Roofing Retrofits: Solving Moisture Penetration and Enhancing Energy Efficiency

The roof is critical in protecting buildings from weather elements, improving the energy efficiency of buildings, and maintaining occupant comfort. In a recent commercial property that QEA Tech analyzed, a comprehensive roofing retrofit was completed to address multiple leaks. The building includes office space at the front and a warehouse at the back.

Causes of the Leaking Roof

The leakage was largely caused by water accumulating on the roof of the building due to blocked drainage systems. This was a result of improper roof maintenance, causing debris to collect on the roof and trap moisture which eventually penetrated through roofing materials. Additional factors that contributed to moisture penetration of roofing materials include:

• The old age of the building, which resulted in the deterioration of roofing materials and sealants.
• Cold weather causing water that has seeped into the roofing membrane to freeze and expand, exerting pressure on building materials and leading to the creation of small gaps. These gaps create additional paths for moisture to enter the building.
• Improperly sealed solar panels on the roof which allowed water to seep into the building.

Retrofitting a Leaky Roof

To address this pressing issue, a thorough roofing retrofit was completed within 4 weeks. The retrofit consisted of:

1. Removing the existing, worn-out roof membrane.

2. Installing a multi-layer system:

• Insulation layer: Firstly, an insulation layer was added to retain heat within the building and improve energy efficiency.
• Weather barrier: A weather barrier was added to protect the insulation, prohibiting water from penetrating through to the insulation.
• Protective tar layer: A tar layer was added using heat to ensure it melted and adhered properly. This layer was added to provide an additional barrier against water.
• Bitumen layer: Bitumen was added, acting as a final layer of robust protection against weather elements like rain and snow.

Benefits of the Retrofit

Since the retrofit was completed, utility bills for the building decreased by over 10% annualized. This retrofit will increase the lifespan of the building’s roof, with the layers added shielding it properly from weather elements. Increasing the lifespan of the roof also reduces costs in the long run by reducing the frequency in which roofing materials need to be replaced.

Signs Your Roof Needs a Retrofit

To mitigate moisture-related roof issues, building owners should remain vigilant for signs of:

• Moisture penetration on the roofing tiles: In late stages where the issue has progressed to greater severity, this can be identified by water spots on the ceiling. This requires immediate action as the longer the water sits and pools, the more damage it will do to the building. Water spots on the ceiling were the main sign that the roof of the commercial building retrofitted was not in good shape to prevent leaks from occurring.
• Mold and mildew: Mold or mildew can be a sign of water that has become trapped beneath the roofing membrane and requires immediate action in order to maintain occupant health and safety.

Using AI and thermography, moisture-related issues on the roof can be detected early on before they develop into expensive problems.

Thermal image taken of the roof prior to retrofits.

Preventive Measures

All building types can take the following measures to prevent moisture-related issues on the roof:

• Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections of the roof to identify signs of moisture accumulation, damaged tiles or shingles, or vegetation growth, and to ensure drainage systems are not blocked. Using thermography and AI analytics, QEA Tech can efficiently and cost-effectively diagnose moisture-related issues on the roof, providing insight on the severity of the issue and how to repair it.
• Enhance Airflow: Install ridge vents, soffit vents, or other ventilation solutions to improve air circulation and reduce moisture buildup beneath roofing materials.
• Apply roof coatings: Use roof coatings, such as silicone coatings, to create a waterproof barrier on the roof that prevents moisture from seeping through roofing materials.
• Insulation: Ensuring your roof is well-insulated helps reduce moisture penetration, especially in colder climates where condensation is more likely to occur.

Qualified building envelope auditors, like QEA Tech, are an important first step in understanding the state of your building’s roof and what actions to take to fix moisture and energy efficiency issues. Contact QEA Tech today for a free quote on a building envelope audit at info@qeatech.com.