your commercial roof properly — first, so your business can continue running smoothly; and second, so you can get the most value out of your investment — it is important to weed out all the half-truths and misconceptions from factual information. 

To get started, metal roofing expert Done-Right Roofing  & Sheet Metal Ltd. debunks some of the most common myths and misconceptions about commercial roofing in today’s blog.

Myth 1: All commercial roofs are the same.

There are several types of commercial roofing systems, varying in appearance, efficiency, performance, longevity and price:

• Built-up roofing generally has a lifespan of 20 years or more, depending on the level of care and maintenance. Made with alternating layers of tar and gravel, it is one of the oldest and most flexible roofing types. It is also inexpensive to install and easy to repair, although leaks can be difficult to identify as the roof ages.
• EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, a roll-based synthetic rubber roofing membrane. It offers strong resistance to pollution and sunlight, is easy to install, versatile, and long-lasting. However, EPDM is not necessarily the most attractive-looking option on the market and can be punctured quite easily.
• TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are single-ply roofing systems used on commercial and industrial roofs that are flat or low sloped. These membranes are lightweight and resistant to punctures, bacterial growth, and chemicals.
• Metal roofing is one of the most popular roofing materials for commercial establishments. It can be made out of corrugated galvanized steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, tile sheets, etc. and has a lifespan of 40 to 100 years. Most metal roofing systems have a sleek finished look and a strong fire resistance rating, making them a durable and resilient option.

Myth 2: Flat roofs are more prone to leaking.

While all roofing systems have the potential to leak, flat roofs are at no greater risk. In fact, flat roofing is not completely flat, but has a very low slope — between ¼ to ½ inch per foot — so that it drains water. But since a low-slope roof tends to hold snow and water much longer than a steeply pitched roof, it requires a different material to remain watertight. A flat roof is designed as a continuous surface that can hold standing water for a limited period of time.

The real problem lies in human error. In this day and age, many consumers attempt to cut corners and hire a contractor that does not always put their best foot forward. The smallest mistake on installing flat roofing can result in persistent leaks down the line. So while it may be tempting to pinch pennies to save for a new roof, doing so could actually lead to further damage and more costly expenses.

Myth 3: Replacing a commercial roof will disrupt the business.

There is a level of truth to this; however, any disruption from a timely roof replacement will be briefer in nature than if you ignored the problem and had to deal with widespread damage later on. If a roof replacement is occurring in your establishment, there are steps you can take to make sure your business continues to operate while the work is being done.

• Assess project length and noise level. Roof replacements can be noisy due to the constant hammering of nails and banging on the roof along with the heavy foot traffic. Gauge how intrusive and loud the project will be and how long it will realistically take. This way, you can make informed decisions about your business.
• Make room for the crew. The installation team will need space in your parking lot for their trucks, supplies and disposal containers. Clear them a space to see if there is sufficient room left for customers and employees.
• Inform your customers and tenants. Whether your business is staying open or not, it is a smart move to communicate with your customers and inform them what is happening. Send out an email or post on social media. If you are open during construction, post signs by the road to draw attention from customers, otherwise they may assume that the business is closed. A reliable roof repair and replacement contractor will observe safety precautions and exercise a clear and comprehensive strategy to address your roofing issues without causing major disturbances to your customers or tenants.

Myth 4: You can ignore your roof if there’s no obvious damage.

The truth is that preventive maintenance is the most effective way to save money on repairs. By conducting a systematic inspection and timely maintenance on the roof, extensive roof repairs and high installation costs can be prevented. Such forward thinking staves off further damage that requires remedial measures.

Realty investors and commercial property managers need to ensure that the roofing system is examined twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Routine inspections alongside written guidance reports allow business owners to discover areas that need professional attention as soon as possible. For instance, when a roofer locates loose flashing around vents during an inspection, they will fix it before it allows water to leak into your building, potentially causing leaks and slip-and-fall accidents.

Apart from performing a detailed inspection during a maintenance service, a commercial roofer will:

• Clean debris like fallen leaves, branches, and other windswept litter that prevents water from draining off the roof.
• Check for ponding water from a clogged drain or slow-draining lines. The roof repair specialist will be able to see if there is any underlying damage to your roof caused by standing water.
• Check the flashing and roof field for cracks or tears. Flashing is used where the roof plane meets a vertical surface like chimneys or dormers. Cracks or tears will likely let water seep into the roofing structure, so they need to be repaired immediately.
• Inspect the roof edge to make sure nothing is knocked loose or damaged by high winds.
• Check the gutters and ensure they are attached firmly to the roof. Gutters also need to be free of debris so water can flow freely into the drain without causing backups or overflows.

Myth 5: Covering damaged shingles with new shingles saves time and money.

When repairing a commercial roof, old shingles should be completely removed and replaced with new ones. While some building codes may allow the practice of re-roofing, the truth is that it is not a good idea. Underneath shingles lies a layer of sheathing, which can decompose due to a host of issues, such as leaks, poor ventilation, or old age. In order to properly investigate this roofing component, all the old shingles need to be stripped from the deck.

Contact Professionals For Your Roofing Needs Today!

Whether you need to repair a leak in the attic or replace a down-at-the-heels flat roofing, trust only Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. Our roofers are fully trained and each of our employees has coverage under WSIB for your peace of mind. When you work with us, we will happily walk you through your options so you can make the best decision for your new roofing system. Give us a call at (289) 809-6133 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule a consultation or request a quote.