Martin Commercial Roofing:
Common Problems
Common Leak Spots for Rooftop Equipment
- Poorly designed filter access covers on HVAC ductwork.
- Improperly sealed joints, seams and holes on HVAC ducts.
- Bent, loose or missing filter access panels on HVAC units.
- Holes and loose edges on HVAC fresh air intake hoods.
- Holes and poor weather stripping in HVAC air intake panels.
- Concrete wall crack leaks above the ceiling line reported as roof leaks.
- Wind-blown rain through skylight louvers.
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TOP ROOFING PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
Top Single-Ply Problems & Solutions
Problems
- Poor, inconsistent weld
- Seam voids
- Fastener placement
- Fasteners too long, short
- Unadhered membrane
- Unadhered base flashing
- Contaminated roof substrate
- Flashing displacement
- Abuse of installed roof
Solutions
- Conduct test welds; probe all seams
- Don’t start and stop welding excessively
- Adjust screw gun clutch setting
- Ensure fastener engages deck, in top flange
- Use correct adhesives at right rate and temp.
- Use initial priming, 2nd adhesive application
- Use broom or blower prior to installation
- Follow fastener placement guidelines
- Protect membrane; use job sequencing
Top 10 Hot Bituminous Problems & Solutions
Problems
- Temperature control of asphalt
- Mopping practices
- Poor interply integrity
- Improper flashing
- Dry laps
- Inaccurate head laps
- Fire safety
- Poor base sheet attachment
- Gravel embedment
- Lack of coping moisture barrier
Solutions
- Use infrared thermometers
- Follow specs; ensure equipment is okay
- No foot traffic; don’t install too hot
- Ensure proper height, length of flashing
- Broom felts
- Check ply lines; use chalk lines
- Check thermometers on kettles
- Relax sheets; conduct pull-out tests
- Don’t overheat asphalt; embed gravel quickly
- Ensure blocking and cap attached properly
Top 10 Torch-Applied Problems & Solutions
Problems
- Fire safety
- Over, under torching
- Dry laps
- Voids
- Improper flashing
- Backwater laps
- Poor base sheet attachment
- Improper material preparation
- Inadequate head laps
- Lack of moisture barrier (coping)
Solutions
- Train installers, use extinguishers, infrared scans
- Perform inspections, ensure proper bleed-out
- Roll in laps
- Relax sheets, avoid phasing
- Prime metals, ensure proper adhesion
- Start at low point of roof; install shingle fashion
- Relax sheets, increase fasteners at corners
- Store materials properly; protect roll ends
- Follow manufacturers’ specs
- Use 2nd barrier, slope coping cap
Top 10 Asphalt Shingle Problems and Solutions
Problems
- Decking spaced improperly
- Installing over rotted plywood
- Installing over buckled underlayment
- Underlay not installed under drip edge
- No leak barrier in valleys
- Valley shingles not clipped and sealed
- Improper step flashing
- No sealant at starter strip
- Improper ventilation
- Improper nailing
Solutions
- Contractor checks deck
- Repair/remove rotted plywood
- Repair/remove underlayment
- Install underlayment, then drip edges
- Install leak barrier for all systems
- Seal every shingle to metal or shingle beneath
- Install step flashing for every shingle
- Cut starters to align sealant at the edge
- Install ridge and soffit vents to FHA min.
- Nail in location recommended by supplier
Accidental Piercing by Contractors
Age & Rusting
Heat Pockets
High Wind Roof Damage
Pooling Water
Roof Weather Cracks
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