WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH ROOF SEAMS?
When we tell potential customers about our product, one of the first things that comes out of our mouths is usually surrounding the lack of seams in our product compared to most others. Why do we push so aggressively our lack of seams compared to other systems? Because roof seams cause problems for building owners and can occasionally lead to leaks and then roof failure. Roof seams are trouble, and we’re going to look at why in this post.
Roof Seams Lead to Leaks
Probably the biggest problem about roof seams is that they often lead to leaks that must be repaired. If the seam isn’t installed properly, or if a strong wind comes and gets under the seam, or any other number of reasons to weaken the seal of the seam, you’ll have a leak. There are many problems that can damage a roof seam and thus allow water into your building. That’s the opposite of what you want your roof to do, so you can see why seams can be a problem.
Roof Seams Can Lead to Roof Failure
If your roof has seams, such as a single-ply or metal roof, this can be a major problem if a storm arises. Heavy winds can start to pull that seam away from the roof, and once there’s something for the wind to “grab onto”, that portion of the roof could be ripped off. At this point you don’t just have a leak, that roof seam has led to complete roof failure. Anything can enter your building through that new hole, and you’re losing your interior air immediately.
Roof Seams Allow Heat Loss
Another major issue with roof seams is that they allow heat loss from your building. If the R-value of a single-ply roofing material is hypothetically 4, that refers the insulating ability of the material in the middle, where it’s thick and has no gaps. However, at the seams, the R-value may be a 2, or 1, or 0 because the material is no longer performing its best, there is a gap there and heat can escape. This applies of nearly all single-ply systems, metal roofs, and any other system with seams or fasteners. Where the material stops and has a joint, you will experience heat loss.
Improper Application is a High Risk
Improper application is a risk inherent in any roofing project. If a roofer claims to spray coating but doesn’t know what they are doing, improper application could lead to leaks. However, the risk is much higher surrounding roof systems with seams because every single seam is another opportunity to make a mistake. Any mistake at these seams can lead to leaks, roof failure, and heat loss as described above.
Conclusion
Roof systems that have seams have their place in the roofing industry, and systems without seams (foam, coating) also have theirs. We tend to believe that no seams is better than having seams, and that is why we’re so passionate about our coating. If you’d like learn more about our seam-free roofing system or why roof seams are a danger, give us a call!
