Category Archives: Repairs

Potential Vulnerable Areas on Your Roof

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Insulation (under the membrane) – Can lead to leaks or even premature failure of your entire roofing system. When the roof insulation shrinks, curls, or cups it results in membrane attachment problems.

Flexible Wall Flashings – Theses flashings can result in leaks if they slide off the wall.

Penetrations – Penetrations usually occur from lack of maintenance (and in many cases manufacturers will void warranty if the roof has not been properly maintained).

Metal Flashings – Flashings can leak at the joint, or because of rust. If the flashings were installed improperly they can also cause leaks.

Blisters – blisters in the membrane form due to moisture vapor within the roofing application. The blisters can open due to traffic, and result in leaks.

Typical Failures in Base Flashings

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Typical failures in base flashings that require repairs include:

  • Tears or splits due to expansion and contraction.
  • Poor adhesion at the top of the base flashing.
  • Open side laps
  • General deterioration

Repair procedures

  • Always inspect the immediate area. Make sure water has not leaked into the affected area.

If it is likely that water has entered the roofing system

  1. Throughly inspect the insulation or roof deck for damage.
  2. Remove any wet or damaged insulation and repair the deck if required.
  3. Install new insulation

Roof Equipment Support – Inadequate?

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Inadequate equipment supports could be damaging to a roof system

If inadequate equipment supports are damaging the roofing membrane due to the weight on the membrane, then two options for correcting the condition should be considered. 

These options provide an alternative method of support and may prevent further damage to the roofs membrane.

The first option is to erect a new curb attached to the structural deck. This curb should then be properly flashed and counterflashed. The second option is to install an equipment stand supported by the structure. The equipment stand should then be properly flashed. Raised and flashed curbs are the recommended method for supporting and attaching equipment.

Interior Roof Drains – Leaks

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If leaks are suspected at interior drains, insure the drain is free flowing. Then check the drain bowl from the underside of the deck to determine if plumbing parts are cracked. Then check to see if condensation is a problem, or if the plumbing joints are leaking. If no problems are evident, inspect membrane to drain bowl interface for problems. Then check clamping ring bolts and snug down in sequence to tighten clamping rings.

If the leaks persist – remove the drain clamping ring. Repair or replace all drain parts that are missing or are broken. Drilling and retapping of drain bolts and receivers may be necessary. Next cut back and remove existing membrane flashing. Then remove the sheet lead flashing.

Then set a new sheet lead. Install the same type and number of flashings that were removed. Reinstall the clamping ring and secure the bolts by tightening them in alternating sequence. Then, you may choose to recoat the flashing with a coating that is compatible.