Commercial Roofing 101: Common Issues and Solutions Blog Cover

Commercial Roofing 101: Common Issues and Solutions

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Commercial roofing can be an intricate and challenging endeavor that demands experience and top-of-the-line materials. Commercial roofs must withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy loads, and constant wear and tear which may lead to issues that compromise performance, durability, and aesthetics. Your commercial roof isn’t something you can afford to ignore! In this blog post we’ll look at some of the most common commercial roofing issues and how Duro-Last products can prevent or solve them!

Common Commercial Roofing Issues

Some of the most common commercial roofing issues can be avoided with regular inspections and maintenance! Here’s what we see most often in Michigan:

  • Leaks: Leaks are one of the most dreaded and damaging problems that can affect any roof. Leaks can occur due to poor installation, improper flashing, punctures, cracks and seams allowing water to seep in through. Leaks can lead to water damage, mold growth, structural deterioration and increased energy costs if left unaddressed.
  • Ponding water: Ponding water is the accumulation of water on flat or low-sloped roofs after rain or snow. Ponding water can cause leaks, algae growth, membrane degradation, and increased weight on the roof. Ponding water can also reduce the reflectivity of the roof, which can increase the heat absorption and energy consumption.
  • Blistering: Blistering is the formation of bubbles or blisters on a roof surface due to trapped moisture, air or gas that has collected there due to poor installation, inadequate ventilation or extreme temperature fluctuations. Blistering can reduce adhesion strength of a membrane roof making it more susceptible to punctures, tears and leaks.
  • Alligatoring: Alligatoring is the cracking or splitting of the roof surface due to aging, weathering, or UV exposure. Alligatoring can affect asphalt-based roofs, creating a pattern that resembles the skin of an alligator, and can compromise the waterproofing and flexibility of the roof, leading to leaks and cracks.
  • Shrinkage: Shrinkage is the contraction or tightening of the roof membrane due to temperature changes, aging, or stress. Rubber roofs may experience shrinkage as it pulls away from their edges, flashings or penetrations and develop gaps, wrinkles or tears that allow water and air infiltration through leaks in their waterproof membrane.

Avoid Issues with Duro-Last

Duro-Last is the leading provider of premium single-ply roofing systems, known for their custom fabrication and high quality protection, and our preferred choice at Great Lakes Roofing. Their products provide superior protection, performance, aesthetics and environmental sustainability, meaning you avoid many common commercial roofing issues! As a platinum contractor, one of the top 3% of Druo-Last’s contractors, we’re the perfect choice for your next PVC roof! 

  • Durability: Duro-Last products are made of durable PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material that resists punctures, tears, impacts, chemicals, fire, and wind. Duro-Last products also have a high tensile strength and elongation, which means they can withstand stretching and shrinking without cracking or breaking.
    • Waterproofing: Duro-Last products are watertight and leak-proof, thanks to their unique prefabrication process. Duro-Last products are custom-made to fit the exact dimensions and specifications of each roof, eliminating up to 85% of field seams. Duro-Last products also have a proprietary heat-welded seam technology that creates a permanent, monolithic bond between the membrane and the flashing. Duro-Last systems can prevent or stop any leaks, ponding water, or water damage on the roof.
  • Reflectivity: Duro-Last systems reflect up to 88% of solar radiation away from roof surfaces! This reduces heat absorption and energy use on the roof surface. Duro-Last can also lower roof temperature to avoid blistering, alligatoring, or shrinkage and increase comfort and productivity for building occupants while prolonging roof lifespans.

Commercial roofing is a vital and valuable asset that requires proper care and maintenance. By choosing Great Lakes Roofing and Duro-Last products, you can ensure that your commercial roof is protected from the most costly and common commercial roofing issues! We’ll save you money, time, and hassle by providing a fast, easy, and reliable installation and industry leading warranty. Contact us today to learn more about Duro-Last roofing systems and how they can benefit your commercial roof!