Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system typically used on flat or nearly flat roofs. When installed correctly by licensed roofing companies, a membrance roof effectively protects the building beneath, provides insulation and prevents water from entering your property. Unfortunately, it is fairly common for membrane roofs to fail at the seams. Here’s why.
Normal Wear and Tear
Heat, snow, ice and rain all contribute to the normal wear and tear of a roof. No matter how durable your commercial roof is, some natural weathering over time is to be expected. This natural wear and tear causes shrinkage and brittleness which affect the seals of the membrane.
Inadequate Insulation
Your insulation needs to be properly secured to the roof; otherwise, it will warp and create tiny bumps under the membrane. These bumps pull on the seams and may cause it to tear in places.
Poor Installation
A poor installation is another leading cause of seam failure. Remember, just because the membrane seams overlap does not necessarily mean that they are properly sealed – a point that is sometimes missed by rookie contractors. Other common mistakes made by inexperienced commercial roofing companies include not applying enough weight with a roller and not allowing the melted membrane to reach the right temperature.
The Takeaway
For something as important as your commercial roofing system, be sure to only hire qualified experts that can back their work with a workmanship warranty. A membrane roof may look good when newly installed by an unqualified roofer, but wait until it rains and you’ll see if the quality of the installation is up to standard.
Hinkle Roofing is a trusted residential and commercial roofing contractor serving home and business owners in Jefferson and Shelby counties. For all your roofing needs, be sure to give us a call at (205) 324-8545 to schedule an appointment or fill out our contact form to request a quick estimate.