As a business owner, your commercial property is an important investment. However, like many, you may end up overlooking one key element. The roof over your commercial facility plays a crucial role in safeguarding your assets. As such, ensuring it is well-maintained by understanding common red flags can help you address issues early. It will also save you money by minimizing repairs and replacements.
Embrace a proactive approach
First, let’s talk about why prevention is important. In many aspects of life, prevention is always better than a cure. The same is true for commercial roofing. Regular inspections are your first line of defense against costly damages. While you might be tempted to focus on your daily business operations, allocating time for roof inspections can prevent minor issues from escalating into major headaches.
Prioritizing timely inspections also comes with other benefits, such as:
- Extended lifespan
- Cost savings
- Energy efficiency
- Preserving property value
- Business continuity
- Insurance benefits
- Safety and compliance
Warning signs that indicate when to repair or replace your commercial roof
Old Age
Just like everything in life, your commercial roofs also have a limited lifespan. However, your roof’s lifespan will depend on environmental factors, maintenance history, the material, and installation quality. Most commercial roofing materials have a lifespan of around 20 to 30 years. However, some have a higher lifespan than others. For instance, metal roofs tend to last longer than asphalt shingles.
Regardless of your roofing material, pay extra attention to its condition if it’s within this age range. Signs of age-related wear and tear include curling or cracking. You may also notice missing shingles.
Leaks and Water Damage
Another warning sign to watch out for is leaks and water damage. Water damage can slowly seep into your building’s structure and cause extensive harm. That’s why you should keep an eye out for it during inspections. Investigating the source immediately is crucial if you notice water stains on the ceiling, peeling paint, or damp spots.
There are many causes of water leaks. Firstly, they can originate from compromised roofing materials. A faulty flashing can also lead to water leaks. Another common cause of a leaking roof is inadequate insulation and ventilation. Other causes include:
- Mechanical damage
- Improperly sealed HVAC units and vents
- Clogged drains or gutters
- Ponding water
- Wind and storm damage
- Tree debris
Addressing these issues promptly helps prevent further damage. Moreover, it protects your business from potential interruptions due to interior flooding.
Weather Related Damage
Your commercial roof has been built to provide unparalleled protection against the elements. It protects your valuables from harsh sunlight, freezing snow, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and other harsh elements. Unfortunately, these elements can take a toll on its integrity. You can extend your roof’s lifespan by paying attention to signs of weather-related damage. Weather-related damage can manifest itself in multiple ways. First, heavy rainfall or strong winds can make shingles warp. In addition, extreme temperature fluctuations can force your shingles to crack.
You may also notice blistering on the surface of your asphalt shingles due to intense heat and sunlight. Other weather-related red flags to watch out for include:
- Punctures and tears
- Granule loss
- Cracks in flashing
- Sagging sections
- Rust and corrosion
- Leaks and water stains
- Fading and discoloration
- Ice dams
Pooling Water
Flat or low-slope commercial roofs are susceptible to pooling water. While a small amount of standing water might seem harmless, it can create costly problems over time. Prolonged exposure to pooled water can weaken the roofing materials, causing deterioration and leaks. If you notice water accumulating after rainfall, it’s time to consult a professional roofing contractor who can evaluate the drainage system and suggest remedies to prevent standing water.
To Repair or Replace: Which One Is Better?
If you’ve noticed the signs we discussed above, you must decide between repair and replacement. The decision you make will depend on the following:
- Extent of damage
- Cost
- Age of the roof
- Energy efficiency
- Future plans
Lastly, consider seeking advice from trusted roofing professionals. At Pequea Valley Exteriors, we’ll offer a free inspection and come up with a customized repair or replacement plan, just for your roof.
