As a property manager or commercial building owner, understanding the importance of an annual roof inspection is essential. During a routine inspection, a roofer will note any areas of concern, damage, deterioration, or general maintenance items. It is always recommended to carefully examine the report provided by your roofer and take care of immediate items as quickly as possible. Failing to do so could cause further damage to the roofing system and contents of the building.
While some of the maintenance or damage items noted by your roofer can be repaired, they may also be signs that your roof is ready for replacement. Below are several signs that your commercial roof is ready for a replacement.
1. Leaking Roof
Even the smallest of leaks in a roofing system can lead to significant damage to a commercial building. As water finds its way below the roofing material, it will show as water stains on ceilings or walls, growth of mold or mildew, or an increase in energy bills. Discovering the root cause of the leak and repairing it as quickly as possible will help lower the probability of additional damage.
However, if left untouched, a leaking roof could turn into a much worse problem and require an entire roof replacement. Additionally, if you find your roof is continually leaking, it is time for replacement. Discuss your options with your roofer as they will have a better understanding of your commercial roofing needs after inspection.
2. Blisters or Bubbling
Many commercial roofs are flat, which makes them prone to blisters or bubble formation. Blisters or bubbles form when water fills in the area where the adhesion has been lost and then disintegrates the roofing material. This releases a gas under the outermost remaining roofing material, forming a bubble that looks like a blister.
Similar to a blister on skin, a roofing blister must be taken care of, cleaned, and repaired to ensure further damage does not occur. If left untouched, a blister will simply get larger with time and generate a larger mess to clean. Blistering could also be a sign of poor installation, requiring a complete new roof to resolve the issue.
3. Damaged Membrane
As we said before, many commercial roofs are flat and utilize a membrane material to effectively cover the surface. There are signs to this membrane to look for that it has been damaged and it may be time for a complete replacement. While repair is an option, the lower layers of the roofing system may have become damaged because it is no longer waterproof. Look for openings in the membrane pieces, bald spots, or areas where the different pieces have been lifted. These are all signs of damage to the membrane and should be inspected by a professional soon, to prevent additional damage and a much larger bill.
4. Loose Materials
A key sign that your commercial roof is in need of replacement is loose materials. Not only the actual roofing material itself, but also if the gutters, fascia, or flashing become loose as well. If these items are loose or falling, there could be significant damage to your entire roofing system. Choosing to ignore a loose gutter or piece of flashing may be easy, but it will come with potential damage, higher energy bills, and the need for a new roof. Contact your local roofer to determine if damage has made its way through the entire roofing system and your best option for replacement.
Work With A Professional Commercial Roofer
If you own a commercial building or are a property manager in need of professional roofing services, contact Craven Construction today. Our team brings over 20 years of commercial roofing experience to each and every job. No roof is too big for our crew and we have experience with every type of roofing material. We are available to perform a complete roofing inspection or if you are ready for a new roof, we will provide a FREE estimate. Call our office to speak with our commercial roofing experts and schedule your estimate today!
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About Craven Construction
Craven Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with honest and reliable roofing services. With over two decades of residential and commercial experience, we are here to serve you and all of your roofing needs.
Our team of experienced roofers is licensed and knowledgeable in working with all types of roofing. We offer high quality roofing services and are capable of getting your project completed in a timely, efficient manner.