Commercial Flat Roof Repair in Dallas, TX
Expert solutions for membrane damage, drainage problems & flashing failures
Get Free Estimate: (214) 649-5984Your commercial flat roof does a big job. It protects your building from rain, sun, wind, and crazy temperature swings. But here in Dallas? Those roofs work overtime.
We see it every day. Summer heat that bakes everything. Storms that roll through without warning. Your roof handles all of it.
We're insured contractors who know Dallas building codes inside and out. We've fixed hundreds of commercial roofs across DFW. Let's talk about keeping yours in good shape.
What Are Signs You Need Commercial Flat Roof Repair in Dallas?
Your roof talks to you. You just need to know what to listen for.
Three big warning signs:
| Warning Sign | What It Means | How Fast to Act |
|---|---|---|
| Water stains on ceilings | Roof has a breach | Call now |
| Standing water after 48 hours | Drainage is broken | This week |
| Cracked or bubbling membrane | UV damage started | This month |
We get calls about water stains all the time. By the time you see water inside, the roof problem has been there for a while. That's why we push for regular inspections.
Ponding Water Signals Drainage Problems That Need Immediate Attention
Quick story: We went out to a warehouse in Deep Ellum last month. The owner said, "Yeah, we've got a puddle up there. Been there a few weeks."
That puddle? It was eating through the roof membrane. Water sitting for more than 48 hours isn't just annoying. It's actively destroying your roof and setting you up for leaks, structural damage, and early failure.
Ponding water on a Deep Ellum commercial roof requiring drainage repair
Why Dallas Drainage Matters
Our summer storms are intense. We're talking heavy rain in 15-20 minutes. Your drains need to handle that volume fast.
Here's what the city requires:
- Primary drains for normal rainfall
- Secondary overflow drains or scuppers for backup
- Both working at all times
Contractor tip:
Walk your roof after a big rain. Look for where water sits. Those spots tell you everything about your drainage system.
What Happens When You Fix It
- No more interior water damage
- Roof lasts years longer
- Membrane stays intact
- You sleep better during storms
We've seen drainage fixes add 5-10 years to a roof's life. That's real money saved.
Membrane Damage Compromises Your Building's Weather Protection Layer
Torn flat roof membrane on a Carrollton commercial building requiring repair
Your membrane is like the skin on your roof. Once it's broken, everything underneath is at risk.
This Carrollton building had a membrane failure that went unnoticed for weeks. By the time we got the call, water had penetrated the insulation layer and was causing ceiling damage in the offices below.
The Dallas Heat Problem
Roofs here hit 150°F on summer afternoons. We've measured it ourselves. That's hot enough to fry an egg.
What that heat does:
- Breaks down TPO, PVC, and EPDM faster than up north
- UV rays crack the surface
- Material gets brittle
- Small problems become big ones
Buildings we see this most:
- Highland Park office buildings
- Uptown retail spaces
- Anywhere with south-facing roofs
The Money Math
Let's be honest about costs:
| Problem | Quick Fix Cost | Wait Too Long Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small membrane crack | $500-$1,500 | $15,000-$50,000+ |
| One damaged section | $2,000-$5,000 | Full roof replacement |
| Caught early | Patch and seal | Interior repairs too |
We've never had a customer say, "I wish I'd waited longer to fix that." They always say the opposite.
Real talk from the field:
Small cracks we can patch in an afternoon. Wait until water's coming through your ceiling? Now you're fixing the roof AND the interior. And closing your business during repairs.
Regular Inspections Catch Small Issues Before They Become Costly Repairs
This is where you save the most money. Period.
Maintenance is the biggest factor in how long your roof lasts. Bigger than the material you picked. Bigger than who installed it. Regular checkups win every time.
Who Needs This Most
- Retail centers in Lakewood and Preston Hollow
- Anyone managing multiple properties
- Facilities managers with tight budgets
- Building owners planning to sell someday
What We Find During Inspections
Common small problems (easy fixes):
- Loose seams
- Clogged drains
- Small punctures
- Worn caulking
- Minor membrane lifting
Catch these early? You're looking at a few hundred bucks. Miss them? Thousands later.
Dallas Code Update
The city adopted new building codes in May 2023. Your roof needs to meet current standards. We make sure it does.
Weather tip:
After hail in Oak Cliff or Northwest Dallas, get your roof checked within a week. Hail damage that sits gets worse fast.
Our Inspection Schedule
- Spring (before summer heat)
- Fall (before winter rain)
- After any major storm
- Before buying or selling
Flashing Failures Around Roof Edges and Penetrations Cause Most Leaks
Want to know where most leaks start? Not the middle of your roof. It's the edges and where things poke through.
This Addison commercial building shows classic flashing deterioration—rust staining around the vent, water pooling at the base, and membrane separation. These penetration points are the spots we check first during every inspection.
Failing vent flashing on an Addison commercial building
Where Flashing Lives
You've got flashing around:
- Where your roof meets walls
- All your HVAC units
- Vent pipes
- Skylights
- Parapet walls
- Any equipment on the roof
These spots are where two different materials meet. That's always the weak point.
What Dallas Does to Flashing
Morning: 45°F
Afternoon: 95°F
Night: 60°F
Your flashing expands in heat. Contracts in cold. Does this every single day.
The result:
- Seals crack open
- Gaps appear
- Water finds its way in
- You get a leak
Code Requirements
Dallas says you need corrosion-resistant metal flashing. Minimum 0.019 inches thick. That's not random. Thinner flashing fails faster.
What we tell property managers:
Walk your roof twice a year. Look at every spot where something comes up through the roof. See cracks? Gaps? Rust? Fix it now. Waiting turns a $200 repair into a $5,000 emergency.
Flashing Lifespan by Type
| Material | Average Life | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized steel | 15-20 years | Budget jobs |
| Aluminum | 20-30 years | Most buildings |
| Copper | 50+ years | Premium work |
| Stainless steel | 30-40 years | High-corrosion areas |
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you repair a leaking commercial flat roof in Dallas?
Active leak? We're there same day or next day. Period. For permanent repairs, we schedule within 3-5 business days. We need to assess what's really going on up there. Sometimes what looks like one problem is actually three.
Do I need a permit for commercial roof repairs in Dallas?
Depends on the size. Small repairs don't need permits. Big repairs or full replacements do. No permit needed for patching small sections, fixing flashing, cleaning drains, or minor membrane repairs. Permit required for replacing large sections, new roof installation, or major structural work. Good news? We handle all the permit paperwork. You don't touch it.
What's the difference between patching and coating a commercial flat roof?
Patching fixes specific damaged spots, uses matching membrane material, takes hours not days, and costs less. Coating covers your whole roof, adds a protective layer, extends overall lifespan, and is a bigger investment with bigger benefit. Think of patching like fixing a flat tire. Coating is like rust-proofing your whole truck.
How often should I have my Dallas commercial roof inspected?
Minimum schedule: Spring inspection, Fall inspection, after every hail storm, and after high winds (60+ mph). Spring catches winter damage before summer heat makes it worse. Fall catches summer damage before winter rain hits. Pro move: Take photos during each inspection. Compare them over time. You'll see patterns and problems developing.
Can you repair a flat roof during summer in Dallas?
Yes. Actually, summer is great for repairs. Membrane adhesive bonds better in heat, materials are flexible not brittle, sealants cure faster, and there's less rain delay. We start early (7 AM) to avoid the worst heat. But warm, dry conditions help most repairs go smoother and faster.
How do I know if my roof needs repair or full replacement?
We assess three things: Damage extent (one problem area vs problems everywhere), roof age (under 10 years usually worth repairing, over 20 years replacement might make more sense), and repair history (first major repair vs third repair in two years). The honest answer: If you're repairing the same roof every 6-12 months, you're wasting money. That roof is telling you it's done.