Roofing Resources

Anatomy of an unhealthy roof

At Design Roofing, we are committed to helping our customers understand their roofs. We created these interactive maps to help walk you through different aspects of your roof and potential problems you may have. This particular roof type is a Tar & Gravel Roof System. Highlighted are the most common problems found on many roofs. We hope this tool helps you learn more about one of the most important parts of your building.

The roof represents 5 – 7 % of capital building costs, but covers 100% of the building. Taking care of your roof with regular maintenance and preventing these issues will help ensure the longevity of your investment.

Skylights

Improper seals on skylights or even improperly installed skylights will produce condensation and allow water ingress into your building. It can be as simple as the curb not being properly waterproofed. We ensure your skylights are water tight and if you need a new skylight all together, we do that too.

Damaged or Improperly Installed Metal

Open seams and deteriorating metal are common water entry points. Without proper waterproofing under the metal water can enter into your building through any openings or improperly sealed membrane. Ensuring all seams are sealed properly and your metal is in good condition is important to keeping your building dry throughout the year.

Moss and Vegetation Growth

During the wet seasons, moss retains water adding stress to your roof and preventing drainage. In the summer when the moss dries it poses a serious fire hazard, a spark can easily ignite it. Vegetation such as grass and small shrubs can easily damage your membrane with their root systems. Ensuring your roof is free of these elements will help extend the service life of your roof.

Missing and Damaged Plumbing Stacks

Intended for ventilation and proper plumbing function, when these pipes are damaged or missing water can easily enter your building. Ensuring these roof penetrations are in good condition and properly installed is very important. We routinely fix and replace these stacks to be up to code. Most older building have lead stacks that easily corrode at the bottom allowing water into the building.

Debris and Metal Left by Trades

Nails, metal and debris on a roof all pose a hazard to your membrane. If they become embedded in the roof they can cause damage and allow water in or they can fall down drains leading to blocked drains and leaks. Making sure your roof is free of debris will help minimize potential damage and problems.

Improper Seals on Vents

Similar to damage to the base of a vent or stack, if the top cap is not secure or functioning as intended water can get into your building. Making sure your vents all have the proper cap secured on is crucial to keeping water out.

Roof Drains

This is an integral element of any roof system that is designed to ensure proper drainage. Without proper maintenance, drains fill with debris and vegetation growth preventing water from draining off the roof. If there are any weak areas or unnoticed opening and splits around these areas, the subsequent ponding water will ingress into your building causing interior damage. Ensuring your drains are cleaned annually is one of the easiest ways to prevent leaks.

Exposed Electrical Penetrations

These are very common water ingress points. These pipes and cables are installed through the roof and if they are not properly sealed, water will enter your building. This is another preventative repair that will help ensure your building’s interior is protected from the elements.

Rusting Vents, Units and Ducts

Metal exposed to the elements will always rust and corrode. Over time this metal will eventually rust through leaving you with costly repairs. By applying a special protective coating during annual maintenance you can extend the life of your roof vents, units and ducts.

Ridging and Splits in Membrane

A ridge in your membrane is a tell tale sign that trouble is brewing. Once that ridge splits water will enter into your building. Finding these ridges, splits and cracks in your membrane will allow you to take preventative measures with simple repairs. Allowing these to remain on your roof will cause it to continue to deteriorate and allow water in ultimately leading to a full roof replacement if the damage is wide spread.

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