816-530-0188

Nov 15 | 3 min read

Go with the Flow: Accommodating Expansion and Contraction in Commercial/Industrial Roof Systems

Commercial roofs will experience expansion and contraction issues due to temperature changes throughout the year. Properly managing this expansion and contraction is crucial for maintaining roof integrity and preventing leaks and damage. This article will examine the causes of expansion and contraction in commercial roofs and discuss strategies to effectively manage it.

Like any building, commercial and industrial (low slope) buildings move, expand, and contract. Your roof system and roofing materials are designed to weather seasonal movement. Various factors impact movement within your roof system. Let's take a look at some of the most common reasons for roof expansion and contraction.

Common Causes of Expansion and Contraction:

• Temperature fluctuations - As temperatures rise and fall, roofing materials expand and contract. Daily and seasonal temperature changes are the main cause.

• Sun exposure - Sunlight heats up roof surfaces, causing expansion. Shaded areas remain cooler and will contract.

• Roof color - Dark roofs absorb more heat than lighter colored roofs. This increases expansion and contraction.

• Roof materials - Different materials like metal, TPO, PVC, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, etc. expand and contract at different rates.

Manufacturers of roofing materials design their materials with normal expansion and contraction in mind. It is a known result from the environmental impact on commercial roof systems. Even with perfectly designed roofing materials, expansion and contraction over time can still cause leaks in roof system and damage to the installed roof membrane.

Let's explore some ways that you can manage expansion and contraction within your commercial roof system. First, use roofing materials that are compatible. This allows for movement by including expansion joints, and providing proper slopes and drainage. Second, ensure your roof is properly installed and that roof components are tightly fastened but not restricted. Your roofing contractor should follow all manufacturer's specifications during installation. Third, regularly maintain your roof system. Annual or semi-annual maintenance inspections will catch signs of distress like puckering or wrinkling. Follow up with regular maintenance with repairing at the first sign of the problem and not waiting for the problem to become a major repair. Lastly, roof coatings (those that are solar reflective in nature) can be applied to your existing roof system to reduce the drastic temperature fluctuations of your roof system.

Roof expansion and contraction is going to happen. Some factors that contribute to roof expansion and contraction are out of our control. However, picking a lighter roof color and using quality and compatible materials help your roof system keep it's integrity as it experiences movement. KCCR understands the importance of properly installing commercial/industrial (low slope) roof systems that will last and exceed their expected lifespans. We take expansion and contraction into consideration when helping you with commercial and industrial roof repairs, replacements, and retro-fit systems. KCCR can also look after your roof as it ages and catch signs of premature failure, detachment, or leaks due to movement with our roofing maintenance program.

KCCR specializes in flexible, solar reflective coatings for owners that are concerned about the color of their roof system increasing the expansion and contraction of their current roof system. We can provide multiple options to retro-fit (no tear off) your roof system to aid in the management of your roofs natural movement. We are always available to discuss any questions or concerns you have regarding your current roof system. Feel free to call us at (816) 530-0188 or email Chris Alexander at [email protected].

This EPDM roof system was not only installed incorrectly, it was not maintained throughout its lifespan. Years of expansion and contraction have caused the EPDM roof membrane to pull away from the walls. The previously repaired coping metal also shows expansion and contraction from the cracking of the inappropriate repair material used.