Single-ply roofing: Why preventative maintenance matters

By Jesse Sanchez.

Uncover why preventative maintenance is essential for prolonging the lifespan of single-ply roofing systems.

The single-ply roofing industry has seen substantial growth over the last few decades, evolving into the dominant choice for low-slope commercial roofs. In this CoatingsTalk, host Megan Ellsworth sat down with KARNAK's Vice President of Sales, John McDermott, and Chris Huettig, an industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, who discussed the importance of preventative maintenance in an industry where single-ply membranes now account for 80 to 85% of all low-slope roofing installations in the U.S.

"There's a very, very large need for repairs and preventative maintenance," John said. "No matter how good some of the systems are, there's just so much of it out there."

With the increasing adoption of single-ply systems, John noted that industry research indicates commercial roofs are not lasting as long as they once did. Rising costs and aging materials make routine maintenance a necessity rather than an option.  

"For the building owner and the contractor alike, that just reinforces the need for preventative maintenance, given the fact that roofs obviously cost a lot more to put on now," John explained. "Replacing these roofs, sustaining them, is much, much more of a value than letting them go."

Key to this maintenance is seam integrity. Single-ply membranes are connected through heat welding, adhesives or tapes, making them susceptible to degradation over time. Issues such as surface cracking and checking often appear long before leaks develop, providing an opportunity for proactive solutions. "It may not be failed yet or even leaking, but it's the beginning of those problems," John warned.

Chris further highlighted the need for roofing contractors to integrate maintenance into their service offerings. "Service and maintenance, it's always been important. It just wasn't really stressed enough," he said. "With these single-ply systems out there, they're a little more vulnerable at times. They can be great systems, but they're also more vulnerable to deterioration."

A major issue affecting single-ply roofs is damage from non-roofing trades, such as HVAC technicians and security personnel, who inadvertently cause wear and tear by dragging heavy equipment across the membrane. "It's very critical for any contractor to have a service department," Chris stressed.

Aside from prolonging roof life and preventing costly replacements, proper maintenance is also a requirement for many manufacturer warranties. Building owners are often required to hire contractors to perform routine inspections and maintenance to ensure compliance. Neglecting these responsibilities could lead to denied claims if significant damage occurs.

For roofing contractors, the benefits of offering maintenance services extend beyond compliance and repairs. Chris stated, "That contractor's keeping that touch point with that building owner and they're building that relationship, which is going to lead to so many other things, to help their company grow."  

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar for more insights on single-ply roofing maintenance and to hear the full discussion!