Top 5 Commercial Roofing Issues in Volusia County: TPO, Metal, and Flat Roof Repair Guide

The Unique Stress Factors for Volusia County Commercial Roofs

Unlike residential steep-slope roofs, commercial roofs are large, low-slope platforms subjected to constant thermal expansion and contraction, UV degradation, and the mechanical stress of foot traffic and equipment. Florida’s high humidity exacerbates these issues, accelerating material breakdown. When a commercial roof fails, the damage is catastrophic, impacting inventory, equipment, and business continuity. Ignoring these signs means inviting expensive, reactive repairs rather than proactive, preventative Roofing Repairs.

Issue 1: TPO Seam Failure and Shrinkage (The Modern Flat Roof Challenge)

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a popular, energy-efficient choice for commercial buildings. However, its primary failure point is often at the seams. While modern TPO is applied using heat-welding for maximum integrity, substandard installation or extreme temperature cycling can cause the seams to separate, creating a direct path for water intrusion. Furthermore, older or lower-quality TPO membranes can exhibit significant shrinkage, pulling the membrane away from flashings and parapet walls.

Diagnosing TPO Roof Leaks:

A professional Commercial Roof Inspection by GRIT Roofing uses electronic leak detection to find microscopic pinholes and seam failures before they become visible leaks. Simply patching visible water damage is a temporary fix; a proper TPO repair involves re-welding the affected seam sections and potentially reinforcing the perimeter.

External Citation: For property managers concerned about energy costs, TPO’s reflectance properties are key. You can review current efficiency standards and best practices for reducing heat island effects on commercial properties by checking resources from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star Program.

Issue 2: Ponding Water on Flat Roofs (A Drainage Nightmare)

Any commercial flat roof should drain water within 48 hours of rainfall. When water remains on the roof surface longer than this, it is known as ponding water. Ponding water significantly accelerates the deterioration of all roofing materials, including TPO, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing (BUR). It adds enormous structural load, breaks down UV stabilizers, and turns a minor seam flaw into a major leak.

Ponding Water Repair Solutions:

Solving ponding water requires more than simple patches. The solution often involves structural changes such as installing tapered insulation systems during a Roof Installation or Roof Replacement, or adding new drain pockets and internal drains to redistribute the water load efficiently. Our experts assess the roof slope and design a permanent drainage correction plan.

Issue 3: Metal Roofing Fastener Back-Out and Corrosion

Metal roofs are celebrated for their longevity, often lasting 40–70 years. However, they are highly susceptible to movement. The constant expansion and contraction of metal panels, driven by the intense Florida heat, can cause the fasteners (screws) to loosen, “backing out” of the purlins beneath. This creates a tiny channel for water intrusion, often miles of potential leak points across a large commercial structure.

Addressing Metal Roof Leaks:

Metal Roof Repair requires specialized attention. We address this by replacing backed-out fasteners with slightly larger, oversized screws that have integrated neoprene washers, ensuring a compression seal. Where corrosion is widespread, a full system restoration using high-performance elastomeric coatings may be recommended to reseal the entire roof surface and extend its life by decades.

Issue 4: Blistering and Delamination in Built-Up Roofs (BUR)

Built-Up Roofs (BUR) and Modified Bitumen systems rely on layers of felt and asphalt/bitumen. Water vapor trapped between these layers, often due to humidity penetrating during installation or through an existing leak, expands under the hot Florida sun. This expansion causes blisters—air pockets that lift the membrane. When a blister breaks, it exposes the underlying layers and insulation to continuous water damage, leading to significant deterioration.

Fixing Blistered Commercial Roofs:

The repair method depends on the size and severity. Small blisters can sometimes be relieved and patched, but widespread blistering is a strong indicator of saturated insulation, which necessitates a partial or full Roof Replacement to prevent structural damage and mold growth.

Issue 5: HVAC and Penetration Flashing Failures

Commercial roofs are dense with penetrations—HVAC curbs, pipes, vents, conduits, and roof hatches. These transition points are responsible for the vast majority of leaks. Flashing details around these systems are often the weakest links. Movement, age, and poor installation cause the seals around these curbs to crack, tear, or pull away.

Commercial Flashing Repair Expertise:

GRIT Roofing focuses on permanent solutions, utilizing high-grade liquid-applied flashings or heavy-duty, reinforced materials to create a seamless, watertight barrier around all equipment. This proactive approach prevents the chronic leaks that frustrate facility managers.

Find detailed information on solving these common leak points on our dedicated Flashing Repair service page.

Prevention, Maintenance, and Your Commercial Roof Inspection

The best defense against all five of these common commercial roofing issues is a proactive, scheduled maintenance plan. For high-value assets in Volusia County, an annual or bi-annual Roof Inspection Service is non-negotiable. Our inspection teams specifically look for early signs of seam stress on TPO, inspect the integrity of every fastener on metal roofs, and check all drain and scupper functionality to prevent ponding water.

The Value of Proactive Maintenance:

• Extends Roof Lifespan: A $1,000 repair today can prevent a $50,000 replacement five years from now.
• Validates Warranty: Most commercial manufacturer warranties require proof of regular maintenance to remain valid.
• Energy Savings: Addressing wet, saturated insulation improves thermal performance, leading to lower utility bills.

Immediate Commercial Roofing Solutions with GRIT Roofing

Your commercial building in Volusia County needs a roofing partner with the specialized knowledge to handle complex systems like TPO, flat roofs, and standing seam metal. GRIT Roofing, LLC is built on the promise of durable, reliable results, ensuring your business operations stay protected and uninterrupted.

Don’t wait for the next storm to expose your roof’s vulnerability.

Contact the experts at GRIT Roofing today for a detailed, no-obligation assessment of your commercial property. We’ll provide an accurate diagnosis, a transparent scope of work, and the GRIT necessary to secure your investment.

Schedule Your Commercial Inspection