commercial roofing
Roof Damage Repair
Damage gets two answers: the temporary seal that stops water tonight, and the permanent repair that follows once the crew leader has traced the cause. In Federal Way, WA the second answer usually waits for a dry day, because Auburn, in the same Green River corridor, sees its wettest months in November and December and Tacoma logs roughly 155 wet days a year. A good repair plan follows that rhythm, with small open areas and a dry-in every evening.
What does wind do to a commercial roof?
It starts at the edges. A wind event on the scale of the November 2024 bomb cyclone, which put 74 mph on Enumclaw, sends the crew to the perimeter metal, the corner fasteners, and any membrane lifted at a parapet first. Wind damage repair begins with a fastener pull test and a walk of the edges, then moves inward to the field.
Why does water stand on some roofs?
A drain set high, a deck that has deflected, or compressed insulation can all hold water. Ponding water repair starts with clearing the drain and measuring how long the water stays, then moves to tapered insulation or a new outlet if cleaning is not enough. Standing water also ages seams, so a roof that ponds is checked for seam failure as well.
Where do leaks usually start?
At the places where the membrane was cut or turned. Flashing failure repair covers curbs, wall bases, and pipe boots, and a membrane puncture repair deals with tool drops, foot traffic, and debris. Both are small jobs when found early and large ones after a wet ceiling tile has dropped.
What happens after a fire?
Fire damage roof repair starts with a structural check and a temporary cover over exposed decking. Insulation and membrane near the burn are removed back to sound material, and the tie-in is made to the undamaged roof. Insurance documentation runs in parallel, so photographs are taken before the cover goes on.
Commercial Roofing Questions
What happens first when a roof is damaged?
A temporary seal. The crew leader finds the opening, covers it, and protects the interior. The permanent scope comes after the cause is traced and the weather allows dry work.
How do I tell storm damage from wear?
Look at the pattern. Storm damage tends to be fresh, directional, and clustered at edges or exposed faces. Wear shows as general cracking, fastener backout, or aged sealant across the field. We mark each on the roof plan.
Will a repair affect my warranty?
It can, so we check the warranty terms before work begins. Where a manufacturer warranty is in force, repairs follow its requirements, and the record of what was done goes to the owner.
Can damaged insulation stay in place?
Only if it is dry. We scan and core suspect areas, remove wet board, and replace it before the new membrane goes down. Covering wet insulation shortens the life of the repair.
Send the damage location and the schedule
Share where the damage shows, the date of the event, and the hours the building runs. We will walk the sequence, staging, and tie-ins with your superintendent before a number goes on paper.
