Beginners Guide to commercial flat roofing systems maintenance

Many people believe that flat roofs are maintenance free, . . . Wrong!

There are simple things that one can do to look after a flat roof installation and save a lot of money in the long run. You can do some preventative maintenance yourself, but don't hesitate to consult commercial roofing contractors or a roofing specialist in modern roofing.

The first things you need to look at in commercial roofing systems are drains.

Are they plugged?

Are the drain screens clear of debris?

Do the roof drains even have screens?

Simply take the screen off and clear the leaves, needles or moss and place in a garbage bag. Re-install the screen once you are done. Some modern roofs don't have a roof drain, but scuppers. They work the same way and generally don't have a screen. Scuppers drain through the outside parapets of your home or building. If your scupper does not have a screen contact your local commercial roofing supply store; locating a screen is hard. The screen for a scupper actually looks like the end of your kitchen whisk you beat your eggs with. You could make a whisk into a screen by using wire cutters and cutting about 3.5 inches out the end of the whisk; should work up to a 2.75 inch drain. 

Some flat roofing systems in will have a straight drip edge (torch on roofing) or what we call a gravel stop detail flashing (for low sloped roofs, tar & gravel) where your roof will drain into a continuous eaves-trough. These flashings can be problematic. At every joint where the flashing overlaps the next piece; there is usually a tiny split or separation. You can try to fix this yourself, but we highly recommend calling a professional. A good roofing technician will fix the splits first time. However a home owner or building maintenance for commercial roofing can pour a liquid cold process sealant over the defects. Unsuccessful cold process sealing can complicate the repair and will drive up roofing technician costs afterwards. Cured cold liquid membranes are difficult to scrape and remove.

The eaves-trough gutters should be regularly cleaned out once or twice a year depending on how many trees are nearby.

Moss growing on your roof?

It does happen on modern roofing too.  Just scrape it off and spray the area with a good environmental moss or mold killer.  When scraping it off be careful not to puncture the membranes. It is best to use a plastic tool so it eliminates that risk. Moss growing on your low sloped roof will eventually rot out the membranes. Look for any deficiencies like bubbles or ridges that could be poking through the tar & gravel. These imperfections should be fixed else persons like your satellite installer, chimney guy and even your heating/ air conditioning guy who can step on these defects will puncture the membranes . . .  then you have problems! Always consult with your roofing expert if you spot anything out of the ordinary.

High tech roofing - On your roof look at the chimney and roof penetration flashings. Chimney collars require being re-caulked every three to five years. Mulco Supra Expert or Titebond are good brands to start with. Your local hardware store won't usually stock these brands. Just do a Google search and it should point you to a supplier.

Call me now for any advice about flat roofs or visit my website.

Modern roofing - flat roof leak repair

Chris Fraser, founder and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton Alberta.

(780)-466-1601

chris@xlroofing.ca

http://www.xlroofing.ca

Condition of your Shingle Roof in Edmonton

The condition of your roof is one of the most important aspects of home maintenance in Alberta. Your roof keeps you safe and comfortable in your home 24 hours 7 days a week. That is why it is necessary to know what kind of shingle roof you have, its condition and taking care of it. Don't wait till summer comes! When the winter snow melts is the best time to assess your roof for any roofing problems. Specialists at Edmonton roofing company XL Roofing are ready to provide you with excellent service and advice.

Climate in Canada makes us having to pay more attention to shingle roofs than in warmer countries. We at XL Roofing can help you repair any kind of damage caused by high humidity, snow, rain, hail and wind.

Let’s take a look at common problems with shingle roofs:

• Buckling Shingles 

Buckling is the result of moisture getting under the shingle. If new shingles are laid without removing the old ones or when there is no proper ventilation, bucking will appear.

• Damaged Flashing

Leaks are one of the first signs of damaged flashing that causes cracking or drying. You need to remove and replace the flashing and shingles around the damaged area as soon as possible.

• Curling

There are many reasons that make your shingles curl. To understand the problem and get professional advice Edmonton roofing company XL Roofing is ready to help.

·         Ceiling Spots

Ceiling spots tell that your roof leaks. Don't ignore this as it can cause major damages and expenses.

·         Rotting

Rotting is a serious roofing problem caused by moisture absorption at the core of the shingle. A rotting roof can cause major leaks and is a sign that your roof’s integrity has been seriously compromised.

·         Missing Shingles

Missing shingles have to be replaced by a professional to ensure that the roof’s integrity remains intact and no leaking occurs. Our Edmonton shingle roof repairs company will examine your roof to ensure the integrity of the roof system.

• Blistering

"Bubbling" is the problem that causes blistering and occurs just under the surface of the colored granules. Shingles that have open blisters, where the asphalt becomes visible, are at greater risk of premature failure. Shingle blistering retains moisture in wet weather.

·         Missing Granules

Granules are the tiny ceramic-coated rock specks that cover the surface of asphalt or Fiberglas shingles. It is normal for granules to be loose, and for some of them to come off during installation or during the life of the shingle. However, if a noticeable number of granules are missing, exposing the shingle surface, they will need to be replaced.

·         Algae

Algae are a very common problem causes by the air-borne particles. It effects the color of your roof, but may not be the reason for serious damage.

Take care of your shingle roof with XL Roofing inspections and preventative maintenance and enjoy your stay at home every day, care free!

 

Chris Fraser, founder and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton Alberta.

(780)-466-1601

chris@xlroofing.ca

http://www.xlroofing.ca

XL roofing - Chris Fraser - flat roof major leak repair

XL roofing - Chris Fraser - residential flat roof major leak repair successfully done by Chri's crew in Edmonton Alberta.

XL Roofing - drain replacement in progress

Edmonton Roofing Membranes Have a Place

At XL Roofing (an Edmonton Roofing Contractor) we often get asked which membrane is the best system to install.

Many years ago we used to give the customer only two choices: Tar & Gravel (T&G) or SBS (commonly known as torch-on). Over time new products have emerged to share the market. Today we can add PVC, TPO, EPDM, hot rubber type flood Coates and spray foam type systems. 

 I am a firm believer that manufactures of certain roof systems should show proof that their product/products will in fact last the said 20 or 25 years they state. I don't believe in weather room simulators. A Canadian weather is probably one of the harshest climates one will come across. We have extreme cold winters (-25 to -40) mixed with Chinooks that can go as high as (+10) all in 24 hours. This is very hard on membranes of any kind.  Snow melting, turning to ice, and continually repeating the cycle. Ice is always pushing and prying. Summers can get as hot as plus 37 ° degrees Celsius, and very dry!

I am a tar & gravel/SBS guy from way back. Some of these T&G roofs can last up to 35 or 40 years with a good installation and preventative maintenance . To say all T&G roofs will last this long is a far stretch. I am just stating what I have come across in my 30+ years of experience.

SBS was introduced to the Edmonton Roofing Companies in the mid 1970's through Pool construction. A manufacturer called Soprema was making this product in a place called Strasbourg, France,  then soon opened up a plant in  Quebec, Canada. I was trained to install this product around 1983. This product took awhile to catch on, but by the mid 1990's it became very popular. Roofing inspectors  loved this new tech roofing system, and soon convinced School boards, government, and commercial property owners that this was the way of the future. And so Tar and gravel took a backseat. Other Manufacturers followed; IKO has been making a very good equivalent product with equal warranty. The end result is both manufactures back and support their products to very strict architectural standards. 

It's 2014 and both SBS and Tar & Gravel for Edmonton roofing seem to be holding up well to the Canadian climates. The proof is in the pudding. T&G is a little tougher to find leaks and repair. One has to be a very experienced and a qualified roofing installer to be successful at T&G repairs. SBS on the other hand, it's easy to see the deficiencies as not covered in gravel. Simply spot the ridge, bridging, blister or hole, cut out affected spot, prime with an asphalt based primer and re-torch one or two plies of same product. 

Other new products that have come out in the last 20 years stating that their product is better is up for a little criticism. As an experienced Edmonton roofing contractor and most would agree, is that the jury is still out on some of these other products. I can honestly say that one or two of the single ply membrane manufacturers that say their system lasts 20 years is questionable!  I'd have to say this is a stretch and to say if they did last this long, it wouldn't be for a day longer. Most are tenting on the walls, pulling at the glued seams, heating and air conditioning contractors leave screws and sheet metal on an already fragile roof system.

Each membrane has its purpose in the Edmonton Roofing Industry.  Big open warehouses with little equipment on the roof are more suited for an EPDM system. Sun Decks with living space underneath, a good quality PVC or SBS will do.  Sarnafil Canada installed their system on the old Maple Leaf Gardens, the blue Jay's Skydome, and the Saddle Dome in Calgary. They make specialized deck membranes as well. One product our company uses for EPDM is Firestone, a company that's been around a very long time. TPO is a single ply membrane; it is a combination of rubber and PVC. I won't throw this membrane under the bus, as I feel manufacturers have put a lot of effort into bringing this product to the forefront to compete. Inspectors and architects have been pushing this product as well, so a good qualified installer should be able to make this product perform!

We as an Edmonton Roofing Contractor generally look at every roof to see what product will suit you best. So google away and consult with a reputable roofing company or an accredited roofing inspector. 

Don't forget to ask roofing companies for proper credentials, example liability insurance (open flame, if SBS or T&G), and WCB. 

Chris Fraser 

Founder and owner of XL Roofing Edmonton Alberta since 1997

(780)-466-1601

chris@xlroofing.ca

http://www.xlroofing.ca