Commercial Roofing in Irving: Keeping Flat and Low-Slope Roofs Dry

Most commercial buildings use flat or low-slope roofs covered by a membrane or a built-up system. Water moves slowly on them, so drains, scuppers and seams do most of the work. A clogged drain or a split seam can let water pond and find a way in.

Rooftop equipment adds risk. Every curb, pipe and support is a hole in the membrane that needs flashing, and service traffic wears down the surface around it. Our guide to flat roof drainage systems covers the basics.

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center logged 80 hail reports within 10 miles of Irving from 2015 through 2024, and 12 of them were 1.75 inches or larger. The largest, 3 inches, was reported on June 6, 2018. On a flat roof, hail can bruise insulation boards under the membrane or puncture thinner sheets, and the damage is easy to miss from a quick walk.

Wet insulation is the hidden cost. Once water gets under a membrane, it spreads through the boards and stays there, adding weight and losing insulating value. A small puncture left alone through one rainy season can turn a patch into a section replacement.

After a large storm, ask for a roof survey that checks seams, flashing and soft spots, with photos of each area. Insurance coverage for commercial roofs depends on the policy and the insurer. GemSco documents damage and gives a written estimate.

When you call for a commercial roof, it helps to have the roof's age, past repair records and a list of the areas where leaks have shown up inside. That shortens the survey and makes the estimate more specific.

GemSco handles residential and commercial roofing, including low-slope and flat roofs. We are family owned, fully licensed and insured, with 20+ years of experience. Estimates are free. Learn more about our commercial roofing service or gutter installation in Irving for buildings with perimeter drainage.