Just as with residential buildings, the roof plays a major role in protecting a commercial building from the weather. The roof is what keeps tree branches, leaves, and other debris from entering the building. It prevents rain or, depending on where your business is located, snow from getting inside. It can even protect your business from the sun and help lower energy costs by deflecting heat away from the building. But if it’s time for the roof on your business to be replaced, it might not be able to perform any of those functions as well as it should.
6 Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof
If your roof has been subjected to storm or wind damage, assessing its condition for potential replacement is crucial. Check out these signs to look for so you know if it’s time to replace the commercial roof on your business.
1. There’s storm or wind damage
If a storm has recently hit the area where your business is located, it’s important to check the roof’s status afterward. This is especially important in states like Florida, where hurricanes tear through the state each year, causing damage to buildings and trees alike. Roof damage that is left unrepaired could result in expensive water damage within the business. Water leaking in through cracks or holes in the roof could damage the interior of the building as well as any stock that the business may have.
What Damage Can a Storm Cause to a Commercial Roof?
If a storm hits a commercial building, there’s a higher chance of larger debris such as tree branches landing on top of the roof and causing damage. Wind can also damage a roof, especially if the storm is a hurricane. Wind can cause seams to separate if they aren’t correctly sealed. On top of that, wind can damage the roof where it connects to the flashing.
2. There are low spots
If your commercial roof is flat, low spots can be a sign that it’s time to replace the roof. Water can collect in low spots, forming puddles on the roof. For this reason, immediately after a rain is an excellent time to inspect a commercial roof for low spots. The puddles make such spots easier to see. If you do see puddles, which indicate low spots, the first step is to check the drains on the roof to make sure water can properly drain off. Then, contact a professional roofing company so that they can check the structural integrity of the commercial roof.
3. There is dry rot
Dry rot, also known as roof rot, occurs when water pools on top of the roof. The standing water gradually eats away at the materials of the roof, causing dry rot. If dry rot isn’t addressed as quickly as possible, the roof can fail and its structural integrity can be compromised. It’s therefore important to replace a commercial roof quickly when you see that dry rot is evident.
4. There are holes on the roof
Another sign that it’s time to replace a commercial roof is there are holes of any kind on the roof. Depending on the material used on the roof, there may be actual holes, but some roofs may just show tears or cracks in the roofing material. If the roofing material has been compromised for any reason, whether it was a storm or during the installation of an HVAC unit on top of the roof, it can lead to water leaking into the building below.
5. There’s damage to the flashing or pitch pans
Flashing and pitch pans help to direct water away from any roof protrusions. If either of these roofing features are damaged, then water could leak into the building. Water damage can be very expensive to repair and could cause harm to the business by damaging vital paperwork, electronics, or products. If the flashing or pitch pans are damaged or worn enough to allow water leaks, then other parts of the roof may also need to be replaced.
6. There’s bubbling on the roof
If your commercial roof uses a membrane-style material, then bubbling can be a sign that it’s time to replace the roof. Bubbling happens if moisture gets trapped underneath the membrane. Moisture can damage the roofing material underneath the membrane, so it’s important to address it quickly.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, determining when to replace a roof requires careful consideration of various factors. Regular inspections, proactive maintenance, and recognizing signs of deterioration are crucial. Age, visible damage, and the risk of further issues should be taken into account. Consulting with professionals helps make an informed decision. Timely roof replacement safeguards the home, ensures safety, and avoids costly repairs, making it a worthwhile investment in the long-term.
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