Roofing Red Flags for Property Owners

Roofs are among the essential sources of defense for real estate properties. However, if not correctly installed, they can end up sagging and causing additional roof damages, including roof leaks. Roofing damage leads to a secondary effect on the entire structure and building envelope. Therefore, it’s crucial to address issues promptly and seek professional assistance for roof leak repair NJ to maintain the integrity of your property.

Structural damages, if not identified and corrected earlier, can be difficult to fix later. Replacing them is extremely expensive, intrusive, and time-consuming.

It is, therefore, essential to identify issues before they affect the integrity of the structure. This can helps extends the useful natural life of the roofing. It also helps to save on roofing costs in the long run.

The whole problem can be avoided via regular roof maintenance, helping you identify the warning signs and prevent those costly emergencies.

Here are the most significant “red flag” roofing issues you need to check when conducting Property Condition Assessments:

Rooftop Pools

Nowadays, the best type of roof for Florida built with rooftop pools is in great demand. Unfortunately, construction and maintenance may be flawed. As a result, it can lead to devastating water leaks and infiltration into the structure.

Worst still, the buildings are placed in a constant state of movement. Though the trend is small and invisible, it can lead to pool liner cracking and leaks. The pool water can easily find its way into the building and quickly damage both cosmetic and structural building materials.

For the property owners with rooftop pools, you need to ensure proper pool maintenance. Consider frequent maintenance visits in a year, with extra inspection of pool liners, drain lines, and the surrounding pool decks.

When buying a property having a rooftop pool, acquire all the information regarding the pool you can. The information may include the original construction documents and the kind of secondary containment that is in place. It also checks on the historic maintenance activities’ record and an exhaustive inspection of the current condition.

Phenolic Foam

Contractors widely used Phenolic foams as insulation for the roof from the early 1980s through the early 1990s. Unfortunately, this type of insulation material can become very acidic when exposed to water.

It only takes a small amount of water, either from moisture through leaks or condensation, to create an acidic environment. The acidity may lead to corrosion of the metal decking.

The friability of the material increases the surface area exposed to the water, spreading out the issue. The destruction can vary from surface rust to large holes in the decking. As a result, it can compromise the stability of the roof and present safety issues.

For any older building with phenolic foam insulation, it is necessary to have observations for any presence of moisture or ongoing leaks. You can look for areas of ballast removal and patching, organic debris, and kind of roofing membrane shrinkage that can create a way for water infiltration.

Ponding

Ponding water is the greatest enemy regarding the science of building and the building’s general health and condition. One of the main reasons for enclosing a building is to hinder water from entering the structure.

However, a roof that can successfully keep water out can still fall prey if it stagnates on the surface. The water’s physical weight can lead to issues such as potentially resulting in structural failure.

Besides, the water may speed up the aging process via chemical leaching and increased UV radiation exposure. Based on the situation, your warranty may not cover roof replacement costs due to water-related issues.

Therefore, property owners must maintain proper drainage for their roofs. They need to frequently check for any water accumulation and clear drains of foreign materials.

Ballasted roofing deterioration

Ballasted roofing systems usually use pavers or rocks to hold in place the loose-laid membrane. It also helps to protect it from deterioration via general wear and UV radiation.

The ballast is usually cleared from areas to permit patching and general maintenance activities. After accomplishing the work, the ballast is left chiefly displaced. This exposes an area of the membrane to faster-aging processes.

Movement and ballast displacement can also occur during freeze-thaw cycles. You need to check the roof frequently or after any maintenance activities to correctly distribute the ballast.

You can prevent most of the above issues of roofing via general maintenance and roof upkeep. Leaf and other organic litter are the common materials that can clog drains.

They can also promote soil conditions that can cause unexpected foliage and even trees. The roots of the tree can penetrate the roof membrane. Frequently clear debris and immediately check your rooftop after severe weather events.