A compromised roofing structure can result in significant damage when not repaired promptly. As a business owner, you must not forget your roof when performing regular maintenance services. You also have to inspect your roofing to identify any problems.
Inspecting your commercial roof can help you identify a problem before it worsens. By doing the repairs as early as possible, you’ll save more money. It’s because installing a new commercial roofing structure is more costly than performing the repairs.
The roof is an integral part of a commercial building because it protects your things from external elements like heavy rains and high winds. That means you must be aware of all the signs of a failing commercial roofing structure.
So, how do you know that your commercial roofing structure needs repairs? A roofing expert from a reputable roofing company like Roof Masters can help you detect roof problems. However, this guide also explores the signs to watch out for on your roof.
Signs that Your Commercial Roofing Needs Repairs
Commercial roofing structures are strong and can last for many years because they can resist wear and tear. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t get repaired. If the roofing gets damaged, the problem will exacerbate and compromise the integrity of your roof.
A damaged roof exposes your property to elements that can destroy your items. When you notice anything strange about your commercial roofing, perform the repairs early before the entire roof condition worsens. You can do it yourself or hire an expert.
Here are the signs that your commercial roofing is damaged and needs repairs.
1. Pools of Standing Water on the Roof
Most commercial buildings have flat roofs. However, the flat roofing structures slope slightly to drain the rainwater falling on the rooftop. If your roof collects pools of water, the chances are that it will develop looks soon, although the pools may seem harmless.
Besides causing leaks, the pools of standing water encourage mold and mildew growth, which harbors bacteria. If you don’t resolve the problem as early as possible, the bacteria will pose significant health risks to all your employees working in the building.
If some parts of your roof are metallic or wooden, the pool of water can cause rusting and rotting. It will also add more weight load to your building structure.
2. Bubbles and Blisters on the Roof
When commercial roofing gets exposed to moisture and heat alternatingly, bubbles or blisters can develop. If your roof has shingles, water will seep into the inside and damage the shingles extensively. As a result, your roof’s lifespan will reduce.
Note that the bubbles and blisters often occur between underlayment and membrane. You must address the issue quickly to prevent more blistering and bubbling. So, get a professional roofer to perform a roof repair. Don’t wait for a total roof replacement.
3. Aging Commercial Roofing Structure
A commercial roofing structure can last for many years, but it will start getting old upon completing its lifespan. The roof will likely deteriorate after counteracting several harsh weather conditions like heavy rainfalls and direct heat from the sun.
If your commercial roof attains an advanced age closer to its expected lifespan, it could signify that it needs repairs. All you must do is perform frequent inspections, repair, and maintenance services to delay the impacts of the aging roof.
4. Damaged Roof Flashing
The flashing is a vital part of a roof because it connects the roof to the building structure by sealing the two elements together. You can use flashing on your roof when materials meet on top and there are no overlaps. A weak flashing is a sign that it needs repairs.
If your roof flashing deteriorates or detaches from it, it becomes a bigger problem. The protective seal will break, leaving gaps between the roofing materials. As a result, water and other debris will find their way into the building. So, consider repairing the flashing.
5. Sagging Roofing Structure
A good roofing structure must be straight along its plane, even if the pitch is low or high. Consider the roof complete when it doesn’t show the signs of sagging. However, if you notice that some rooftop parts seem warped or sagging, consider repairing them soon.
Sagging can occur when a roofer installs a new roofing material over an old one. Too much moisture on the roof can also cause roof sagging. So, if you notice any uneven surface on the rooftop, get a professional roofer to fix the problem before it worsens.
6. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
If you notice water overflowing the gutters instead of running through the drainage system, the chances are that your gutters are clogged. You must clean the gutters as soon as possible to ensure smooth water flow during heavy rains and winter seasons.
Downspouts can also clog after heavy rain and prevent water on the roof from flowing down the roof. When you inspect the roof downspouts, you may find leaves, broken twigs, and other debris. Remove all the materials blocking the drains from working.
7. Loose Roofing Materials
Heavy rains and high winds can loosen roofing materials over time, compromising your roof’s structural integrity. You don’t have to ignore the loose iron sheets or gutters since the issue can accelerate the damages and reduce the roof’s lifespan.
Another sign that your roofing materials are loosening is when you start noticing some granules or shingle pieces inside the rain gutters during cleaning. Asphalt roofs can break down as they age and dispose of the granules in the gutters when it rains.
Schedule a Roof Inspection and Repairs
When you notice signs that your commercial roofing needs repair, schedule a roof inspection to verify the roofing problems. That will help you find the right and effective solution to the problem. Hire a professional roofer to help you inspect your roof. That’s because they have the skills to identify various commercial roofing problems.