How To Increase the Lifespan of Commercial Roofs: An Insight

 

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By PAGE Editor

Canada's commercial properties often face challenging roofing conditions. The extreme winter conditions and heavy snow accumulation put ample stress on big roof assemblies. Here, the sturdiness and longevity of commercial roofs depend mainly on the materials used. Additionally, it also depends on the way the materials are installed as part of a compact system.

For the facility managers and property owners assessing commercial roofing Moncton solutions, the quality of installation is essential. Climatic extremes and changing temperatures can accelerate construction errors, which reduce the lifespan of the roof and increase the operating cost. 

  • Avoid slope mistakes and incorrect drainage design 

One of the most critical and damaging installation errors in commercial roofing is insufficient drainage planning. The low-slope and flat roofs depend to a significant extent on internal drains, scuppers, and subtle grading for avoiding water accumulation. The moment the slopes are not set correctly or the drains are improperly placed, the ponding water can be a prominent issue. It is possible for standing water to speed up membrane degradation, maximize structural load, and increase the chances of leaks at penetration and seams. 

  • Pay attention to the flashing issues

The commercial roof often gets penetrated by HVAC units, vents, skylights, and power lines. All of these things require the correct installation of flashing and appropriate materials. Several common problems include reused flashing, improper flashing layering, and improper sealing. The failure to install flashing and seal it correctly leads to water bypassing the roofing membrane. It also creates hidden damage to the insulation and roof sheathing, often before interior leaks are detected.

  • Is the membrane adhesion and seam questionable?

Many commercial roofs have vulnerable points in their seams. If seams are improperly heat-soldered, adhesives are inconsistently applied, or contaminated during installation, this will weaken the integrity of the seams. During the lifespan of the roof, thermal movements and wind uplift will further stress seams, causing them to separate. Once a seam separation happens, it will continue to grow and spread. It will affect large portions of the roof unless it has been addressed early by a knowledgeable professional. To learn more about this topic, you can find more information at Artisanroofing.ca and manage your maintenance schedule. 

  • Poor vapour control and insulation affect the lifespan of the roofing

When insulation is installed in places it should not be, or when vapour barriers are absent from a commercial roof, it negatively affects the commercial roof's performance. Any gaps, compression, or unevenly distributed insulation will create less thermal efficiency and increase the risk of condensation occurring within the roof assembly. The moisture that becomes trapped will reduce the thermal resistance of the insulation, create corrosion on fasteners, and weaken the supporting structure of the roof, which may result in premature failure.

Summing it up

Commercial roofs are a prominent capital investment that are meant to secure buildings, occupants, and operations. Installation mistakes can silently undermine that security for years before the damage becomes visible. However, when you have a clear understanding of the common installation issues and ensure correct oversight, Canadian building owners can add more years to their lifespan. It also helps to reduce the maintenance expense and secure buildings against the weather extremes prevalent in Canada. 

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