Have you noticed your roof leaks or fails, even though it was installed recently? Manufacturing-related commercial roof damage isn’t typical, but it can be incredibly frustrating. It is particularly disappointing for building owners because the line between manufacturer-related damage and installation-related damage can be challenging to navigate.
A professional roofing company can provide insights into where your damage originates and help you navigate the warranty and replacement or repair process. Property owners trying to place an insurance claim need to work with a roofing professional who can speak to an insurance company. Call us today, and we can explain the ins and outs of manufacturer damage and error.
What Are the Risks of Manufacturer-Related Roof Damage?
If your roof is poorly installed, manufactured, or maintained, you risk significant damage to it and structural damage to the building itself. Even a newly installed roof should be regularly inspected to avoid costly damage down the line. Common causes of commercial roof membrane damage can also cause damage to trickle down into your building’s walls, interior, and even the foundation. This can lead to costly repairs or even a condemned building due to:
- Fire Hazards
- Mold and Fungal Growth
- Roof Collapse
- Cracks in the Foundation
Gathering debris and water leaks are common causes of expensive repairs in commercial buildings and aren’t just caused by wear and tear. When your roof age is still young, you might not think you need a maintenance plan or annual inspections. But if manufacturer and installation errors are caught early, you can avoid the worst damage caused by heavy rain and strong winds.
Common Types of Manufacturing-Related Commercial Roof Damage
When a commercial roofing system is not manufactured or installed correctly, water infiltration can occur in cracks and gaps in the roof system or around chimneys, skylights, and flashing. These different defects can cause damage to your building’s underlying roofing system and lead to moisture damage, rot, or worse. Here are a few of the most common types of defects you might see:
Cracking
Cracking is a relatively common form of commercial roof damage, which can occur when the material is too firm due to a formula or manufacturing error. This causes the material to be stiff when a roof’s natural expansion and contraction due to heat change require a roof to be more flexible.
Tearing
Unlike cracking, tears are more likely due to a weaker formulation that can’t hold together as well as it should. Thinner layers of roofing materials will tear from wind damage and other common environmental factors. This damage can be very similar to cracking, but a skilled contractor can tell the difference and apply the appropriate repairs.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is an essential part of roofing contractor work, as it guides water away from the sides and corners of your building. Flashing damage quickly shows itself from water gathering under the roofing membrane near the roof’s edges.
It’s important to note that these three major problems can come from multiple causes, so it takes a professional roofer to determine the causes of your commercial roof damage. A good roofing contractor can ensure your replacement roof is installed correctly, avoiding future manufacturing errors and costly repairs.
Common Signs of Commercial Roofing Damage
Any damage or issue with your roof is worth calling in, but if you are worried about manufacturer-related roof damage, you should call a roofer immediately. Signs of damage are all reasonably similar, but if you see the following issues without a clear cause (Fallen branches, standing water, drain blockage) or within only a few years of new roof installation, you may have defective materials:
- Leaking Roof
- Sagging Roof
- Standing Water
- Cracked/Torn Roof Membrane
- Mold
Because manufacturers have so many steps of quality control, manufacturing-related causes of commercial roof damage are less common than the material being installed incorrectly. However, knowing the difference can require a knowledgeable eye, and most warranties require certified and qualified contractors to review the damage before paying out.
How to Avoid Manufacturing Defects
While installing a new roof, a professional inspection of materials can prevent commercial roof damage by avoiding materials with rare manufacturing defects. Researching and working only with the best commercial roofing contractor is a critical first step to securing your roof’s health.
You can avoid further damage with routine maintenance and a regularly inspected roof. Another way to ensure the best roof is put on your roof is to ask your contractor about the materials your roofing company uses.
For example, we at Heidler Roofing are familiar with various commercial roofing materials, from PVC and BUR roofing to specialty roofing and roof coatings. We can help you avoid roof damage by ensuring your commercial building has the most substantial layers of protection and the most appropriate materials for your roofing needs.
Get Your Commercial Roof Damage Solution with Heidler Roofing!
If you’re frustrated by a new or recently refurbished roof membrane already failing, you don’t want to return to the same company. You want a second opinion on your commercial roof damage from a more experienced commercial roofing contractor or company that understands all the ins and outs of commercial roof maintenance, repair, and installation.
Our professional roofing company has over 65 years of experience providing solutions to roof leaks, damage, and failure. We can help you identify the causes of commercial roof membrane damage and prevent it from happening again! Come to us for solutions to your roofing frustrations, from regular inspections and maintenance to speedy repairs.