Tag: low-slope roofing

3 New Trends in Commercial Low-Slope Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The world has changed a lot within the last year, and the industrial roofing industry is evolving to accommodate these changes. Unfortunately, 2020 and 2021 were challenging years to plan and execute building construction and maintenance for many factors, including delays in supplies, insufficient staffing, and state-mandated social distancing regulations. 2022 and 2023 will be time to make up lost ground with the most efficient plans and quality execution.

Commercial low-slope roofing has become a popular choice for building owners due to its long-term quality, low maintenance, and, most recently, a new trend in commercial low-slope roofing—green roofs. In this article, we will discuss three trends in commercial low-slope roofing to look out for in the near future.

Investments in Metal Roofing

As the commercial low-slope roofing industry continues to be heavily influenced by rapidly changing environmental efforts, metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular material choice for building owners. 

The value of this investment is tenfold over the long-term financial forecast. Although there is a substantial difference in the initial cost of metal roofing compared to asphalt, the maintenance proves to be low-cost and minimal. In terms of the contribution to the green efforts, metal roofing has proven to be an excellent insulating roof choice, reducing heating and cooling costs with the proper interior insulation. It’s good to note, also, that metal roofing is best installed with a pitched or sloped roof.

A Renewed Focus on Maintenance

Now that some of the industry upheaval of 2020 and 2021 has subsided, a major priority of 2022 is to return to a regular and efficient maintenance schedule. Areas to pay particular attention to include:

  • Keeping your roof clean
  • Ensuring proper escape routes and drain systems
  • Having a consistent inspection plan

Use of Blank Space

Low-slope roofing provides a canvas of possibilities in the form of a semi-flat, stable surface. Although much of this space is accounted for by proper drain systems, which are essential for low-slope roofs, there is also ample space for social or functional accommodations.

Solar panels have become a common use for low-slope roofs. Gone are the days of the bulky solar panels you can see from miles away; solar panels now come in the form of indistinct tiles. In the same vein, green garden roofs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for industrial low-slope roofs. These living, vegetated roofs absorb heat and provide insulation, as well as serve to slow storm runoff. 

Hire a Trustworthy Roofing Professional

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, building owners have faced project delays as well as a lack of in-person consultations over the past year. As a result, many building owners have turned to self-education, and others have been forced to delay maintenance and now find themselves overwhelmed with frustration. We see you, and we are here to help. 

At Maxwell Roofing, we are ready to answer any and all of your commercial roofing concerns. We pride ourselves on our ability to both collaborate knowledge and provide expert insight. 

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

8 Common Low-Slope Roofing Mistakes

Posted on by John Maxwell

When planning to install or repair a low-slope roof on your commercial building, you want to ensure that you’re planning for longevity. By not cutting corners and checking for quality along the way, your roofing contractor can significantly improve the lifespan of your roofing investment. To help you identify whether your commercial roofing partner is following best practices, here are eight common low-slope roofing mistakes they should avoid.

1. Having Inadequate Drainage

Proper drainage is essential to keep your roof free of pooling water and the accumulation of dirt and debris. Drainage issues are especially common in low-slope roofs, often causing long-term water damage. Among other consequences, poor drainage and pooling water can dissolve the adhesives used in construction, allowing moisture to infiltrate your building. Your roofing contractor should design a plan to prevent drainage issues before beginning your project.

2. Using Low-Quality or Incorrect Materials

As water does not drain as quickly from a low-slope roof due to its lack of slant, the materials your roofer chooses are important to ensure its longevity. You must consider that water will pool, even briefly, and so the materials must be able to withstand that exposure. Additionally, in the colder months, pooling water can freeze and thaw, so temperature should also be taken into account when searching for the best materials. 

3. Failing to Check the Seams Throughout the Project

Rather than waiting until the end of a project to check the seams, your roofer should probe the seams throughout the project to identify gaps. A “probe” is a tool that a roofer uses to test the welded seams of your roof. Checking the seams as they go will prevent issues from arising in the roofing inspection or—if gaps are overlooked by an inspector—causing damage to your roof down the line.

4. Improper Repairs

You’ve invested a lot of money in a new roof system, but small repairs are bound to happen throughout the years. Be sure to utilize a high-quality roofing contractor with experience and manufacturer approval so that warrantable repairs are made. Incorrect products or improper repairs can actually cause more harm than good to a new roof system.

5. Reactive Maintenance

A low-slope roof system needs to be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent small leaks from becoming larger issues. Many owners and representatives expect a new roof system to be water-tight and problem-free, but roofs are exposed to weather conditions and other external factors that can cause damage to a roof system. To avoid common issues, proactively manage your roof system with annual assessments and regularly scheduled preventative maintenance calls.

6. Leaving the Membrane Dirty

To ensure proper welding, adhering, or mechanical fastening, your roofer should ensure that the roof’s membrane is clean and dry beforehand. Even when returning to a roof for patches or repairs, cleaning the membrane should always be done first. When bonding new patches, flashing, or new membrane to the original field membrane, it must be as clean as possible for a long-term seal. The older the original material, the more difficult this is to do properly because the membrane naturally deteriorates over time.

7. Placing T-Joint Patches Incorrectly

A t-joint is where layers of a roof’s membrane meet. For leak prevention, t-joint patches must be placed and appropriately welded throughout the roofing system. Your roofer must cover all three of the joint’s membranes with the patch. And it’s equally important that they put the patches in the necessary places.

8. Improper Workmanship

For a high-quality roof system, hire a knowledgeable roofer. Many common roof problems can be traced to poor workmanship, so to minimize the risk of future roof problems, use an experienced and established roofing contractor. Professional roofing companies train their employees with proper installation techniques and high-quality products. To help avoid poor workmanship, always research the roofing contractor prior to hiring for their reputation, longevity, and safety rating. By taking the time upfront to choose carefully, you can minimize the risk for post-installation issues. 

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to learn how we can make your low-slope roof last longer with regular inspections and maintenance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Low-Slope Commercial Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

When it comes to commercial buildings, low-slope roofs are the most cost-effective and space-efficient roofing options. For these reasons, it’s rare to see a factory, warehouse, or grocery store with a sloped roof. While there are many advantages to a low-slope roof, this type of structure also presents some issues that commercial building owners should be aware of.

Here are the basic do’s and don’ts about owning and maintaining a low-slope commercial roof:

Don’t…

  • Ignore the maintenance schedule—With a low-slope roof, a small problem can become a big problem very quickly. Low-slope roofs don’t flush debris or moisture as easily as pitched roofs. Because of their large surface area, they can easily conceal problems. This makes regular maintenance and inspections even more important for a low-slope roof. 
  • Wait for repairs—Because low-slope roofs are so exposed, damage can get worse quickly. When there is damage on a low-slope roof, it’s important to get it taken care of as soon as possible before a small tear becomes a giant leak.
  • Make the roof overly accessible—Roofers and building contractors need access to your roof, but that doesn’t mean every person should be able to go up there. If someone doesn’t have official business on the roof, don’t give them access. High traffic on a low-slope roof can cause damage, not to mention it being a safety hazard.

Do…

  • Clean the roof regularly—A little mess on your roof may not seem like a huge issue, but it can become a serious problem for a low-slope roof. Debris, dirt, and grime don’t flush off a low-slope roof as easily as a roof with a pitch. Over time, filth can build up on a roof, clogging drains and even causing leaks. Regularly cleaning a low-slope roof will help your building look nice, and it will prevent problems.
  • Give water an escape route—When designing a low-slope roof, make sure not to create places that will retain water. Moisture build up is one of the biggest risks with a low-slope roof, and having a proper drainage system is critical to preventing leaks. Be sure to consult a professional roofer about drains and other equipment you’ll need to guide water off the roof’s surface.
  • Get on a consistent inspection plan—A maintenance schedule for a new low-slope roof should begin the day after it’s finished. Regular inspections and being consistent with minor repairs are the only way to ensure that a low-slope roof stays healthy. By working with a roofing contractor, you can get enrolled in a roof management program that will predict when you’ll need roof repairs.

There’s a lot to consider when getting a new commercial roof. Let the experts at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. help. For a consultation, contact Maxwell today.