Follow David Linkedin Facebook
Email David Email
Other
Jan 3, 2023

How to Tell if Your Flat Roof Needs Replacing

Sponsored Content provided by David Grandey - Sales and Marketing Manager, Highland Roofing Company

Most commercial buildings have flat roofs made up of a variety of different types of roofing materials.  Here’s how to know if your flat roof simply needs minor repairs or if it’s time for a full replacement.  

Most commercial roofs less than 10 years old should only need repairs especially if damage or wear and tear is isolated to a specific area and are minor issues that can be repaired quickly and efficiently. Common deficiencies in commercial roofs that can easily be repaired include: 

•    Minor tears/punctures
•    Nails that have popped out of place
•    Worn out flashings
•    Deteriorated sealants and caulking
•    Rusted fasteners
•    Minor damage to coping caps
•    Clogged gutters and drains

All of the above common repairs can quickly be addressed and prevented with a preventative roof maintenance program where each quarter, six months or year a dedicated roofing service team will inspect your roof to make minor repairs, clean gutters and downspouts and remove debris from the roof’s surface.  All of this will prolong the life of your roofing system. 
 
However, most properly installed flat roofs should last between 20-25 years, so if you are getting to that timeframe and are noticing that repairs are becoming more frequent, extensive and are no longer isolated to a specific area, it’s likely time to replace your roof. Here’s some other common signs to watch out for: 

Blistering, Bubbles and Cracking – Blisters, bubbles and cracks on the surface of the roof membrane are sure signs that it’s time to replace the membrane. 

Ponding Water – “Flat” roofs usually have at least a 15-degree slope to allow for water runoff, but as the roof ages, the roof could start to warp causing the designed runoff to become less effective and water to pool and puddle leading to increased water damage and leaks. 

Persistent Roof Leaks – As roofing materials age and break down from exposure to sunlight and weather, cracks will form causing roof leaks to become more persistent as water makes its way through the cracks. Discoloration, mold and mildew on the interior ceilings are all signs of ongoing roof leaks. 

Increasing Energy Bills – If your energy bill is rising and you are having trouble pinpointing the source, it could be your roof! High-quality TPO, PVC and EPDM flat roofing membranes are designed to conserve energy. As the roof ages, it will eventually fail to property insulate the structure its connected to. 

A new roof system provides the following benefits: 

•    Energy Savings – most roofing systems today help deflect heat away from the building which saves on ongoing energy costs and depending on the type of roof selected and if new insulation is installed, a building owner could earn a hefty rebate from their energy company after the installation
•    Weatherproofing – new roofs are better at resisting strong storms, including hail and strong winds
•    Leak Protection – with a new commercial roof and an ongoing roof maintenance plan, your business will have the best leak protection


David Grandey, Sales And Marketing Manager 

David Grandey is Sales and Marketing Manager for Highland Roofing Company where he is a member of the senior management team and maximizes the company’s sales efforts by leading Highland’s account management team. He also oversees all marketing and community relations efforts. 

David is very active in the growth of the Wilmington business community through a variety of leadership roles with Cape Fear Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and The Wilmington Rotary Club and memberships with Wilmington Business Development, the Wilmington Chamber Of Commerce, the Downtown Business Alliance, the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association and the Wilmington Apartment Association.

Highlandroofing logo 762184323
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Img 2448 52825110028

Optimizing Your Established Business: The Strategic Necessity of a Dedicated Bank Account

Romondo McEachern - Live Oak Bank
Gretchen roberts 2021

From Contracts to Offshoring: 7 Powerful Gross Margin Growth Levers

Gretchen Roberts - Red Bike Advisors
Chris coudriet

New Hanover County’s Fellows Program Aims to Help Those Who Help Others

Chris Coudriet - New Hanover County Government

Trending News

Museum Of The Bizarre Owner Aims For Local Landmark Label For Iron Works Building

Cece Nunn - Jul 7, 2025

Buyers, Sellers In Tug-of-war As Both Sides Deal With Market Conditions

Emma Dill and Cece Nunn - Jul 7, 2025

Show Goes On For Training Programs

Rickie Houston - Jul 7, 2025

Unraveling A Film Industry Slump

Rickie Houston - Jul 7, 2025

In The Current Issue

Homes In Luxe Area Still In Demand

The Mayfaire-Landfall area remains in high demand among buyers searching for a higher-end neighborhood and convenience....


Show Goes On For Training Programs

Duke Fire, the program director of film and video production at Cape Fear Community College, said there’s uncertainty about when things will...


Overpass Plan Draws Opposition, Support

To handle increasing traffic, NCDOT plans to construct an overpass, elevating Eastwood Road over Military Cutoff Road while also adding traf...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season