If you own or manage a commercial building in Collin County, there's a good chance it has a flat or low-slope roof. And there's a good chance nobody has been up there in a while.
Flat roofs don't fail the way shingle roofs do. Water doesn't run off quickly, so small problems sit and grow. Here's what business owners in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and the surrounding cities should know about the main options, and how to decide between repair and replacement.
The three systems you'll hear about most
TPO is a single-ply membrane, usually white, that's heat-welded at the seams. It's one of the most common choices on newer commercial buildings in North Texas because its light color reflects summer heat.
Modified bitumen is an asphalt-based roof applied in layers. It's tough, handles foot traffic well, and is common on older buildings and smaller commercial properties.
Roof coatings are applied over an existing roof that's still structurally sound. A coating can seal small problems and extend the life of the roof, but it isn't a fix for a roof that's already wet underneath.
There's no single best system. The right one depends on your building, how the roof is used, and how long you plan to own the property.
Signs your flat roof needs attention
- Water that's still pooling a couple of days after a storm
- Blisters, bubbles, or soft spots when you walk the roof
- Seams that are lifting or separating
- Stains on ceiling tiles inside
- Cracked or pulled-away flashing around HVAC units, vents, and walls
Our North Texas weather is hard on flat roofs. Hail, intense summer sun, and the occasional freeze all add up, so an inspection after a major storm is always worth it.
Repair, coat, or replace?
A repair makes sense when the damage is limited to one area and the rest of the roof is in good shape.
A coating can be a smart middle step when the roof is aging but still dry and solid underneath.
Replacement is usually the answer when water has gotten into the layers below the surface, when leaks keep coming back in different spots, or when repairs start costing more than they're worth.
The only way to know for sure is to have someone get up there and look closely, including checking for moisture you can't see from the surface.
Talk to a local roofer before you decide
Blue Ribbon Roofing is a family-owned roofer serving commercial and residential properties across North Texas. If you're not sure what's going on with your building's roof, get in touch with our team. We'll take a look and give you a straight answer about whether it needs a repair, a coating, or a new roof.
