Commercial Roofing in Edmonton: 5 Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Repair Right Now

As a commercial property owner in Edmonton, your flat roof takes a serious beating. Between our brutal winter freeze-thaw cycles, summer hailstorms, and those surprise spring downpours, your commercial roofing system is working overtime to protect your investment.

Here's the thing: flat roofs don't usually fail overnight. They give you warning signs. The trick is knowing what to look for before a small issue turns into a major headache (and a major expense).

At PJ Roofing, we've been maintaining and repairing commercial roofs across Edmonton since 1982. That's over 30 years of seeing what happens when business owners catch problems early versus when they don't. Trust us, you want to be in the first category.

Let's walk through the five signs that your flat roof is crying out for professional attention.

1. Standing Water That Won't Go Away

You've probably noticed puddles on your flat roof after a rainstorm: that's completely normal. What's NOT normal is when those puddles are still there 48 hours later.

Standing water (also called "ponding") is one of the most common issues we see with commercial flat roofs in Edmonton. When water doesn't drain properly, it sits there creating constant pressure on your roofing membrane. This accelerates deterioration and can lead to serious structural problems down the road.

Why does ponding happen? Usually, it's because of:

• Inadequate roof slope or improper initial installation
• Sagging roof decking due to age or excessive weight
• Clogged or damaged drainage systems
• Settling of the building structure over time

What you should do: Schedule a professional inspection to assess your drainage system. Sometimes the fix is as simple as clearing debris from drains. Other times, you might need resloping or additional drainage points installed. Either way, don't ignore pooling water: it's only going to get worse.

2. Membrane Damage, Blistering, or Cracking

Your commercial roof's membrane is essentially its first line of defense against Edmonton's weather. When that membrane gets compromised, everything underneath is vulnerable.

Take a walk on your roof (safely, of course) and look for these red flags:

• Blistering: Raised bubbles where air or moisture has gotten trapped between membrane layers
• Cracking: Visible splits in the roofing material, especially common after our harsh winters
• Punctures: Holes or tears from falling branches, hail damage, or foot traffic
• Loose or pulled-back sections: Areas where the membrane has separated from the roof deck

We see this a lot with modified bitumen and EPDM rubber roofing systems that are reaching the end of their lifespan. Edmonton's extreme temperature swings: from -30°C in January to +30°C in July: cause expansion and contraction that really stresses these materials over time.

What you should do: Membrane damage needs professional assessment. At PJ Roofing, we follow Alberta Roofing Code standards for all repairs and installations, ensuring your roof is built to handle our specific climate challenges. Small repairs caught early can prevent full roof replacement down the line.

3. Interior Leaks and Water Stains

This one seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many commercial property owners ignore the early warning signs of interior water damage.

If you're noticing any of these inside your building, your roof is already leaking:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls (usually yellowish or brown discoloration)
• Damp spots that appear or worsen during rain
• Mold or mildew growth in upper corners or along walls
• Musty odors in certain areas
• Peeling paint or damaged drywall

Here's what concerns us most: by the time you see water damage inside, the leak has likely been happening for a while. Water can travel along roof decking, insulation, or support beams before it finally shows up on your ceiling: meaning the actual roof damage could be much more extensive than what's visible inside.

What you should do: Don't wait on this one. Interior leaks mean water is already compromising your building's structure, insulation, and potentially your inventory or equipment. We offer emergency roof repair services throughout Edmonton because we know every day counts when you've got an active leak.

4. Flashing Failures Around Rooftop Equipment

Flashing is the metal or rubberized material that creates watertight seals around anything that penetrates your roof: HVAC units, vents, skylights, pipes, you name it. It's also one of the most vulnerable spots on any commercial flat roof.

Edmonton's temperature extremes cause flashing to expand, contract, and eventually crack or pull away from where it's sealed. We see this constantly, especially on older commercial buildings.

Check your roof for:

• Gaps or separation between flashing and the roof surface
• Rust or corrosion on metal flashing
• Cracked or deteriorating caulk or sealant
• Flashing that looks bent, damaged, or out of place
• Water pooling near rooftop equipment

What you should do: Flashing repairs are technical work that needs to be done right. Improper flashing installation is actually one of the leading causes of commercial roof leaks. With our 10-year workmanship warranty, you can trust that our repairs will hold up against whatever Edmonton weather throws at them.

5. Your Energy Bills Are Climbing

This sign is sneaky because most business owners don't immediately connect higher utility costs with roof problems. But there's often a direct link.

When your commercial roof develops leaks or damage, water can saturate your insulation. Wet insulation loses its R-value (its ability to resist heat transfer), which means your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures inside your building.

You might notice:

• Heating bills creeping up in winter months
• Cooling costs rising in summer
• Certain areas of your building that are harder to heat or cool
• Your HVAC system running more frequently than usual

A compromised roof can also allow air leakage, further reducing your building's energy efficiency. Between Edmonton's long, cold winters and our increasingly hot summers, inefficient insulation can really hit your bottom line.

What you should do: If you've ruled out HVAC problems but your energy bills keep climbing, it's time for a roof inspection. We can assess whether moisture has compromised your insulation and recommend solutions that'll get your energy efficiency back on track.

Why Early Detection Matters for Edmonton Commercial Properties

Look, we get it: roof repairs aren't exactly exciting. But here's the reality: catching these issues early can save you thousands of dollars and prevent business disruption.

A minor membrane repair might cost a few hundred dollars. Ignoring it until water damages your inventory, ruins your insulation, and requires full roof replacement? That's a completely different conversation: and a much bigger check to write.

Since 1982, we've helped Edmonton business owners protect their commercial properties with honest assessments and quality workmanship. We're not here to sell you a new roof if a repair will do the job. We're here to give you the truth about what your roof needs and why.

What to Expect When You Call PJ Roofing

We know you're busy running your business. Our commercial roofing inspection process is straightforward and minimally disruptive:

1. Initial Assessment: We'll schedule a convenient time to inspect your roof, checking all the signs we've discussed plus drainage, overall structural integrity, and any building-specific concerns.

2. Detailed Report: You'll get a clear explanation of what we found, what needs immediate attention, and what can wait. No pressure, no surprises.

3. Transparent Pricing: We provide detailed quotes that follow Alberta Roofing Code requirements, so you know exactly what you're paying for.

4. Quality Repairs: Our experienced team completes repairs efficiently, and we back our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty.

If you're seeing any of these five warning signs on your Edmonton commercial property, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Whether you need a quick repair or it's time to discuss roof replacement options, we're here to help you make the best decision for your building and your budget.

Click Here to schedule your commercial roof inspection. Your roof protects everything under it: let's make sure it's up to the job. 😊