Flat roofs are of course very popular in commercial and industrial buildings, but they can develop cracks over time. These cracks, though minor at first, can lead to expensive repairs and structural damage if not addressed quickly. Many commercial property owners come to the team at Tim Walford Roofing wondering why their flat roof is cracking and to see what can be done to repair the property to mitigate future damage.
Main Causes of Flat Roof Cracking
Aging and Material Deterioration
Like all materials on a property, roofing materials are no different. They age and deteriorate over time. As the materials on the roof start to age they lose their elasticity, causing cracks to form; regular inspection (and maintenance if needed), can help extend the life of your roof and prevent premature cracking.
Weather-Related Factors
Depending on where your property is located, in this case, we'll go with San Diego weather, temperature fluctuations happen and can cause your flat roof to crack, even more so during the summer months. The roofing materials expand and contract with temperature changes, putting stress on the structure, over the course of time this leads to cracks in the material. While not as common in San Diego, extreme weather like heavy rains or strong winds can also cause damage to your roof, making the existing cracks grow.
Poor Installation
Improper installatin of the roof from the beginning can result in early cracking. If the material isn't secured or if the seams aren't sealed properly, it will lead to weak spots that are prone to cracking. While every roof contractor is different, it's important that you have an experienced professional that can identify poor installation if needed. If you are installing a new flat roof, the contractor should know exactly what needs to be done for the roof to last for years' to come.
Standing Water
Of course, because they are flat, these types of roofs are susceptible to standing water, or as many in the roofing industry refer to it, "ponding". If water starts to accumulate and isn't drained properly, will lead to added weight and stress on your roof causing the structure to sag and crack. You can minimize these risks with proper drainage systems and routine maintenance.
Structural Movement
Building settlement or expansion leads to "structural movement", which causes stress on your flat roof, again, resulting in cracks. With regular inspection of the properties foundatino and structure, you will be able to identify any issues that may be the cause of your roof's cracking.
UV Damage
With the San Diego climate, prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV rays) degrades the roof material making it susceptible to cacking. The chemicals in the roofing material break down with UV radiation over time, resulting in a loss of flexibility and strength. By applying a reflective roof coating can protect the room from UV damage.
About Tim Walford Roofing
Tim Walford Roofing is a full-service team of roofing contractors serving homeowners and commercial properties throughout San Diego with their roofing needs. No matter if it's a new roof, a roof repair, skylight repair, commercial roof needs, or roof coating, our team of experienced professionals has over 4 decades in business. Licensed and insured in the state of California.