The quality of your commercial or industrial flat roof will affect many things – the roof’s service life, durability and weather performance, and the structural integrity of your property as a whole. That’s why it’s important to understand the different types of commercial roofing problems that can arise and how to prevent them from happening to your roof.

To help you understand more about the most common commercial roofing problems that can occur, and how to prevent them from happening altogether, continue reading below.

Here are the five most common types of commercial roofing problems and the necessary steps to take for prevention:

1. Commercial Roofing Problem: Lack of Maintenance & Inspections

The most common commercial roofing problem encountered is a lack of maintenance and inspection. Neglecting your commercial flat roof will not only cause financial stress, but it’s also extremely unsafe. Moreover, severe damage may not always be seen with the naked eye, so even if you think your roof is in tact, it could be experiencing a major structural issue.

Prevention: If you own commercial property in Toronto, Ontario, it’s important to have routine inspections performed on your flat roof. Regardless if you’ve experienced severe weather or not, commercial roofing inspections in the Greater Toronto Area are a must. If problems are found, repair can be done so in a timely (and less expensive) manner.

2. Commercial Roofing Problem: Standing/Pooling Water

Standing water on commercial or industrial flat roofs is a common problem that can lead to significant damage. With each passing season, dirt and debris can blow onto flat roofs, build-up, and clog drains, which therefore causes excess water on the roof’s surface.

Additionally, standing water is common on roofing systems with poor design or installation. When this occurs, it is usually because the pitch or the roof angle won’t allow for excess water to flow towards the drains. In this case, standing water can deteriorate the roof, causing leaks and other structural damage.

Prevention: Ensure that you are scheduling seasonal roofing inspections and maintenance with a professional (and reputable) commercial roofing contractor. And, if your flat roof was installed incorrectly, or with poor quality roofing materials, it is up to you to find the proper company to help solve the issue before larger (and most costly) damage occurs.

3. Commercial Roofing Problem: Holes & Punctures

Foot traffic is the most common culprit of punctures to single-ply roofing systems. When there is too much foot traffic on the roof, aggressive soles can tear through membranes resulting in costly damage.

Prevention: Although regular roofing inspections are necessary to preserve the lifespan of your commercial or industrial flat roof, always limit the amount of foot traffic on your roof. You should also avoid putting heavy or unnecessary equipment that can weigh down the roof and lead to puncturing the membrane.

4. Commercial Roofing Problem: Improper Installation

Each and every commercial roofing project should begin with a professional commercial roofing company in order for proper installation, maintenance, or repair. A poorly installed roof will increase the likelihood of problems and reduce the roof’s lifespan entirely.

Prevention: As mentioned, it is up to you to find a reputable commercial roofing company to install your commercial or industrial flat roof properly. In general, properly installed commercial roofing systems should last anywhere from 20-30 years (see our commercial roofing system guide).

Expert Commercial Roofing Services in Toronto, Ontario

Any of the above commercial roofing problems can be easily prevented with the help of a professional commercial roofing company. To learn more about how to keep your commercial or industrial flat roof free from damage, contact the experts at Crown Industrial Roofing. With over 40 years of professional commercial roofing experience in the Greater Toronto Area, we’ll gladly assist you with any commercial roofing problems you may have and any other roof repairs you may need.

Additionally, if you have any concerns about your existing flat roof, get in touch with our team of highly experienced commercial roofing contractors; we will provide you with proper flat roof maintenance and damage detection tips. We also provide emergency leak detection and repair services that are available 24 hours a day.

Contact us today to book your free commercial roofing inspection.