Roofing Problems Start with Seams

Any time you have a seam in your roofing, there’s a chance for problems. Installing a roof as one giant piece of material is next to impossible, however, so they are almost always part of the equation. Fortunately, roofing manufacturer’s are constantly working on improving methods and materials to make roofing seams as uniform and continuous as possible.

A few common methods include:

• Thermoplastic membranes are sealed by heating the membrane until it melts and fuses.
• EPDM rubber uses adhesives or sealant tape.
• Modified Bitumen and BUR are sealed using hot asphalt or cold adhesives, or with peel and stick adhesives that use a roller to fuse the seams.
• Asphalt shingles are nailed down and then overlapped.
• Metal roofing is attached with fasteners and panels overlap.

At any rate, seams can and do weaken a roof many ways. Rain, wind, snow, heat and cold all work together to pry those seams apart causing leaks for nearly all roofing types. Once water finds a way in, it begins to work on the underlayment and foundation of your roof, which can lead to complete roof failure.

For single-ply and metal roofing, wind is a big danger. Heavy winds can get under an improperly installed seam and literally rip the material off the building.

Last but not least, seams allow heat (or cold) loss from your building, whether is it a commercial property or a residence. Moreover, inefficient roofing can increase your utility bills and still make for an uncomfortable living or working space.

While manufacturers do a good job of making sure their products work correctly, leaking seams generally come from poor or improper installation. In addition, wrinkles in the membrane can cause voids in the flashing seams, no matter what type of roofing system is installed.

It is so important to have an experienced team install any type of roof system. Before you hire a roofing company, be sure the check on their reputation. Ask for references, and even take a look at prior roofing work to see how it’s performing today.