Low sloped roofs are much like a patch quilt. They are compiled of material being connected with other pieces of material to create one continual piece. Just like your favorite quilt, your roof will wear out over time. Here are a few of the biggest factors in the deterioration of your roof:
Thermal Mechanical Movement
Either long-term exposure to the elements (sun, water, freeze-thaw) or shorter-term exposure to damaging air pollutants, and chemical result in expansion and contraction of the various roof components keeping your building dry.
Structural Movement
Such as building settlement or expansion/contraction not accommodated by the roofing system will damage and split the roof.
Biological Growth
Such as vegetation in areas of standing water or algae that will grow into the roof system.
Not Fixing Problems Promptly
These can add up to a much shorter roof life–e.g., if a small problem is not repaired, then a large amount of insulation can be damaged that results in greater expense and long term loss of R-value.
Forgetting About Routine Maintenance
This is one of the biggest cause of premature roof failure as everyday your roof is decaying. Studies have indicated that 70% of commercial roofs are fail prematurely as a result of ignored maintenance items that could have increased the life of the roof by 30% or more. Find the right roofer to follow through on routine maintenance to avoid common issues.
Change in Building Use
e.g., an increase in the interior relative humidity of a building can cause severe condensation problems within the roofing system resulting in massive amount of water infiltrating the interior of the building/facility.
