Richmond Commercial Flat Roofing
Richmond has a large mix of commercial, retail, industrial, strata and multi-family properties, with flat roofs ranging from older built-up and SBS systems to EPDM, TPO and PVC.
One thing we regularly see when inspecting existing roofs is evidence of repairs carried out at different times, sometimes by different contractors and using different materials.
A repair may stop a problem temporarily, but that does not necessarily mean it has been completed correctly or will provide a long-term solution.
At Flat Roofing Insights, we bring more than 33 years of flat roofing experience to inspections, leak investigation, repairs, preventative maintenance and roof replacement planning.
Previous Roof Repairs Can Tell You a Lot
When inspecting an existing flat roof, previous repair work is something we pay particular attention to.
Flat Roof Assessment
A roof may contain patches, sealants and other repair materials applied over many years. Some may still be performing perfectly well. Others may be deteriorating, poorly adhered or incompatible with the original roofing membrane.
The important question is not simply whether a roof has been repaired before. It is whether those repairs are still performing and whether the correct materials and preparation methods were used.
Typical areas we look at include:
- Previous membrane patches
- Sealant repairs
- Seams and laps
- Curbs and penetrations
- Parapets and perimeter details
- Roof drains and scuppers
- Mechanical equipment
- Changes between different materials
- Evidence of recurring repairs in the same area
Using the Right Repair Materials
Flat roofing systems are not interchangeable.
A repair product that works correctly on one roofing membrane may not be suitable for another. Surface preparation, primers, adhesives and installation methods can also be just as important as the repair material itself.
Simply applying more sealant over an existing problem is rarely the best approach.
The existing roof system should first be identified, the affected area properly assessed and a compatible repair method selected.
Investigating Commercial Roof Leaks
Finding a roof leak is not always as straightforward as looking directly above where water appears inside the building.
Water can travel within a roof assembly before becoming visible internally. Previous repairs can make investigation more complicated, particularly where the same area has been patched repeatedly without identifying the underlying problem.
A proper leak investigation should look beyond the obvious wet area and consider the surrounding membrane, penetrations, flashings, drainage and previous repair history.
Preventative Maintenance
Maintenance is also an opportunity to find failing repairs before they become active leaks.
Drainage areas can be cleared, sealants checked, previous patches inspected and smaller membrane deficiencies identified while they are still manageable.
For property managers responsible for larger buildings or multiple properties, documenting these conditions over time can also make future repair and replacement planning considerably easier.
Repair or Replace?
Finding several repairs on a roof does not automatically mean the roof needs replacing.
If the main roofing system remains serviceable, properly completed targeted repairs combined with preventative maintenance may provide additional useful service life.
Where repairs are becoming increasingly frequent, deterioration is widespread or moisture has entered significant areas of the roof assembly, continued patching may no longer make economic sense.
The decision should be based on the overall condition of the roof rather than one isolated defect.
Flat Roofing Systems in Richmond
Commercial and multi-family buildings in Richmond can have a range of roofing systems, including:
- SBS modified bitumen
- TPO
- PVC
- EPDM
- Built-up roofing
Commercial, Industrial, Strata & Multi-Family Properties
Our Richmond flat roofing services are suitable for commercial buildings, warehouses and industrial properties, retail buildings, strata developments, multi-family properties and property management portfolios.
Whether the problem is an active leak, a questionable previous repair, ongoing maintenance or planning for eventual replacement, the first step is understanding what is already on the roof and its current condition.
Real Flat Roof Conditions in Richmond
During an inspection of this commercial SBS roof in Richmond, several areas of blistering were identified that required repair.
Rather than simply covering the affected areas, the blisters were opened up and the repair areas properly prepared before new SBS cap sheet was installed.
Parapet Blister Repair
Blistering had developed in the SBS membrane at the parapet upstand.
The affected membrane was cut out and the area was primed and prepared to receive the new cap sheet.
Parapet blister opened and repair area primed and prepared on an SBS commercial roof in Richmond.
Once the area had been properly prepared, new SBS cap sheet was installed over the repair.
Completed SBS cap sheet repair to the parapet area following removal of the blistered membrane.
Large Blister at a Membrane Seam
A significant blister was also identified along a seam within the main roof area.
Blisters around seams are particularly important to address because movement and continued expansion can place additional stress on the membrane and adjoining lap.
Large blister along an SBS membrane seam identified for repair on a commercial roof in Richmond.
The blister was opened and repaired, with new cap sheet installed over the prepared area.
Completed SBS cap sheet repair following removal of a large membrane blister.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
The finished patch is only one part of a successful SBS repair.
The affected area first needs to be opened and assessed. The repair surface then needs to be properly prepared and primed before compatible SBS material is installed.
This allows the underlying condition to be addressed rather than simply installing another layer over an existing blister.
These types of targeted repairs can make sense when the deficiencies are localised and the surrounding roof remains serviceable.
Need Help With a Flat Roof in Richmond?
If you manage or own a commercial, industrial, strata or multi-family property in Richmond and need help investigating a roof problem, reviewing previous repairs or planning maintenance, we can help.
Call 778.908.3968
FAQ
Can an incorrect repair product damage a flat roof?
Using an incompatible repair material can lead to poor adhesion, premature failure or deterioration of the existing membrane. The original roofing system should be identified before selecting repair materials.
Why do some flat roof repairs keep leaking?
There can be several reasons. The original source of water may not have been correctly identified, the repair may not extend far enough, preparation may have been inadequate or incompatible materials may have been used.
Can old patches on a commercial roof be repaired again?
Sometimes, but the existing patch and surrounding membrane should be assessed first. In some cases it makes more sense to remove an unsuccessful repair and properly prepare and repair the original roofing system.
When does repairing a flat roof stop making sense?
There is no single number of repairs that determines when a roof should be replaced. The overall membrane condition, moisture within the assembly, frequency of leaks, condition of previous repairs and cost of continued maintenance should all be considered.
