Flat roofing systems offer a lot of benefits for any residential or commercial structure. With proper care and maintenance, they’ll even last beyond their expected lifespan. But for many flat roofs, most types of damage can start with seam failure. However, you should also know that this won’t easily happen as long as they’re properly installed by a trusted house roof contractor.
How Seam Sealing Methods Differ
Different sealing methods are used for each type of flat roofing system. Thermoplastic membranes such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and Ketone Ethylene Ester (KEE) are sealed by heating the membrane with hot air until it melts and fuses to the next section or flashing. Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) roofing systems use either adhesives or sealant tapes while modified bitumen roofs are sealed by mopping hot asphalt or applying cold adhesive to the seam.
In almost any type of flat roofing system, one of its weakest points is its seams. This means seam failure can happen to any roofing material if it isn’t properly sealed or adhered to properly. Where different sealing methods are used, if both sides aren’t sealed properly, the entire material becomes defective and may fail almost immediately.
Improper installation can also affect its insulation layer and can lead to a hump under the membrane that’s hard to ignore. If not properly addressed, this will lead to tears in different areas and cause the seams to break. The best way to avoid this is to hire a reputable roofing company that has the knowledge and experience in different flat roofing materials.
Common Causes of Seam Failure
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Subpar workmanship – If you don’t do your research and just hire any other contractors to install your flat roof, they might not be fully trained or experienced in proper sealing during the installation process. If your roof isn’t sealed according to manufacturer guidelines, it may lead to more than just seam failure.
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Severe weathering – Flat and low-slope roofs are constantly exposed to the elements. While it protects your home or building from the harsh weather, it’s subject to natural wear and tear which can lead to brittleness, shrinkage, and other forms of deterioration that affect the system at the seams.
If you’re looking for a contractor that offers a great roof cost estimate, there’s only one name you can trust. Contact Premier Systems Roofing today by calling (605) 361-4955 or filling out our convenient contact form!
