One of the most important things to keep in mind when maintaining a commercial property is checking the roof. A simple visual inspection can help you spot any potential problems that may be hiding before they become more serious and costly to fix. If your building’s roof has been neglected for too long, there are four warning signs you should look out for that are telling you it may need repairs.
Leaks
Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems a building can experience. If you notice water stains on your ceiling, walls, or around any vents or HVAC units, there is likely a leak in your roof. Not only leak unsightly and inconvenient, but they can also lead to extensive damage to the structure of your roof and property.
Leaking will continue until it is properly repaired or dealt with by professionals, so if you notice water stains on any ceiling areas in your building, contact a commercial roofing contractor to come out and inspect them right away for leaks. When it comes to commercial roofing with Bison Roofing, they will always be able to provide the assistance you need. Additionally, if you notice any water stains on the floor and it doesn’t appear to be coming from a ceiling area, that is another reason for concern. The only way this could happen would be through a crack or hole in your roof where rainwater is seeping in.
Age
If your roof is 20 or more years old, it’s probably time to have a professional take a look. Commercial roofs usually last between 15-25 years depending on the quality of materials and installation techniques used when they were built. Many companies that do commercial roofing replacement will not even consider taking on a project if the age of the current roof is over 20 years.
This doesn’t mean that every roof older than 20 needs to be replaced, but if you’re seeing any of the other signs on this list, it’s a good idea to at least get a professional opinion. Aging roofs are more prone to leaks and other problems that can cause extensive damage to the inside of your building. If you’re not sure how old your roof is, ask your contractor to take a look and give you an estimate for replacement. They should be able to tell from just a quick inspection.
Shingles are Curling, Buckling, or Missing
If you’re seeing any of the shingles on your roof starting to curl, buckle, or miss altogether, it’s time for a new roof. All three of these signs indicate that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Curling shingles are simply the result of excessive heat over time, which causes them to warp and become misshapen. Buckled shingles can form when there is too much weight on your roof (such as heavy snow) that pushes down on it until the materials start to bend under pressure. Missing or broken shingles are typically caused by strong winds that can lift them and carry them off. These problems will only get worse over time, so you want to contact a commercial roofing contractor or replacement company right away if you see any of these issues with your shingles.
Pooling Water
If you’ve been noticing water pooling on your roof for an extended period, there is likely a problem with the drainage system. This can be caused by anything from blocked gutters to broken or missing tiles.
Pooling water is a serious issue and should not be ignored, as it can quickly lead to damage to the roof decking, insulation, and even the framing of your building. If you’re seeing water pooling on your roof, contact a professional immediately for assistance in repairing or replacing your drainage system. While it may seem like a simple solution, many people attempt to do roof repairs themselves. However, unless you’re an expert in commercial roofing, this is not something that should be attempted. You could end up doing more damage than good by trying to fix your roof yourself and making the problem even worse because of improper installation or materials used.
When it comes to commercial roofs, it’s always important to be aware of any warning signs that may indicate that there is a problem. If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to contact a commercial roofing contractor for an inspection and estimate at your earliest convenience.
Published by HOLR Magazine