10 Common Commercial Roof Problems (And How We Fix Them)

If there’s one thing every property manager or building owner learns the hard way, it’s this: small roofing problems rarely stay small. Whether you manage a retail plaza, an office building, or a massive facility like an airport hangar, your commercial roof is constantly exposed to weather, foot traffic, and aging materials. Over time, even a well-built system can start showing signs of trouble.

At BRH Enterprises LLC, we’ve inspected, repaired, and replaced thousands of commercial roofs across the country, and we’ve repeatedly seen the same issues pop up. The good news? Most commercial roofing problems are predictable, preventable, and fixable (if you know what to look for).

In this guide, we’re breaking down the 10 most common commercial roof problems our crew encounters, along with how we approach solving each one. If you’re responsible for protecting valuable property, this insight can save you time, money, and major headaches down the line.

What Are the Most Common Commercial Roof Problems?

Most commercial roofs follow the same basic rules, and when something goes wrong, it usually falls into one of a few familiar categories. Whether it’s water infiltration, material failure, or installation issues, these problems can impact your building’s structure and cost you thousands in repairs or downtime. Below, we’ve outlined the 10 most common commercial roofing issues we see in the field and how our team fixes them fast.

1. Roof Leaks That Aren’t Where You Think They Are

Leaks are by far the most common commercial roofing issue we deal with, and also one of the most misunderstood. Water rarely drips straight down from the entry point. Instead, it may travel along insulation, framing, or even HVAC ductwork before showing up in your ceiling tiles or along the walls.

We typically find stains, musty odors, interior mold, or mysterious HVAC problems that trace back to moisture. Once we pinpoint the leak (which often isn’t where you expect), we handle it at the source: sealing compromised seams, replacing flashing, or applying a fluid-applied coating system for long-term protection.

2. Poor Installation That Compromises the Entire System

Even the best commercial roofing materials won’t perform properly if the installation was rushed, careless, or not to specification. Unfortunately, we see this a lot: roofs that look fine from the street but are already failing underneath.

We spot it when membranes wrinkle, seams pull apart, or parts of the roof feel soft underfoot. Sometimes, it becomes clear when repair after repair doesn’t seem to hold. Depending on the situation, we may reinforce problem areas or recommend a retrofit, re-cover, or complete replacement, always aligned with your business goals and budget.

3. Lack of Maintenance That Turns Small Issues Into Big Repairs

Neglected maintenance is one of the top reasons a roof fails before its time. Even high-end systems need regular checkups to clear debris, check seams, and keep drains open.

We often see blocked gutters, ponding water, or vegetation growth that could have been avoided with routine care. That’s why we offer commercial maintenance plans designed to catch issues early. Our techs clean, inspect, and document everything so you’re never caught off guard.

4. Ponding Water That Stresses Your Roofing System

Flat and low-slope roofs are especially vulnerable to ponding wonder, which is puddles of water that sit for 48 hours or more on the roof’s surface after rain. Over time, this accelerates the roofing membrane’s breakdown and opens the door to leaks and structural stress.

Our crew looks for sagging areas, algae stains, and blocked drainage paths, reworking the slope using tapered insulation, improving scupper performance, or installing new drains. If the ponding has already caused damage, we make those repairs too.

5. Membrane Shrinkage That Pulls Your Roof Apart

Single-ply systems like EPDM and PVC can shrink over time, especially under constant sun exposure. As they contract, they pull at seams, flashing, and termination points.

We usually see this as edge separation, tight or lifted seams, or cracking around curbs. Our fix? Reseal and reinforce what we can, install termination bars or edge metal as needed, and discuss longer-term material upgrades if shrinkage is widespread.

6. Blistering and Cracking That Signal Deeper Trouble

Blisters and cracks aren’t just cosmetic, they often signal trapped moisture or thermal stress within the system. This affects the roof’s ability to provide waterproofing and speed up membrane failure.

We identify whether the blisters are surface-level or deep. For significant issues, we cut out affected areas, dry the substrate, and patch the area, ensuring there is proper adhesion and overlap. We also check the ventilation and insulation systems, since poor airflow can contribute to this problem.

7. Poorly Installed Flashing That Lets Water Sneak In

Flashing protects your roof at its most vulnerable points, which include penetrations, transitions, and perimeters. When it fails, water finds its way into a building fast.

We inspect all important areas: vents, walls, curbs, and drains for loose, rusted, or missing flashing. If needed, we remove and replace it with high-quality, code-compliant materials and secure it with sealants built to handle extreme conditions.

8. Wind and Storm Damage That Weakens the Roof Over Time

Storms are a constant threat to commercial roofs. Even if everything looks intact after a storm, hidden punctures, lifted seams, and displaced flashing can slowly undermine your system.

We perform post-storm inspections that go beyond the surface, checking seams, fasteners, and every important detail. If we find damage, we make repairs fast and help you document it for insurance or warranty purposes.

9. Increased Energy Costs That Trace Back to Your Roof

A failing roof can quietly drain your budget through energy loss. Poor insulation, deteriorated singly-ply membranes, and missing reflectivity all contribute to rising utility bills.

We look for hot spots, aging surfaces, and signs of wet insulation. From there, we repair or upgrade key areas, often with energy-efficient coatings or insulation that improve performance and pay off over time.

10. Biological Growth That Eats Away at Your Roof

Moss, algae, and other organic growth aren’t just unsightly; they trap moisture and degrade roofing materials. They also increase the chance of slipping and falling on the roof during maintenance.

We treat biological growth with safe, professional cleaning agents, then recommend long-term prevention like zinc or copper strips. Just as important, we address the moisture issues that let it grow in the first place.

How to Prevent These Commercial Roof Problems in the First Place

The most cost-effective roofing strategy? Don’t wait for problems to surface, stop them before they even start. Our team recommends that building owners and property managers schedule inspections at least twice a year (spring and fall) and follow a structured maintenance plan tailored to their roofing system. It’s the best way to protect your investment, extend your roof’s lifespan, and avoid surprise repairs that disrupt your operations.

Ready to Catch Issues Before They Cost You?

Commercial roof problems are predictable and preventable. At BRH Enterprises LLC, we’ve seen how small issues turn into big problems that just can’t be ignored. That’s why we offer proactive inspections and full-service commercial roofing support tailored to your property.

Whether you’re managing a small retail building or a large facility, our crew is here to help you spot risks early, plan smartly, and extend the life of your roof.

Need eyes on your roof? Book a commercial roof inspection with our team today and get expert answers before the next storm hits. Call us at (920) 249-4228 to learn more about how we can help you.