Poor slope, ponding water, and contractor installation errors are the most common commercial roofing problems in Kansas City. A roof without enough slope holds water, and that water wears out the roofing system over time.
These problems are connected. Ponding water opens seams, and a membrane installed without perimeter fastening can shrink and pull away from the walls. Below, we explain how each problem starts and what to watch for on your building.
Poor Slope is One of the Most Common Commercial Roofing Problems in Kansas City
Some of the most common problems we find on commercial buildings come down to slope. Either the roof doesn’t have enough slope, or it has no slope at all.
That slope can come from the building structure itself or from a tapered insulation system. If neither one is done correctly, water stays on the roof.
Ponding Water Sits on the Roof at All Times
Without enough slope, ponding water sits on the roof constantly. Over time, that standing water starts to wear the roofing system out.
Debris also collects in the same low spots where the water pools.
Drains End Up Near the Highest Point
On a poorly sloped roof, the drains can end up at almost the highest point on the roof. Water collects in the low areas instead of reaching them.
Key Takeaway: If water and debris stay in the same spots on your roof, the slope or drainage may not be doing its job.
Seam Failures and Membranes Pulling Away from Walls
Ponding water and the debris that collects with it start to open up the seams of the roof. A second problem shows up where the membrane meets the walls.
How Membrane Shrinkage Causes Gaps at the Walls
Roofing membranes can shrink a little over time. If the membrane wasn’t installed right, that shrinkage starts pulling it away from the walls.
Missing Perimeter Fastening
Another issue is missing perimeter fastening along the edges of the roof. Without it, the membrane is more likely to separate from the walls as it shrinks.
Pro Tip: Watch the areas where your roof meets the walls. Gaps there can be a sign the membrane was not installed or fastened correctly.
Need expert help with your commercial roof? Contact Precision Roofing for a consultation.
Contractor Installation Errors Behind Commercial Roof Failures
Contractor install error is another common problem on commercial roofs. The quality of the installation affects the membrane, the edges, and the slope.
How Installation Errors Cause Commercial Roofing Problems in Kansas City
A membrane installed incorrectly or without perimeter fastening can separate from the walls as it shrinks. When a roof relies on a tapered insulation system for slope, that system also has to be installed correctly so water moves toward the drains.
Why Your Choice of Contractor Matters
The best way to avoid these problems is a good contractor who does everything correctly. On a commercial roof, that includes:
- Installing tapered insulation correctly when the roof relies on it for slope
- Installing the membrane correctly
- Adding perimeter fastening along the edges
Key Takeaway: Tapered insulation, membrane installation, and perimeter fastening all depend on the contractor doing the work correctly.
Get Your Commercial Roof Done Right
Poor slope, ponding water, open seams, and membranes separating from walls are some of the most common problems on commercial buildings. Many of them can be prevented with a correct installation.
If your Kansas City building has water sitting on the roof or gaps where the membrane meets the walls, call Precision Roofing to schedule a quote. A contractor who does everything correctly is your best defense against commercial roofing problems in Kansas City.
