Flat Roof FAQ

How long does a commercial flat roof typically last?

The lifespan of a commercial flat roof depends on several key factors, including the roofing system, installation quality, climate, foot traffic, and most importantly, ongoing maintenance.

With proper care, many flat roof systems can last 20 to 30 years or longer. Routine inspections, drain cleaning, minor repairs, and preventive maintenance can significantly extend roof life and help catch small issues before they become costly problems.

It’s also important to remember that many material warranties require routine maintenance and documentation to remain valid. Skipping regular care can shorten the life of the roof and potentially put warranty coverage at risk.

The reality is simple: maintenance plays a major role in maximizing roof life and protecting your investment.

If you want to get the most years out of your roof, check out our preventive maintenance packages on our website or call 847-255-3600 to discuss the best plan for your building.

Flat Roof Pros Coast to Coast

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Flat Roof FAQ

What causes ponding water on a flat roof?

Ponding water is typically caused by blocked drains, clogged scuppers, or low areas in the roof that prevent proper drainage. When water sits on the roof for extended periods, it can accelerate membrane wear, stress seams, and increase the risk of leaks.

Left unaddressed, what starts as a minor drainage issue can turn into costly repairs or premature roof failure.

Routine inspections and preventive maintenance are key to keeping water moving and protecting the long-term performance of your roof.

If you’re noticing standing water on your roof, it may be time for a professional assessment.

Call OSR, the Flat Roof Pros Coast to Coast, at 847-255-3600.

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We are often called out to a commercial flat roof to fix a leak or other costly damage that could have been avoided with a preventive maintenance service agreement. Scheduled preventive maintenance has been found to save 40-50% on maintenance costs and even increase a roofs life by 35%!

Here is what to expect from a preventive maintenance service: 

1. Scheduled Roof Inspections
   Your flat roof is routinely inspected by a certified commercial roof inspector. A proper roof inspection needs the use of special equipment to look for signs of damage and can require many steps.
2. Seasonal Roof Preparation
   Your roof is kept clean and prepared for the upcoming seasons. Your commercial flat roof can build up standing water, snow and debris that can weaken and/or damage your investment leading to costly repairs or even the need for an entire new roof.
3. Repairs as Necessary
   Any damage or leaks found during inspections can be attended to and repaired quickly. The more time it takes to fix any damage or leaks on a commercial flat roof the more damage in the long run.
4. Detailed Records
   A record of inspections, repairs and problem areas will be kept. This helps not only in the maintenance of the roof but also preserves the information in the case where there is turnover with the building manager or owner.
5. Infrared Moisture Scan
   If it seems necessary, an infrared moisture scan will be performed to identify areas of moisture and wet insulation. Moisture infiltration and insulation degradation can be hidden beneath the roof surface and this scan can pinpoint problem areas without invasive testing or costly core samples.
6. Sealing/Re-Sealing of Mechanical Roof Penetrations
   Proactively sealing around penetrations such as pipes, HVAC units and vents. If not properly sealed these areas can become entry points of moisture and leaks over time causing costly damage.
7. Roof Coating/Re-Coating
   If needed a new coating will be added to the surface of the flat roof. This coating adds a seamless barrier that seals and protects against water and the elements.
8. Priority Emergency Service
   If disaster strikes, service techs will be available via a 24-hour emergency number.

As one of the top commercial roofing contractors in the USA, O’hara’s Son Roofing offersprofessional commercial roof maintenance nationwide. To learn more about our preventive maintenance plans for commercial and industrial roofs, contact our service team at (844) 766-3677 today!

How much snow on a flat roof is too much?

In cold climates, flat commercial roofs can collect several feet of snow over the winter. In many cases it is important to have the snow professionally removed to avoid damage to the structure, drainage system or other parts of the roof. As a building stakeholder, unmanaged snow and lack of a winter snow removal plan can cause many issues to your investment.

Some damage caused by snow accumulation include:

• • Falling snow and ice
  • Blocked access to building systems and features
  • Damage to the drainage system
  • Damage to the roofing membranes
  • Roof collapse or structural damage

There are a couple things one can do to prevent risk from snow build-up. Before the snow comesyou may be able to have snow protection features installed. You can also create a snow removal plan to share with your building manager. This would include finding your building’s snow load, drawing out a roof map and familiarizing yourself with FEMA guidelines for snow removal from your flat roof.  

A light layer of snow on a commercial flat roof is typically not an issue. In fact, it should often be left alone as needless snow removal can damage the roof membranes as well. This is why it is important to find your flat roof’s snow load and to reach out to the professionals when it seems possible that the load is getting too heavy.

At O’Hara’s Son Roofing we have experts that can help you prepare a snow removal plan. Once that plan is in place and it seems the load could be getting heavy, we can send out one of our experts to take a small sample of the snow to test its weight. This can save you a lot of money as you may be able to avoid snow removal if that sample shows the snow to be lighter than feared.

Need help making a snow removal plan? Interested in what snow protection features we can install on your commercial roof?

Contact OSR today!

Fall is here, and winter is just around the corner!

As the leaves change, it’s time to think about your roof’s readiness for the upcoming rain and snow. Clogged drains can lead to serious leaks, so don’t wait until it’s too late!

Here are a few tips to prepare your flat roof for the season:

• Clear Debris: Remove leaves and twigs from your roof and gutters to prevent clogs.
• Inspect Your Roof: Look for any signs of wear or damage that could worsen in winter weather.
• Check Your Drains: Make sure they’re clear to handle rain and melting snow.
• Schedule a Professional Inspection: It’s always a good idea to have a pro take a look before the heavy snow hits.

Let us help you keep your home safe and dry! Contact us today for a roof inspection and ensure you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way!

Call OSR, the Big Roof Pros Coast to Coast, at 844-766-3677.