Single-ply roofing offers many advantages to homes and commercial establishments. It’s cheaper than other roofing materials, easy to install and maintain, and can be trusted to keep your property safe even in varying weather conditions.
Sometimes, however, moisture can penetrate the roofing membrane and cause considerable damage to your property. Knowing how moisture gets under the roofing membrane can spare you the unnecessary cost of a premature commercial roof replacement.
Pawcatuck Roofing Co. discusses some common problems that will lead to moisture under the roofing membrane below.
Single Layer
Unlike other flat roofing materials, single-ply roofing relies on one membrane or layer to prevent water from penetrating into the structure. It is thus less resistant to damages caused by punctures, foot traffic, and chemicals.
Foot traffic, heavy equipment and other conditions can cause vulnerabilities in the roofing membrane, allowing water and moisture to seep in. You might need to call the pros for a roofing repair job when this happens.
Pitch Pockets
Also known as “pitch pans,” pitch pockets are flanged materials placed around irregularly shaped roof penetrations. These rely on grout and sealants to become watertight and will require continuous maintenance to prevent water from entering and going under the membrane.
Shrinking Membranes
Single-ply EPDM membranes shrink due to thermal movement or the continuous change in temperatures. When it shrinks, the EPDM membrane is sometimes unable to return to its original location. This results in “bridging,” where the membrane pulls itself away from the flashing and roof. When this happens, moisture finds its way in through the gaps the membrane has left. This can be prevented by fastening the membrane using mechanical means.
Vapor Diffusion
Water vapor can also cause moisture to get under the sheets. Water vapor can flow through solid but permeable materials and go under the membrane. The chance of this occurring is heightened when the indoor air is relatively moist compared to the air outside the building. The water vapor can condense into liquid water.
Protect your property with top-quality roofing membranes from Pawcatuck Roofing Co., the leading roofing contractor in Rhode Island. Call us at (401) 262-0665 or fill out our online form to request an estimate. We serve areas in and around Westerly, RI.