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ny material that covers flat roofs has a life-span. The main job for this roofing material membrane is to keep out water. Even on a flat roofs, there is a slight tilt or camber. The tilt rolls the water into a gutter and through a system of down spouts. On commercial buildings, if this simple process fails, you are going to have a big problem.
According to The National Association of Commercial Roof Inspectors, "The average life expectancy of these roof systems has been indicated to be 15 years." Many leaks are the failure of installation or maintenance. Even when leaks are not obvious, any water that enters under a flat roof remains and rarely dries. Roof materials, then, degrade and further damage insulation below the membrane - leading to yet more damage.
Perhaps, not surprisingly, any roof system should be inspected just after installation to confirm the quality of the work and related liabilities. A close inspection should follow any and every major wind, rain, or hail event and routinely every 3 to 5 years after installation.
You might want to act faster or more frequently if your roof has certain characteristics:
ny material that covers flat roofs has a life-span. The main job for this roofing material membrane is to keep out water. Even on a flat roofs, there is a slight tilt or camber. The tilt rolls the water into a gutter and through a system of down spouts. On commercial buildings, if this simple process fails, you are going to have a big problem. According to The National Association of Commercial Roof Inspectors, "The average life expectancy of these roof systems has been indicated to be 15 years." Many leaks are the failure of installation or maintenance. Even when leaks are not obvious, any water that enters under a flat roof remains and rarely dries. Roof materials, then, degrade and further damage insulation below the membrane - leading to yet more damage.
Perhaps, not surprisingly, any roof system should be inspected just after installation to confirm the quality of the work and related liabilities. A close inspection should follow any and every major wind, rain, or hail event and routinely every 3 to 5 years after installation.
You might want to act faster or more frequently if your roof has certain characteristics:
- Rolled materials all have seams that are susceptible to cracking and lifting.
- Most systems installations do not reinforce flashing material.
- Most are glued or heat-mopped.
- Some curbs and stacks are not customized, nor are scuppers and parapets.
- Most installations charge for extended warranties because there is little or no coverage for damage from standing water or consequential damage.
