Seams are locations where roofing materials meet. The condition of the existing membrane, prior repairs and adjacent details affects how an open seam should be assessed.
Ask the roofer to identify the roof material and show the seam area in the inspection photos. The repair scope should say how the crew plans to address the seam and what it found in the surrounding material.
Contact Dekoven Roofing to discuss a commercial roof assessment. Include the building address and the name of the person who can arrange access.
A seam is where two pieces of roofing meet. On a flat roof, seams are held together by adhesive, heat welding or tape, so they are common places for water to find a way in.
An open seam may be a local issue or one sign of a widespread condition. The right response depends on the condition of the surrounding membrane and the repair history.
Ask the roofer to inspect nearby seams and not only the one that was reported.
Photos, dates and notes about where leaks appear inside the building help narrow down the source.
Often, if the surrounding material is sound. The roofer should explain.
Water may only reach the seam during certain weather or when water stands on the roof.
Not necessarily. Ask for the whole assembly to be assessed.
Related: Request a commercial roof assessment
Practical roofing guidance for property owners and managers in Milwaukee, southeastern Wisconsin and Houston.
