Commercial roofs are vital to the integrity, safety, and functionality of any business facility. Whether it's a warehouse, office building, retail store, or industrial complex, the roof protects everything beneath it—employees, inventory, equipment, and customers. But commercial roofing systems, especially flat or low-slope ones, face unique challenges due to their design, exposure to the elements, and the wear and tear of time. At Motor City Roofers, based in Detroit, Michigan, we’ve seen firsthand how small roofing issues can quickly turn into costly problems if left unaddressed.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common commercial roof problems, how to identify them early, and what steps property managers and business owners can take to avoid major repair bills or premature roof replacement.

1. Ponding Water
One of the most common and serious problems for flat commercial roofs is ponding water—when water accumulates and doesn’t drain within 48 hours after rainfall or snowmelt. This issue is particularly prevalent in Detroit’s freeze-thaw climate, where water can seep into tiny cracks and then expand as it freezes, causing further damage.

Signs to Watch For:

• Visible standing water after dry weather
• Discoloration or algae growth in low spots
• Sagging roof areas

Why It Matters: Prolonged ponding water can degrade roofing membranes, lead to leaks, attract pests, and add weight stress to the structure.

2. Roof Leaks and Moisture Intrusion
Leaks are perhaps the most obvious and disruptive roofing problem. Even a small leak can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and ruined insulation or ceiling tiles.

Signs to Watch For:

• Water stains on interior ceilings or walls
• Musty odors
• Dripping during or after a storm

Why It Matters: Moisture intrusion doesn’t just damage building interiors—it can compromise the roof’s insulation, reducing energy efficiency and increasing costs.

3. Flashing Damage
Flashing refers to the metal strips or membranes used to seal edges, vents, chimneys, skylights, and HVAC units on the roof. Damaged or poorly installed flashing is a leading cause of leaks.

Signs to Watch For:

• Loose or missing flashing
• Rust or corrosion
• Visible gaps near roof penetrations

Why It Matters: Flashing is your roof’s first line of defense against water intrusion at vulnerable points.

4. Blistering and Bubbling
Blisters or bubbles under the roof membrane are typically caused by trapped moisture or air between layers of roofing material. This is more common with built-up roofs and modified bitumen systems.

Signs to Watch For:

• Raised areas or bubbles on the roof surface
• Uneven texture or soft spots

Why It Matters: Blisters can eventually rupture, exposing the roof to water infiltration and accelerating membrane failure.

5. Poor Drainage Systems
Detroit commercial buildings often have internal drains, scuppers, or gutter systems that can become clogged with debris, leaves, or ice. Poor drainage leads directly to ponding, leaks, and even structural stress.

Signs to Watch For:

• Overflowing gutters or downspouts
• Water pooling near the foundation
• Blocked drain covers

Why It Matters: Proper drainage extends the life of your roof and prevents water-related damage to the building structure.

6. Membrane Shrinkage or Cracking
Single-ply roofing systems like EPDM or TPO are durable but can shrink over time, especially in climates like Detroit’s with dramatic temperature swings. This shrinkage can pull seams apart and expose vulnerable areas.

Signs to Watch For:

• Cracked seams or pulled flashing
• Exposed insulation or decking
• Brittleness in the membrane

Why It Matters: Shrinking and cracking compromise the waterproof integrity of the roof, leading to further problems if ignored.

7. Hail and Wind Damage
Severe Midwest weather can wreak havoc on commercial roofs. Hail can puncture membranes or damage flashing, while high winds can lift or tear away roofing materials, especially if they are aging or improperly installed.

Signs to Watch For:

• Dented or punctured membrane
• Missing roofing sections
• Debris on or around the roof

Why It Matters: Weather damage might not be immediately obvious but can cause cumulative harm over time.

8. Improper Repairs or Poor Installation
A significant number of roofing problems stem not from age or weather, but from subpar installation or unprofessional repairs. Cutting corners, using incorrect materials, or ignoring manufacturer guidelines can void warranties and accelerate roof failure.

Signs to Watch For:

• Inconsistent materials or patchwork
• Multiple layers of roofing
• Persistent leaks after "repairs"

Why It Matters: Investing in a reputable commercial roofing contractor like Motor City Roofers ensures your roof meets standards for performance and warranty protection.

9. Vegetation Growth
Moss, mold, algae, or even grass can sometimes grow on commercial rooftops, especially in areas where moisture accumulates. While green roofs are intentional and well-engineered, unintended growth can deteriorate the roofing surface.

Signs to Watch For:

• Green patches or black streaks
• Root systems lifting membranes
• Smells or discoloration

Why It Matters: Plant roots can penetrate roofing membranes, and the moisture retention leads to rapid decay.

10. Neglected Maintenance
Perhaps the biggest roof problem of all is neglect. Many commercial building owners only think about the roof when it leaks, rather than conducting proactive inspections and maintenance.

Signs to Watch For:

• Debris buildup
• Unsealed seams or flashing
• No record of roof inspections

Why It Matters: Regular inspections and preventative maintenance can extend the lifespan of your roof by years and reduce long-term costs.

Partner with Motor City Roofers for Expert SolutionsAt Motor City Roofers, we specialize in identifying, diagnosing, and resolving commercial roofing problems across the Detroit metro area. Our trained professionals understand the specific challenges of Michigan’s climate and commercial infrastructure, and we take pride in offering long-term solutions—not just temporary fixes.

Whether you need a roof inspection, repair, maintenance plan, or full replacement, our team is here to help. We use cutting-edge technology like infrared moisture scans, drone inspections, and digital reporting to give business owners peace of mind and clear information.

A commercial roof is a major investment, and like any investment, it needs ongoing care to perform at its best. By recognizing the early signs of common problems—ponding water, leaks, membrane wear, flashing damage, and more—you can take swift action to protect your building, employees, and business operations.
Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a crisis. Contact Motor City Roofers in Detroit today for a professional inspection or consultation. We’ll make sure your roof stands up to Michigan’s toughest seasons—year after year.

Need help with your commercial roof? Contact Motor City Roofers today for a free estimate or inspection.​