If you own a commercial building, then you know the roof is one of the most important parts of the property. Not only does it provide protection from the elements, but it also regulates indoor temperature and increases the property’s aesthetic value.
However, roofs are subject to wear and tear and could impact your business negatively if not well maintained. A leaky or damaged roof can lead to a lot of problems for your business, including water infiltration and structural damage.
So, how do you know it’s time to replace your commercial roof? In this post, we’ll discuss 5 tell-tale signs that it’s time to call in a professional roofing contractor.
1. Aging Roof
Most commercial roofs have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years.
If your commercial roof is approaching that mark, you may want to consider having it replaced. Repairs can only add so many years to your roof, but at some point, particularly when it’s approaching or has surpassed its lifespan, replacement becomes inevitable.
Of course, there are many tell-tale signs that your roof is aging. These may include curling shingles, loss of shingle granules, and holes in the underlayment.
2. Water Infiltration
Water infiltration is often a sign of external roof damage, which, if left unchecked, can lead to structural damage. While this can easily be fixed with a roof repair, depending on the extent of damage, the contractor may recommend a roof replacement.
A leaky roof can cause all sorts of problems, including wood rot, mold and mildew growth, stains in walls, and excessive rusting, which can make the building less energy efficient. If leakage is not fixed immediately, it can escalate into major problems.
3. Sagging Areas
A sagging area on a flat roof is a tell-tale sign of damage.
Sagging can occur for many reasons, including trapped moisture. It can also happen when a new roof is installed on top of an existing one.
A sagging roof is a very noticeable sign of damage and a clear indicator that it’s time to replace it. Neglecting this issue can cause the roof to collapse, endangering the lives of everyone in the building.
4. Wind Damage
Nothing can cause more damage to the roof than the wind. When high winds hit the roof, shingles can loosen and fly off. Strong winds can even tear away newly installed shingles. Seams can also separate and fly loose if not properly sealed off.
Some damages caused by wind can be fixed with just a simple roof repair.
However, depending on the intensity of the wind and the age of the roof, some damages may call for a roof replacement. In this case, the condition of the roof after a strong gale should dictate whether to repair or replace the roof.
5. Bubbling or Blistering
Bubbling, also known as roof blistering, results from shingles superheating, causing the air or moisture trapped in the shingles to come to the surface.
When this happens, the water travels through the roof, causing damage. If left unchecked, blisters and bubbles can cause a lot of damage to your entire roof.
Areas with seasonal temperature swings, like Minnesota, are at a higher risk of encountering this problem. Again, bubbles and blisters are a common sign your commercial roof is compromised and in need of attention.
Wrapping Up
Commercial roofs are prone to wear and tear and need to be inspected regularly and maintained from time to time. If left unchecked, minor problems can graduate to serious ones that may call for roof replacement. If you notice any of these signs on your roof, contact a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible.