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How Flat, Low Slope, And Pitched Roofs Compare For Commercial Roofing In Utah
Bob Harvey Roofing • January 30, 2021
What makes a Low Sloped Roof Unique?
Flat. Low-sloped. Pitched roofs. These are the three roofing designs or styles that you will find on commercial properties across Utah. There are, of course, pros to each style, as well as inherent disadvantages.
Here is a look at some of the problems common to each type, according to commercial roof repair professionals, including the potential consequences of these problems.
Common Flat Roof Problems
Flat roofs, while quite easy to install, require a lot of work in maintenance. Some of the problems common to flat roofs for which you may need to call a specialist in commercial roof repair include the following.
- Pooling Water : As your property settles over time, the roof will shift a bit and won’t be as level. As such water will pool in dips and pivots of the roof. Failing to clear away these pools of water in good time may see the water seep into the roof’s inner layers, where it will cause more damage.
- Buckling Membrane : Asphalt flat roofs, unlike their shingled counterparts, come in one piece. The roof will shift and settle over time, as your property does the same. Excessive movement and shifting will cause the roof membrane to buckle, in which case, you won’t need commercial roof repair, but a roof replacement.
- Leaks and Moisture-related Problems : Roof leaks are as common with flat roofs as they are with other types of roofing. Because of the flat design, the water can only go down into the roof’s inner layers. Once there, the rotting of the roof structure and mold growth are among the moisture-related problems you can expect to experience.
- Flashing: Asphalt flat roofs will expand and contract as the temperature changes. Over time, this continuous expansion and contraction will make the flashing pull away from the corners and edges around your roof. Flashing provides an opportunity for moisture and rain to get into your roof.
- Cracks on the Roof: The lack of slope in flat roofs means that more pressure is exerted on this type of roofing. Your roof will crack if the pressure becomes excessive. Depending on the severity of the crack, you may need to repair or replace your flat roof.
Low-Slope Roof Problems
Low-sloped commercial roofs have a slope that is less than 3-in-12. These roofs do have some inherent benefits that make them a popular choice for commercial roofing, but they also come with some issues, the most common of which are the following.
- Pooling Water : Depending on the slope of the roof, installation, and maintenance, a low-slope roof may have some flat spots across the roof surface. Water will pool on these spots, and if left to accumulate, it will weigh on the seams and may cause roof leaks.
- Roof Leaks : Leaks can develop over time, thanks to damage by the elements. Poor workmanship can also lead to premature failure and leaks in your low-sloped roof. Whatever the cause, an expert in Utah commercial roof repair may be able to help.
- Damaged Flashing : Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause damage to the flashing. As the flashing buckles, water may seep into the roof’s interior surface and cause severe water damage.
- Punctures : A high foot traffic can lead to unintentional puncture of your roofing system. Punctures can also result from storm damage. Timely repair will help to contain the damage, so the problem area doesn’t become so big to necessitate a replacement.
Steep/Pitched Roof Problems
Damaged flashing and buckling shingles are among the top problems common to pitched commercial roofs. These are, of course, problems that specialists in commercial roof repair can diagnose and resolve accordingly.
The advantage of pitched roofs over flat and low-sloped roofs is that the steep slope allows for better shedding of water and snow. You don’t have to worry about ponding, or pooling of water, and related problems. Thanks to this, and other factors, pitched roofs are often more long-lasting.
On the other hand, pitched roofs cost more than their flat and low-slope counterparts. The difference in cost is because pitched roofs have more structural supports, and more material is used to build the roofing system.
Best Practices for Commercial Roof Repair, Utah
Whether yours is a flat roof, a low-sloped one, or a pitched roof, here is the right way to handle a commercial roofing repair
- Don’t wait: However small the issue may seem like, call for help as soon as possible. A small problem today may, in a short time, morph into a bigger one that will force you to replace the entire roof.
- Know who to call: Repairing commercial roofs is not a job for your local handyman. Ensure you always call a qualified and experienced roofer such as Bob Harvey Roofing to take care of all your roofing repair needs, however small or big the job may be.
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