If you own a commercial property such as a warehouse or office building, the structure most likely has a flat roof. These often exhibit different signs of failure from peaked roofs—problems that can be difficult to spot without regular inspections. Below are some common signals your commercial building is in need of a flat roof replacement. 

How to Determine if a Flat Roof Is Failing

1. Age 

When determining if it is time for a flat roof replacement, one of the first things you should consider is the structure’s age. Most are made out of either ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, thermoplastic olefin (TPO), or bitumen. These materials have a general lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, if your structure was made with a more modern option like PVC, it can last up to 20-30 years. 

2. Leaks at Roof Penetrations

Typically, a flat roof is a waterproof membrane that requires hand seaming around all roof penetrations. These seams, and the often less durable material used to conform around the roof penetrations, will begin to fail over time. Roof leaks near the roof penetrations then begin to occur.

3. Visible Neglect

Exposure to harsh weather will lead to cracks and holes, loose or missing panels, and a worn top coating.  Regular maintenance, such as biannual inspections and drain cleanings to prevent ponding, will prevent many of these issues from developing or address them before they get out of control. If you’ve acquired a building with a spotty maintenance history and significant damage like this, it’s in your best interest to look into a full flat roof replacement.

If your industrial or office building’s roof exhibits signs of failure or has reached the end of its life expectancy, contact the commercial roofing experts at A & M Contractors in Lincoln, NE, to discuss replacement options. Their contractors have over 30 years of experience and excel at installing and maintaining roofs with the proper techniques and best materials to ensure they last. For a free flat roof replacement estimate, call them today at (402) 890-2343. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.