A leaking roof is bad for business, so if you have this problem with your EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roof, you need to get to the bottom of the matter by finding out the cause before anything else. Then, of course, you will need help from your roofing expert. You also want to deal with the leaks on time as there is a high chance of more damage to other parts of the building, such as walls and ceiling. Below are the top causes of leaks on your EPDM roof.
The Joints and Seams Have Failed
It is not uncommon for the seams and joints on your ethylene propylene diene monomer roof to fail. This is because, over time, the glue tends to dry out, causing the seams to open up, thus allowing water to get into your building. The unfortunate part is there is no permanent solution for this. All you can do is to keep a keen eye on these areas and call for repairs as soon as the problem arises.
Your Roof Is Punctured
EPDM roofs are durable and won't easily wear. However, they can be defenseless against punctures because of falling objects like trees, animals that frequent your roof, and water damage. Even so, you will be relieved to know this is a fairly easy problem to fix. The most common repair method involves using a patch to seal the punctured area.
The Membrane Is Shrinking
Installing an ethylene propylene diene monomer roof is quite easy, and this is perhaps why many people think they can do the installations themselves. Besides, it is a great way to save money. However, there are consequences of DIY installations, and one of them is it causes the membrane to shrink and leak. Some of the errors leading to this problem include not giving the rubber roofing enough time to rest before installation. The other one is doing the installations hurriedly so the roof does not expand enough.
These mistakes, in turn, cause the surface to shrink due to over-exposure to UV rays and start to pull away from areas such as the flashing, leaving them to leak. Other roofing problems such as underlayment issues may also arise. With this in mind, you should not perform EPDM roof installations without involving a qualified local roofer.
Ultimately, you can prevent or minimize the above-outlined issues by partnering with an experienced commercial roofing company for regular inspections and maintenance. Additionally, try as much as possible to attend to any issues as soon as they arise to avoid further damage.
Contact a commercial roofing company to learn more.