Commercial building roof repair
Commercial Roof Repair That Fixes the Cause, Not the Stain
Commercial roof repair works when the scan shows the damage is local: a failed seam, a split flashing or a few hundred square feet of wet insulation, fixed before it spreads across the roof.
Every repair is located from the Deficiency Map and Moisture Map, so the crew goes straight to the cause.
What does commercial roof repair cover?
Repair covers 7 common failure points on a flat roof: seams, flashings, penetrations, drains, curbs, edge metal and small areas of wet insulation.
| Problem | Repair? | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Open or lifted seam | Yes | Clean, reweld or reseal, then probe the full seam run |
| Split base flashing at a wall or curb | Yes | Replace the flashing and termination |
| Leaking pipe or vent penetration | Yes | New boot or pitch pan, sealed to the membrane |
| Clogged or broken drain | Yes | Clear, reset the clamping ring, replace strainer |
| Wet insulation under 1 area | Yes | Cut out, replace insulation, patch membrane |
| Wet insulation across much of the roof | No | Restoration or replacement |
| Membrane brittle or shrinking everywhere | No | Restoration or replacement |
How does scan data change a repair scope?
Scan data turns a repair from 1 patch over a ceiling stain into a measured list of every defect and wet area, each with a location, quantity and cost.
Water rarely enters a roof directly above where it drips. It runs along the deck and through the insulation, sometimes for many feet, before it finds a joint in the ceiling. A patch over the stain fixes nothing. The Moisture Map shows the whole wet area and usually points to the entry point at its edge, and the Deficiency Map shows which seam, flashing or penetration is open.
Wet insulation also has to come out. Left in place, it keeps the deck damp, loses most of its insulating value and feeds the next leak. Our scope removes only the wet sections, measured from the map, rather than guessing with test cuts. The scan method is described on commercial roof inspections.
How is a commercial roof repair carried out?
A repair runs in 5 steps from locating the defect to closing the record, and most single-area repairs are completed in 1 visit.
Locate
The defect and wet area are found from the scan maps and marked on the roof.
Open
Wet insulation is cut out down to dry material or the deck.
Rebuild
New insulation is fitted and the membrane is patched with a compatible material.
Detail
Seams, flashings and terminations around the area are welded or sealed and probed.
Record
Before and after photos and the repair location are added to the roof file.
When does repairing a commercial roof stop making financial sense?
Repair stops making sense once roughly 25 percent or more of the roof area is wet, or the Roof Condition Score falls below 41, because repair money then goes into an assembly that is failing everywhere.
Example figures for a 50,000 sq ft roof, for illustration only. Your report prices your own roof.
The 25 percent figure is a rule of thumb used across the industry, not a hard limit. When a roof crosses into that range, the report prices restoration and replacement alongside repair so the comparison is on one page. Annual repair allowances included with programs are listed on the maintenance programs page.
Which flat roof repairs come up most often?
The 4 repairs we see most on flat commercial roofs are seam failures, flashing failures at rooftop units, drain problems and damage from foot traffic.
- Seams: welded or taped laps that open with heat cycling and age.
- Rooftop unit flashings: curbs disturbed by HVAC service and never resealed.
- Drains: debris, loose clamping rings and settled decks that leave water standing.
- Foot traffic: punctures and scuffs along paths to equipment with no walkway pads.
FAQs
How much does commercial roof repair cost?
It depends on the defect, the wet area and access. Each repair in your report is priced by quantity and unit.
Can you repair a commercial flat roof in wet weather?
Temporary repairs can be made in the rain. Permanent repairs need a dry surface.
Why do repairs keep failing on my roof?
Usually because the entry point was never found or wet insulation was left in place.
Do you repair all membrane types?
Yes: TPO, EPDM, PVC, spray foam, modified bitumen and built-up roofs.
Will a repair void my warranty?
Repairs should use materials the manufacturer approves. We document each repair for the warranty file.
How fast can you repair a commercial building roof?
Most single-area repairs take 1 visit. Manage members receive 24-hour leak response.
Do you need to cut test cores?
No. The scan finds wet areas without core cuts.
Can repairs be included in a program?
Protect includes up to $1,500 a year in repairs and Manage up to $2,500.
What if the scan finds more than I expected?
The report prices the options, and you decide what to approve.
Do you repair roofs on occupied buildings?
Yes. Work is scheduled around tenants and operations.
How do I get a repair quote?
Request a roof scan or call (310) 647-7192.
Find the cause before you pay for the patch.
Trusted since 1983 on over 20,000 commercial roofs. California License 435836.