If there’s one part of a commercial building that rarely gets the attention it deserves, it’s the roof. You don’t think about it much—until it leaks during a client meeting or a mysterious stain appears on the ceiling tiles. Then suddenly, it’s the star of the show (and not in a good way).
At Jersey Build Contracting, we’ve seen it all. And we’ve fixed it all. So let’s walk through the most common commercial roofing problems, what causes them, and how we tackle them before they become budget-busting nightmares.
Ponding Water: The Silent Saboteur
Imagine walking across a flat commercial roof after a storm and seeing puddles that just… sit there. Not draining, not drying up. That’s ponding water. It’s usually caused by poor drainage design, blocked scuppers, or a sagging roof deck. And if it sticks around, it starts breaking down the roofing material, causing leaks or even structural issues.
Our fix: We don’t slap a patch on and call it a day. We inspect the slope, clear drainage systems, and—if needed—regrade sections of the roof or install tapered insulation to direct water where it needs to go. Water should never be allowed to get comfortable up there.
Cracking, Blistering, and Shrinking Membranes
Commercial roofs—especially those with single-ply membranes like EPDM or TPO—are exposed to major temperature swings. Over time, that expansion and contraction leads to cracks, blisters, and even shrinking seams. Once the membrane starts pulling away, leaks aren’t far behind.
Our fix: First, we figure out if it’s a material issue, a ventilation issue, or just good old aging. Then we apply heat-welded patches, reinforce seams, or recommend a partial replacement using GAF-certified materials (yes, the same ones with the lifetime product warranties). We only repair what needs to be repaired—but we do it right the first time.
Flashing Failures and Edge Deterioration
Flashing—the thin metal pieces around roof edges, vents, and skylights—might seem small, but when they fail, water finds its way in like it’s on a mission. And once water gets under the membrane, it spreads fast.
Our fix: We remove the failing flashing, assess underlying damage, and install new, high-quality flashing with watertight seals. It’s some of the most important protection your roof has.
Roof Leaks That Hide in Plain Sight
Not every leak shows up as a dripping ceiling tile. Sometimes, the damage starts inside the walls or in places you don’t often see—until it’s way too late.
Our fix: We use hands-on inspections to track down the source. Then we treat the cause, not just the symptoms. No guessing. No band-aids. Just real solutions.
When Was the Last Time You Looked Up?
Most commercial roofing issues come down to one thing: neglect. These problems don’t show up overnight. They build slowly, quietly. Until one day, they demand your full attention—usually at the worst possible time.
That’s why we always recommend routine inspections. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your property, your people, and your peace of mind.
Need A Professional To Check Out Your Roof? We’re Already In The Neighborhood.
Jersey Build Contracting is proud to be New Jersey’s go-to team for commercial roofing done right. With certified crews, premium materials, and over two decades of experience on the job, we know how to spot issues early—and fix them before they spread.
Schedule a free commercial roof inspection today. No pressure. Just the honest truth and expert solutions that hold up.
