Silicone Over EPDM, Leaking at the Seams
The call came from a corporate office out of state. A restaurant on Fruitville Road in Sarasota had roof leaks and interior damage, and it needed to be handled fast. A restaurant cannot close for a roof.
Lester found silicone applied over an EPDM roof, leaking at the seams. That combination is common on commercial buildings in Sarasota, and the seams are almost always where it gives out first. Silicone can extend the life of an EPDM roof when it goes on correctly. When the seams are not prepped and detailed properly, water finds them.
He repaired the roof and applied new high-quality silicone to the critical areas. No tear-off, no replacement, and the restaurant stayed open.
What Actually Goes Wrong on Restaurant Roofs
Restaurants put more wear on a roof than most commercial buildings. These are the problems we see most often on commercial roof leak repair in Sarasota.
Seams and flashing
Where two pieces meet is where water gets in. On a coated roof, seams are the first thing to check.
Ponding water
Flat roofs collect water in low spots. Standing water breaks materials down faster and adds weight the roof was not designed to carry.
HVAC penetrations
Restaurants carry more rooftop equipment than most commercial buildings. Every unit is a hole in the roof. If the seal around it fails, the leak shows up inside.
Grease and kitchen exhaust
Kitchen exhaust puts grease on the roof surface, and grease degrades roofing materials over time. This one is specific to food service and it gets overlooked.
Storm damage
Sarasota gets high winds and heavy rain. A roof that was already marginal does not survive a bad season.
Get Ahead of It
Most restaurant roof problems are cheaper to catch early than to fix after water is coming through the ceiling. If your roof is aging or you have had a leak once, an inspection tells you what you are working with. Where a coating makes sense, our Conklin cool roof solutions can extend the life of the roof you already have.
Troyer Commercial Roofing serves commercial properties in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice. We also serve Nokomis, Osprey, Port Charlotte, and North Port.
Why not book a free roof inspection today to avoid potential future problems with your commercial roof.
