A durable commercial or industrial flat roof is a necessity for any owner of commercial property in Toronto, Ontario. Because commercial roofs are built to last, it can become a surprise when a problem(s) occurs. The truth is, commercial roofing problems are inevitable, and commercial roofs can encounter enemies that put threat to their integrity at any time. However, with continuous maintenance and repairs, you can prevent commercial roofing problems from happening to your property this winter.

So, how can commercial roofing problems be prevented on your roof? For starters, being aware of the different types of problems that can occur will help keep your roof protected.

Below are six common roofing problems to watch out for this winter in Toronto.

1. Ice damming. Owning commercial property in Toronto can be a huge responsibility, especially in the winter. For example, a cold Canadian winter can leave even the most efficient commercial roofing systems with ice dams. Ice dams most commonly occur when there is a leak in the roof, causing heat to exit the interior premises, and therefore melting the snow, and allowing the water to refreeze on the roof’s surface.

 Solution: To prevent ice damming from happening to your commercial flat roof this winter, ensure the following:

• Proper ventilation.
• Proper insulation.
• Appropriately positioned underlayment – this should be done during installation, but always have it looked at during seasonal commercial roofing inspections.

2. Blow-offs, tenting, or billowing. When a forceful winter wind catches an open seam or loose flashing on the roof, it can cause billowing, tenting or even complete blow-offs. More often than not, these types of commercial roofing problems will occur if the roof is not properly adhered to, or if it was installed incorrectly.

Solution: Ask your Toronto-area commercial roofing contractor to provide the proper specification or building code for your area when installing or repairing a new flat roof.

3. Poor installation or workmanship. Faulty commercial or industrial roof installation is not only a problem in itself; it can also increase the likelihood of future commercial roofing problems, reducing the roofing system’s life expectancy altogether.

 Solution: Because poor workmanship tends to be one of the more common problems or reasons for problems down the road, ensure the commercial roofing contractor you hire is qualified for the job. Some things you can do to know that you’re hiring the right contractor are:

• Ask your contractor for a checklist specific to the roof system that should be used for information-gathering and reporting.
• Ask about licenses, insurance policies, and safety procedures.
• Ask about moisture surveys. If your roof is insulated, for example, then it should be surveyed beforehand.
• Have your contractor provide a written inspection report, complete with digital photos and infrared scans.
• Additional details on any structural modifications to the roof surface during repair or replacement should also be provided to you.

4. Punctures & holes. If your commercial or industrial building has a single-ply roofing system, damage from foot traffic can be problematic, and likely the cause of punctures to the roofing materials.

Solution: Limit foot traffic as much as possible and seek a professional roofing inspection after tradespeople have been on the roof.

5. Shrinkage. Commercial roofing materials, especially metal, expand and contract with hot and cold temperatures. As a result, metal drip edges and flashings have the ability to change dramatically in size from one season to the next. Expanding and contracting metal can cause joints to break, which can therefore lead to structural damage of the entire building.

Solution: Stay on top of conducting visual inspections as well as thorough roofing inspections by a professional roofing contractor. At Crown Industrial Roofing, we recommend a minimum of two per year (late fall and early spring).

6. Improper repairs. Much like improper installation, improper repairs can wreak havoc on a commercial or industrial roof. Using materials that are not intended for application on specific commercial roofing types can result in permanent, not to mention, costly damage.

Solution: Ask your Toronto-area commercial roofing contractor if they are certified by the manufacturer to repair your commercial flat roof this winter.

Toronto’s Flat Roof Installation & Repair Experts

To learn more about the most common commercial roofing problems that can occur this winter in Toronto, or to prevent them from happening altogether, contact the experts at Crown Industrial Roofing. With over 40 years of expert commercial roofing experience in Toronto and the surroundings, we’re here to solve any commercial roofing problems you may have.

We also provide 24/7 emergency roof repair services, so don’t hesitate to contact one of our commercial roofing experts. We’re always standing by to assist you. Give us a call, or book your free roofing inspection today.