The roof is fundamental to the structural integrity of any building, so it’s important to keep it maintained and waterproofed. Waterproofing commercial roofs comes with its own unique set of challenges. Most commercial roofs are flat with only a slight pitch, and gravity needs a little extra help to guide water to drainage systems. Without proper maintenance, many factors can begin to affect the performance of a commercial roof. For example:

  • Clogged gutters can cause water to pool.
  • Dirt and debris can prevent proper water flow off the roof.
  • Small cracks can allow water to seep through, causing significant damage.

Over time, these factors can cause roofing materials to deteriorate and leak. In order to prolong the lifespan of your commercial roof, it’s important to perform annual maintenance to ensure it functions as it should. A good preventative maintenance program is waterproofing, and there are a variety of waterproofing methods available. The application you choose for your commercial roof will depend on:

The Type of Roof

A little moisture is okay for many commercial rooftops, but others must remain completely dry. If you have a roof that’s regularly accessed, it’s important that the type of waterproofing you choose can withstand both the elements and foot traffic.

How Extensive the Repair Work Is

If you have an existing leak and it’s isolated to a small area, it may be possible to simply patch it up instead of undertaking extensive repairs. However, if the damage is widespread or if it’s difficult to pinpoint where the leaks are coming from, then you may need to examine the condition of your current waterproofing to see if it’s salvageable. Depending on whether you ultimately decide to keep or remove your current waterproofing, you’ll need to consider how compatible the new waterproofing method will be with your old waterproofing solution.

Time & Budget

Oftentimes, your schedule or budget will dictate the type of waterproofing used. For example, if you must remove the existing waterproofing, you may have to invest a little more time and money.

Uneven Surfaces

In some cases, commercial roofs will wear unevenly. For instance, one part of your roof may be more exposed to the sun, causing it to wear down quicker than areas that are shaded. Some waterproofing solutions can be applied to uneven surfaces.

The Type of Roofing Substrate

There are a variety of waterproofing systems available to suit various substrates, as well. You’ll need to understand what kind of preparation is required before re-roofing and adding new waterproofing. For example, is a primer or sandblasting required in order for the waterproofing to bond with the substrate?

How Often Maintenance is Performed

Some contracts require that roof maintenance be performed regularly, regardless of what condition the roof is in. This can also determine what type of waterproofing solution you choose and how long it needs to last.

How Large the Area Is

If you’re waterproofing a large area, consider using spray-applied coatings. These can usually be applied faster than other methods. Smaller roofs with space and weight constraints may require hand-applied or sheet-applied waterproofing.

Commercial Roof Waterproofing Solutions

At BELDON Roofing Company, we have more than 70 years in the home improvement industry, providing our clients with superior products and service since 1946. We offer waterproofing solutions that will help prevent your commercial roof system from deteriorating due to constant exposure to water and moisture. To learn more about our commercial roof waterproofing solutions, contact BELDON Roofing Company today.

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