Now that summer is in full swing, you need to realize that sometimes it’s the small details that are failing your roof. Drains, flashings, seams, pitch-pans and metal edges may seem like the least of your worries but they have the potential to cause some major roofing headaches. Whether it’s heat and humidity or rain and winds, the weather you’re experiencing may be putting some serious stress on your roof components. Over the years, we’ve learned that taking a look at each detail of your roof makes a drastic difference to its overall performance, especially during stormy summers like this one. This article is packed with pro tips to help you meet strict insurance requirements and avoid costly downtime. Let’s take a closer look at what you should focus on this summer.
Drainage Systems
As you know, a drainage system is what ensures proper water flow, especially if you have a flat or low-slope roof. Drains, scuppers, gutters and downspouts are essential to keep the water moving freely, so when they’re clogged or damaged, ponding water can occur. This will weaken your roof over time, allowing for water intrusion and potentially leading to expensive fixes.
What to Watch:
✔ Roof Drains and Strainer Baskets: Make sure they’re free of leaves and debris. CentiMark checks these as part of our annual preventative maintenance program and also recommends they are checked after inclement weather in your area.
✔ Scuppers: Look for cracks or corrosion and remember to clear any blockage.
✔ Downspouts and Gutters: Check for signs of clogging and overflow that could result in drainage backups.
Flashings and Seams
Flashings and seams seal membrane edges as well as provide a watertight seal around rooftop equipment, walls and vents. Can we share a secret? Flashings and seams are where many roofs fail because it is typically where water intrusion starts. Over time, UV exposure, fluctuating temperatures and wind uplift can cause these seals to weaken or even separate.
Keep an Eye Out For:
✔ Separation: Gaps or lifting at seams or vertical-to-horizontal flashings are often an early warning sign of failure.
✔ Loose Fasteners: Check for missing or loose fasteners that can compromise the watertight seal.
✔ Damage: Cracks, blisters or water stains at the seams can indicate possible moisture intrusion.
Pitch Pans and Penetrations
Pitch-pockets, also known as pitch pans, seal various roof penetrations like pipes and electrical conduit to ensure waterproofing. A pourable sealant is used in a small containment area to form a seamless gasket. Whether it’s because of temperature swings or mechanical movement, your sealants within these containment areas may shrink, crack or pull away from penetrations over time.
You Need to Spot:
✔ Sealant Vulnerabilities: Look for dried-out, cracked or worn-down sealant that no longer fully covers the penetration.
✔ Debris: Check for buildup or overflow that could prevent proper drainage or cover existing damage.
✔ Movement: Watch for shifting or separation around the penetration that could lead to water intrusion.
Metal Edge Details
Often overlooked, the metal edge at your roof’s perimeter is a critical component in keeping your roof secure and watertight. These details are located where the membrane terminates at the edge of the building, typically along parapet walls or roof perimeters. Improperly installed or aging edges can be a major vulnerability, especially during high wind events.
What to Check:
✔ Loose or Lifting Metal: Look for any sections where it’s pulling away or visibly lifting. This is an early indicator of wind damage.
✔ Sealant or Caulk Deterioration: Examine any sealants or caulking for areas of water infiltration.
✔ Fastener Integrity: Inspect for rusted, loose or missing fasteners that may weaken the edge detail’s resistance to storm-force winds.
This summer, it might not be an entire blow-off that causes operational downtime. It could be a tiny crack in your flashing or a backed-up drain. With extreme weather becoming the norm this year, paying attention to these often-missed roofing details is more important than ever. We’re here to help you stay ahead of it with in-depth inspections, preventative maintenance plans and professional recommendations to protect your facility. CentiMark knows exactly where to look, so you can stay focused on running your business.