Flat roofs are a mainstay for commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and some contemporary residential properties. Their smooth, modern aesthetics aren’t just attractive, but they are also functional and can maximize living space in dense urban environments.
While they offer many advantages, they are also prone to specific types of failures. Thankfully, the roofing experts at Noble Roofing are familiar with the tendencies of TPO and EPDM flat roofs. Whether you need a routine inspection or to repair a failing component before it becomes a bigger issue, our contractors can get your flat roof back into working condition.
Common Areas Where Flat Foofs Fail The Most
As with all structures, there are typical failures that happen when exposed to the elements like UV rays, storms, and trauma. Experienced roofers who understand the needs of flat roofs can service your TPO or EPDM roof and get it back to regular working condition.
1. Drip Edges
Metal drip edges are along the perimeter of a flat roof to provide a secure termination point for the membrane and to protect the roof edge from damage. These are often made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or other corrosion-resistant metals. When metal edges start to fail, they can cause a domino effect of problems on the roof, decreasing its longevity.
2. Other Metal Components
If other metal components of your flat roof rust, corrode, or become damaged from an impact, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. Leaving these parts of your flat roof unaddressed can lead to a variety of issues like leaks.
- Flashing: Metal flashings go on roof penetrations such as vents, chimneys, and skylights, as well as along roof edges and parapet walls. These flashings help to prevent water infiltration at vulnerable points on the roof. If flashing is improperly installed or deteriorates over time, it can allow water to seep into the building. Sealants used around flashing and seams may also degrade, leading to leaks.
- Fasteners: Metal fasteners such as screws or nails secure EPDM or TPO membrane sheets to the roof deck or insulation boards in mechanically attached systems.
- Seam Plates: In mechanically attached or fully adhered EPDM systems, metal seam plates join adjacent sheets of EPDM membrane together. These plates are fastened with screws or adhesives and provide strength and stability to the seam.
- Termination bars: These secure the membrane at termination points, such as at the edge of a roof or around penetrations. They help to hold the membrane in place and provide a clean, finished look.
3. Roof/ Wall Coping
Roof coping provides an extra layer of protection for your flat roof against the elements. It’s made of pieces of bent sheet metal that form a continuous cap, covering the vertical wall around the roof. If this part of the roof rusts or corrodes, it needs replacement to preven further damage.
4. Pooling Water
Since flat roofs lack a slope, this can lead to excessive water pooling or ponding after rainfall. If its drainage system is not functioning well, stagnant pooling water can put excessive stress on the roof membrane, leading to leaks and deterioration over time.
Proper drainage is essential for flat roofs to prevent water buildup. If you notice pooling, get a contractor over to check for blockages in drains, gutters, or scuppers which can impede water flow and contribute to ponding. Improperly installed or insufficient drainage systems can exacerbate this issue, so a new drainage system may be the answer if a roof continually experiences pooling water.
5. Membrane Damage
Flat roofs typically use membranes, like built-up roofing (BUR), single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, PVC), or modified bitumen to waterproof the structure.
Damage to any of these membrane types from weathering, punctures, heavy foot traffic, or improper installation can compromise its integrity and lead to leaks. To make sure your property doesn’t experience further damage from water, you should fix the membrane as soon as possible.
6. Structural Issues
Flat roofs must be strong enough to support the weight of equipment, HVAC units, snow, and accumulated water. If they experience structural deficiencies, inadequate support can lead to sagging, ponding, or even roof collapse.
Proper installation should prevent this issue, but if storm damage or impacts can affect a flat roof’s structural integrity too. This is why it’s important to get a professional roofing inspection regularly and after a significant storm
7. Weathering and UV Exposure
Flat roofs face the elements year-round, including UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and severe weather conditions. Over time, this exposure can cause materials to degrade, leading to cracks, brittleness, and loss of flexibility. Inspecting your roof regularly can enable your roofer to know when it’s due for resealing to protect it against this deterioration.
8. Plants?!
Yes, you read that right. Flat roofs are more susceptible to vegetation growth, like moss, algae, and weeds, especially in humid or shaded areas. While this can be a plus if you actually planned a rooftop garden, it’s not so great if you have unexpected guests lurking in the shadows.
They are a byproduct of spots that have issues with drainage, which can accelerate roof deterioration if you don’t fix the source of excessive moisture.
Where Do Flat Roofs Fail the Most?
To prevent the common potential failure points of flat roofs, get a professional roofer to properly design, install, and maintenan your flat roof. Doing everything correctly from the start can mitigate many typical risks and prolong the life of a flat roof.
In addition, regular inspections can identify issues early and prevent costly damage. If you need to install, repair, or inspect a flat roof, contact the experts at Noble Roofing today.
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