Roofing Law

3 Mistakes Roofing Contractors Make on Low-Slope Roofs featured image

3 Mistakes Roofing Contractors Make on Low-Slope Roofs

As a roofing contractor, you’re familiar with the advantages of low-slope roofing systems. Not only do these types of roofing systems allow for easier installation and maintenance, but they can also greatly increase the efficiency of heating and cooling systems within the building. In addition to those factors, low-pitched roofs are increasingly compatible with the contemporary and modern design schemes for residential and commercial buildings. What you may not be familiar with, on the other hand, is the common mistakes roofing contractors make every day in their installation, maintenance, and repair of these roofing systems. If you want to protect your rights and mitigate risks associated with working in the roofing industry, it’s time to consult a roofing attorney with Cotney Attorneys & Consultants. 

Related: The Common Culprits of Roof Failure and Defect Litigation 

Failure to Clean the TPO Membrane 

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply roofing membranes are a popular type of roofing membrane for residential and commercial buildings for their low cost, ease of installation, and durability. One of the biggest mistakes contractors make when repairing a roof is failing to clean the surface of a dirty or otherwise contaminated TPO membrane. It’s not only unadvised but nearly impossible to get patches welded to a membrane that has not been properly cleaned. Sooner or later, the patches will begin to come right up. To clean the membrane, simply use water, a soft-bristled brush or scrubbing pad, and a non-abrasive household detergent. Make sure to inspect for and repair any damaged areas of the membrane following cleaning procedures.

Related: Growing Your Business with Minor Roof Repairs

Failure to Properly Install Base Attachments

Base attachments are the fasteners and plates designed to secure the membrane of the roof surrounding roof penetrations. Simply failing to install these small attachments on the membrane system of your roof can lead to a plethora of problems, including wind uplift and damaged flashing. To go about fixing this problem, you would fasten the roof by way of a cover patch that stabilizes the roof and doesn’t disrupt the seam. Be sure that you’re cleaning throughout this process as well. 

Failure to Inspect Your Work

Roofing contractors should be probing their welds on a daily basis when the sheet is clean to allow for ease of repair of any minor issues. This, however, should not serve as a final check. In fact, you should have someone else perform a final pre-inspection. However, probing and repairing your own work on a daily basis can and will save you a great deal of time and money in the long run. Just make sure that you’re not accidentally damaging the membrane in the process of probing your seams.

The list of mistakes provided in this article only scratches the surface of what can go wrong in the process of installation or repair of low-slope roofing systems. Many other mistakes are far too common in the roofing industry as well, from failing to meet the minimum requirement for weld width to failing to install the appropriate number of fasteners for half sheets. However, aside from following industry best practices, there is a surefire way you can best protect your roofing business. By partnering with one of the roofing attorneys from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, you’ll gain a legal advocate to represent and defend your roofing business at every possible turn. 

If you would like to speak with an experienced roofing attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.