Property owners will need a flat roof replacement and repair at one time or another. No commercial roofing material is perfect — each one has its flaws and strengths. Thankfully, most single-ply membrane issues can be avoided when the system is properly installed by a professional.
Pawcatuck Roofing Co., Inc. talks about potential damage this membrane roof can experience.
Seam Voids
Over time, these roofing membranes can shrink, become brittle and lose elasticity. As a result, stress increases on the membrane’s seams, resulting in failure. This can also result from poor installation techniques that lead to seam voids or bad welds. Avoid this problem by hiring only a roofing contractor experienced in flat roofing.
Attachment Failure
Single-ply roofing can sustain damage from wind uplift. If the membrane attachment method is not up to standard, a strong wind can tear off portions of the membrane. This damage can also be due to wrong application, adhesive failure or water seepage. Expert workers should reattach the membrane using plates and screws. If not, the replacement of a new section of membrane becomes necessary.
Blisters
Blisters appear when the roof membrane loses adhesion with the underlying roofing material. It is often caused by moisture trapped beneath the roof surface. You can often leave small blisters alone and monitored. Larger or growing ones mean greater moisture below the membrane, causing further damage. Roofing repair by your trusted roofer is necessary.
Shrinkage
As the membrane material ages, it loses elasticity, shrinks and stresses the flashing. This results in tears to the membrane or flashing that has pulled away. Membrane cracks usually follow shrinkage. Again, this is a complication that you can avoid when you work with a pro.
You can avoid all the problems mentioned here by hiring a qualified contractor. Pawcatuck Roofing Co., Inc. provides flat roof repairs, roof replacements and installations. We serve homeowners and businesses in New London, CT. Call us at (860) 650-1951 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
