Dangers of Neglecting a Leaky Commercial Roof

by J&K Roofing | Feb 7, 2023 | Commercial

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Dangers of Neglecting a Leaky Commercial Roof

Owning a commercial property in Colorado can be a great way to make money. But if you don’t take care of your commercial roof, you might have to face an expensive reality at some point.

Because most commercial buildings have low-slope or flat roofs, they can be susceptible to water pooling, leaks, and other commercial roofing problems. And in Colorado, the weather doesn’t offer you many favors when it comes to commercial roof maintenance: hail storms, wind storms, heavy snow, high temperatures under blistering sunlight—any one of these could spell trouble for your commercial roof when you’re least expecting it.

You can’t afford to overlook a leaky commercial roof, and here are some of the top reasons why.

Leaks Lead to Mold

Commercial roofs are often the victims of water pooling since they have low or no slope to them. Without proper drainage, your commercial roof might begin to leak, which causes a whole host of issues including mold. Mold and mildew are dangerous and can cause serious illnesses in humans, so it’s best to not mess around with commercial roof leaks and water damage!

Your Energy Costs Go Up

Those same cracks and leaks in your commercial roof can let warm air escape in the winter and cool air escape in the summer, causing your energy costs to increase and your problems to compound.

Pests Can Take Advantage

If you don’t take the time to prepare your commercial roof for a strong storm—or you let too much time pass by following a significant storm—you could run the risk of creating more problems than just cracks and leaks in your roof. These small openings are perfect for pests and animals to sneak inside your roof, nest, and create additional hazards. After any strong storm, it’s a good idea to have your commercial roof inspected for damage to help prevent such problems from arising.

Your Roof Becomes Weaker & More Dangerous

As time goes on and your roof withstands the weather throughout the changing seasons, routine maintenance becomes much more important. Roofing materials are made to be durable and last for decades, but they will weaken over time and become dangerous to those inside your commercial building. It’s very important to maintain a regular roof inspection schedule and address any necessary repairs immediately.

Higher Repair Costs

Not only is it safer to deal with commercial roof leaks and other roofing issues as soon as they arise, it’s also easier on your bottom line. Preventative maintenance and timely repairs will lengthen the life of your roof and save you money in the long run. Schedule an inspection with a trusted, local roofing company today to make sure you’re not in for a rude awakening later!

Don’t Delay Commercial Roof Repairs

Truly, ignoring the need to fix a roof leak in Colorado on your commercial property is a bad idea.

The best thing you can do to fix your commercial roof leak is to contact an experienced roofer for a commercial roof inspection. Not only will this save you from the dangers of getting on top of a potentially unstable roof, but it will also possibly save you money on repairs.

Our team at J&K Roofing is experienced and skilled at commercial roof leak detection. We will inspect your roof for potential problem areas and keep you informed the entire way through. Get in touch with us today for all of your Denver roof leak repairs and commercial roofing needs!

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All You Need to Know About Built-Up Roofing

by J&K Roofing | Dec 21, 2022 | Commercial

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All You Need to Know About Built-Up Roofing

In many action movies, there’s a big fight scene that takes place atop a large commercial building. You see the characters running around large vents and HVAC systems, and you can hear their footsteps on gravel.

Have you ever wondered why so many commercial buildings have this same style of roof?

It’s called a built-up roof, and it’s a long-lasting, durable, and inexpensive option for flat or low-slope commercial roofs. Let’s take a closer look at a built-up roof’s components and why they’re so popular.

What Is a Built-Up Roofing System?

The built-up roofing system (BUR) has been around for a long time—more than 100 years, in fact. It’s a time-tested technology that is commonly used on commercial buildings throughout the country. The odds are good that you’ve seen one or stood on one at some point.

To put it simply, a BUR is a roof that consists of many layers of asphalt that are applied in between layers of felts or ply sheets. A common built-up roof would be stacked like this, starting with the bottom layer:

Deck surface
Roof insulation
Asphalt
Cover board
Asphalt
Ply sheet
Asphalt
Ply sheet
More asphalt
Ply sheet
Reflective roof coating

Benefits of Built-Up Roofing

If you’ve ever seen someone standing atop a roof and it looks like they’re mopping, they were likely reinforcing the top layer or completing a built-up roofing repair.

The two main types of built-up roofing are modified bitumen and ballast roofs. Modified bitumen roofs have a mix of asphalt and rubber, and have a layer of gravel on top. In ballast roofing, the lower levels do not adhere to the roof structure, but instead have a top layer of smooth river stone and larger gravel.

Benefits of Built-Up Roofing

There are many reasons why built-up roofs are so popular for commercial buildings in Colorado and beyond, and here are just some of them.

Simplicity: A BUR system is relatively straightforward in its composition, and as such, it is easy to install and maintain. They are incredibly waterproof thanks to the many layers of materials involved.

Low Cost: Depending on your roof and the materials used, your built-up roofing system might be relatively inexpensive to install.

Efficiency: The roofing materials used in a built-up roof are great insulators, which help keep your energy costs low. For example, the type of asphalt applied to the top layer of your BUR can help reflect the sun’s rays away from your roof.

Fire Resistance: Because asphalt is a primary material in a built-up roof, they are very fire-resistant.

Longevity: A built-up roof should last 30 years or more. That’s because it is made with durable materials that are easy to maintain and are able to withstand significant storms. Plus, most BUR systems come with strong warranties that tend to last around 20 years.

Traction: The combination of gravel and tar (or a mineral-surfaced cap sheet) in the top layer of a BUR makes it very slip-resistant. So if your roof gets a good amount of foot traffic, you’ll benefit from increased traction, even in wet conditions.

Appearance: Built-up roofs usually have an aesthetically pleasing look to them, thanks to the mineral or gravel used in the top sheet. This means a BUR can blend in with nearly any building or neighborhood.

Disadvantages of Built-Up Roofing

There aren’t a lot of disadvantages to having a BUR, which makes them a great option for any commercial roof in Colorado. With that said, you’ll want to be aware of the following considerations.

Leaks: While built-up roofing repair can be simple and straightforward, it’s not always easy to identify areas needing repair or where the leak started due to the many layers of material. For example, hail-affected areas can create cracks that are difficult to spot with the naked eye, which can mean water leaks and damage.

If you notice a leak in your commercial roof or you can’t remember the last time you had any work done on it, then it’s time for a commercial roof inspection.

Ponding Water: Due to the low-slope nature of BUR systems, it’s not uncommon for to occur. If the water sits around for too long—48 hours or more—it can weaken your roof and introduce leaks or other problems.

Weight: With so many layers of materials, built-up roofs can be heavy, which means that your building must be able to withstand the added pressure that comes with it. On top of that, it’s common to have HVAC systems and other essential building equipment on a commercial roof, which adds to its weight, and adds details that can fail around the HVAC systems.

Wind: Depending on the materials used in your BUR, strong winds can introduce unexpected problems. Your commercial roof may have already gone through a built-up roof pull test to make sure it can withstand the strong winds in Colorado. If not, you can have it performed to make sure your BUR will last.

Trust the Professionals

If you have a built-up roof on your commercial property—or you’re ready for a commercial roof replacement—trust an experienced roofing company in Denver like J&K Roofing.

We have nearly four decades of experience installing and maintaining residential and commercial roofs throughout the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Northern Colorado areas. Our entire team is experienced, qualified, and certified in all the materials we work with, and we prioritize quality work for your project.

Give us a call today at 303-425-7531, or complete this form and we’ll be in touch!

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Benefits of Drainage for Commercial Flat Roofs

by J&K Roofing | Dec 7, 2022 | Commercial

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Benefits of Drainage for Commercial Flat Roofs

If you have a commercial business in Colorado, the odds are good that your building has a flat or low-slope roof. That’s primarily because a commercial flat roof is inexpensive to install, easy to maintain, provides a location for HVAC equipment, and it’s relatively versatile for most environments.

But there’s one big issue with them: commercial flat roof drainage.

Especially in Colorado where heavy snowfall happens overnight, a flat roof is susceptible to drainage problems, which can lead to ponding or standing water. Ponding is a sign of an underlying issue. Sometimes it happens because the roof drainage is blocked. It can also be caused because of a design or material issue. If you don’t take care of ponding water on your commercial roof by removing it in a timely manner, you might be at risk of serious damage.

Why Water Ponding Is Bad for Your Flat Roof

Because of their low slope, commercial roofs can easily accumulate water. This is not only bad for your roof, but it can also cause damage to your essential heating and cooling systems, the interior of your building from water leaks and mold, and even your building’s foundation if the situation becomes bad enough. And because water is heavy, large pools can add significant weight to your roof and building’s structure.

A general rule of thumb is that water on your roof should either evaporate or be drained away within 48 hours of appearance. If you notice ponding water lasting longer than that, you need to take action to prevent other damage to your roofing materials and your building.

Benefits of Commercial Flat Roof Drainage

1. Saves You From Severe Damage

Ponding water—whether it’s from rain, snow, hail, etc.—can soften your roofing materials and lead to cracks and leaks. Draining your commercial flat roof can prevent such issues from occurring and save your building from serious damage, including mold.

2. Extends the Life of Your Commercial Roof

The science is simple: the better maintained your roof is, the longer it will last. Properly draining your commercial roof is non-negotiable if you plan on keeping your roof in action for as long as possible. In particular, you should have your roof inspected after any significant weather event like a hail storm.

3. Protects Your Business From Preventable Closure for Repairs

The last thing you want for your customers is to have to close up shop because your building needs significant repairs. Properly draining your commercial roof—and taking care of commercial roof repairs as needed—can help you keep your business running smoothly and without unnecessary interruption.

4. Prevents Other Unexpected Damage

Water leaks and mold aren’t the only damage that you can experience if you don’t have your commercial roof drained in a timely manner.

Ponding water can soften your roof deck and make your flat roof dangerous to step on. It can also attract pests like mosquitoes and other animals that can cause preventable damage to your roof. For example, birds create a lot of mess, and they can contribute to plant and fungal growth on your roof, which can be difficult to remove.

How To Prepare Your Commercial Roof For A Storm

by J&K Roofing | Feb 16, 2022 | Commercial

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How To Prepare Your Commercial Roof For A Storm

It wasn’t too long ago that a terrible storm ripped through the greater Denver area and caused significant damage to many homes and businesses. In fact, in 2017 the entire Colorado Mills mall—with a roof the size of 21 football fields combined—was forced to close for commercial roofing repair due to a spring hailstorm.

Fortunately, there were no casualties or serious injuries as a result of the storm, but the point remains that storms can lead to costly damage, and they can be dangerous for the people inside.

Since weather predictions aren’t a perfect science, the best we can do is to enter storm season prepared for what may be ahead. Ensuring your roof is in good condition can be the best approach for storm damage prevention.

Here’s how to prepare your commercial roof for a storm.

1. Make Roof Inspections and Maintenance Planning Part of Your Standard Routine

You may not have enough advance notice of an upcoming storm to be able to schedule any commercial roof maintenance before it hits, but you can take preventative measures on a regular basis to make sure you’re prepared for bad weather.

Incorporate routine commercial roof inspections as part of your regular maintenance to have your roof inspected for any undetected leaks, cracks, sagging or weak spots. Have a roofing professional check for any possible problems around vents, skylights, eaves and joints.

You’ll want to make sure your roof isn’t showing signs of physical damage or problem areas where water or snow may accumulate. A best practice is to have your roof inspected twice a year and after every significant storm.

2. Have a Plan for Snow Removal

It can snow as late as May in Colorado, making it essential to prepare for snow storms, heavy wind, rain, and hail your springtime commercial roof preparation.

Specifically, you need a plan for snow removal. If heavy snow sits on a commercial roof for an extended period, leaks, ice dams, ice cycles and other problems can arise. This is especially important if you have a flat commercial roof.

3. Ensure Roof Flashing Is in Tact

As part of your inspection and preparation, take a look at your commercial roof flashing to make sure it’s not damaged and will do its job of directing water away from sensitive areas like joints, vents, and exhausts. Replace any damaged flashing upon discovery to protect your roof and your building’s exterior.

4. Regularly Unclog Gutters & Drains

Because rains and storms can direct debris to your roof drainage system, they need to be cleaned regularly to avoid clogs. Clogged gutters could lead to preventable leaks, mold and mildew and a bunch of other issues for your roof. Check and repair any cracks or loosened gutters or drains.

5. Inspect Rooftop Equipment

Many commercial roofs house HVAC systems, solar panels, pipes and plumbing systems, etc. Intense storms can put any of these at risk, and if they’re not properly secured to your roof, they could jostle around during a storm, creating cracks and leaks in your roofing surface. Check to make sure everything is properly strapped down or secured.

Faulty equipment on your roof can also cause a variety of issues to your commercial roof’s integrity. Leaky air conditioners, faulty wiring, unsealed vents are all the things you will want to avoid to protect your roof and keep people in your building safe.

Here’s more information on what kind of equipment is often stored on commercial roofs and how susceptible they are to storm damage.

Faulty equipment on your roof can cause a variety of issues to your commercial roof’s integrity. Leaky air conditioners,faulty wiring, unsealed vents are all the things you will want to avoid to protect your roof and keep people in your building safe.

6. Trim Trees & Remove Debris

An essential part of your commercial roof maintenance should be ensuring debris is removed as soon as it is spotted. This includes tree branches and anything else that may find its way on top of your roof.

The problem with tree branches and other rooftop debris is that they can pile up and prevent proper drainage. Even small pieces of debris can get lodged in your gutters and downspouts, which can lead to serious damage if you don’t take care of them.

7. Keep Your Commercial Roof Clean

Keeping your roof clean can help avoid a buildup of debris that can lead to clogs, algae or mold growth. Any of these issues can lessen the life of your roof. Having regular cleanings and making sure all equipment is clear of debris will protect your commercial investment for the long haul.

8. Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection Before the Storm

The single best thing you can do to prepare for storm season is to have your commercial roof inspected. A professional commercial roof inspection and regular preventative maintenance can save you significant damage and prevent you from needing to replace your roof before it’s absolutely necessary.

Call a Professional Commercial Roofer

Call J&K Roofing at 303-425-7531 or click here to schedule your commercial roof inspection. Let us help you protect and extend the life of your commercial roof.

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7 Common Risks of Postponing Commercial Roof Repairs

by J&K Roofing | Oct 6, 2021 | Commercial

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7 Common Risks of Postponing Commercial Roof Repairs

Some Crucial Steps to Take When Preparing Your Roof for Winter - J&K Roofing

In May 2017, a severe hailstorm rained down on the greater Denver area, and among the casualties was the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood. The roof wasn’t even 20 years old, but the damage was enough to close the more than one-million square foot facility, leading to an estimated $350,000 in monthly sales tax losses. Although this collapse was created by a severe weather event, the potential cost to repair or replace a commercial roof can be overwhelming.

While severe weather is an extreme example, there are many other ways a building’s roof can be susceptible to catastrophic destruction and costs . Regardless of how large your roof may be, the most common cause of damage is a lack of proper maintenance.

The best way to deal with unforeseen commercial roofing disasters is to have a good understanding of what risks to watch out for with routine roofing maintenance. Here are 7 of the most common risks of postponing commercial roof repairs.

1. Water damage

Perhaps the most obvious risk of delaying commercial roof repairs is the accumulation of water damage. The longer your roof goes without a commercial roof inspection, the higher your risk of having water damage.

An inspection will help you identify and prevent substantial damage from a commercial roof leak in any weakened areas, saving you a lot of money.

2. Pests

When your roof sustains damage, it might lead to cracks and other opportunities for small animals and pests to sneak in and make themselves at home. Any homeowner knows that this isn’t a good thing, as pests can lead to even more damage down the road—resulting in costly roof repairs.

The best thing to do to prevent pests from taking up residence in your roof is to schedule regular commercial roof inspections with a trusted professional.

3. Mold

Mold is a property owner’s worst nightmare, and you want to do as much as possible to prevent it from developing. The presence of mold can create serious health issues for the people who work in a commercial building, and it can be bad enough to shut a facility down for mold abatement if necessary.

But the truth is that the longer you wait to inspect and schedule commercial roof repairs, the higher your risk of sustaining water damage and mold issues.

4. Fire damage

The threat of a fire is omnipresent for home and business owners alike, but many people overlook the possibility of a fire occurring as the result of a leaking roof.

Obviously, water and electricity are a bad combination, and commercial roofs are especially susceptible to leaks. That means the leaking water may find its way to any wiring that exists in your roof and cause a fire. One of the best things you can do to prevent a commercial electrical fire is to make sure your roof is free from any leaks and other damage.

5. Structural damage

In addition to fire, mold, infestation, and water damage, a commercial roof issue might lead to structural damage. In fact, a sagging roof is one of the leading causes of structural damage for commercial buildings.

Water damage isn’t the only reason your commercial roof might be suffering—it could also be caused by things like a termite infestation or poor construction. Putting off a commercial roof inspection or repair won’t offer any solutions to structural issues, and could instead cause problems. You don’t want to be dealing with a possible collapse of your roof if you don’t pay close enough attention to it!

6. Energy consumption increases

One of the unforeseen risks you run by postponing commercial roof repairs (or inspections) is wasted money from energy loss. Similar to how your home loses energy because of drafty windows, doors, and joints, so will your commercial building…but on a bigger scale.

Knowing where your building might be losing energy is key to saving money and preventing further damage to your commercial building.

7. Wasting money on roof replacement

The biggest loss that comes with delaying commercial roof repairs is the cost of the roof itself. Repairing Colorado Mills Mall after that May storm was a $50 million project that covered more than 21 football fields’ worth of commercial roofing and interior repair work.

In addition to financial risks that are posed by delaying commercial roofing repairs, the damage might lead to significant health risks for the people who spend most of their time in your building.

The best way to avoid rising and fluctuating roofing costs is to have a strong maintenance program that can increase the life span of your roof. It may not stop a hailstorm but it will keep your roof from deteriorating as fast as a roof without a maintenance program. Don’t increase your chances for any of the risks listed above—contact J&K Roofing to perform a commercial roof inspection today.

J&K Roofing is a full-service roofing company and serves the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Northern Colorado areas with commercial and residential roofing needs.

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6 Benefits of Having your Commercial Roof Inspected

by J&K Roofing | Sep 14, 2021 | Commercial

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6 Benefits of Having your Commercial Roof Inspected

We all know that the weather in Colorado can turn on a dime. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure your roof is protected against anything and everything! Investing in a commercial roof inspection will ensure that you catch small problems early on and safeguard your roof against future damage.

Why do I need a commercial roof inspection?

1. Take care of small, easy-to-fix repairs

Getting a semi-annual inspection of your roof on the books is a simple way to ensure that minor problems are taken care of early on. This yearly routine will help you avoid extensive damage to your roof and save you the inconvenience of costly commercial roof repairs.

In Colorado, the optimal times for a yearly commercial roof inspection are the spring and fall months.

2. Identify hail and other weather-related damage

Having your commercial roof inspected immediately after a storm will help you detect any resulting issues before more extensive damage is caused. Just because your roof isn’t currently leaking doesn’t mean there isn’t structural damage that needs to be addressed. Storms can reduce the strength of the roof.

Even if the roof survived a storm, subtle damage may be present that can weaken the roof enough for it to fail during the next storm.

3. Identify vegetation/wildlife damage

Two types of commercial roofing problems that are often overlooked are those caused by vegetation and wildlife. For example, tree limbs can rub or crash against a roof and clog drainage.

Bird droppings and nests can erode materials and impair water drainage systems, and raccoons can tear into roofing material and find shelter on top of your building. These problems become especially prevalent during the spring and fall seasons when there is an increase in debris and wildlife activity.

4. Identify drainage issues

Proper roof slope and drainage go a long way in extending the life of your commercial roof. Overflow can create leaks by pushing water into areas it would not normally go. Regular inspections can help you locate areas where there is standing water or collected debris. By identifying these problem areas early on, you can resolve moisture retention before leaks arise.

5. Identify leaks and leak-related damage

A leak is never a good sign, but it’s also good information that your roof system has structural damage. It’s important to remedy the problem before it worsens.

Even the smallest leak can cause considerable damage to your building from mold or structural damage. While leaking is most common after a heavy rainstorm, it is usually an indication that damage has been building up for some time. A commercial inspection will identify leaks so that you can address them as soon as possible.

6. Simplify your Insurance Claims

If you have building insurance and your roof is protected against storm and severe weather damage, you should always have your roof inspected to have a detailed report on the condition of your roof.

These reports simplify the process for making an insurance claim, and you’re more likely to have your claim approved when the report comes from a credible source with detailed information for damages, repairs, and estimated costs.

Scheduling a roof inspection isn’t something that should be put off. By getting an inspection, you can address existing damage and avoid more extensive problems down the line.

J&K Roofing is Here to Help

J&K Roofing is a local Colorado business. With over 35 years of experience, we are experts in commercial roof inspections and repairs. To find out more about how we can help you maintain your commercial roof and to schedule an inspection, give us a call.

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