As a building owner, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about the roof — until there’s a major problem. By keeping your head up, you can avoid a roofing emergency.
What are some signs that your building needs a new roof?
If you suddenly have a clear, open-air view of blue sky, you definitely need a contractor. Most warnings will not be that dramatic. Here are 4 signs your building needs a new roof:
• Visible defects
• Unusual smells
• Water damage
• Saggy spots
The good news is, you don’t need to be a contractor or building manager to notice potential problems. Keep reading for more detail on these sure signs that you need a new roof over your head.
Visible defects
Your building’s roof protects everyone and everything inside, so make sure it’s holding strong. Take a look around. If you notice warped, broken, or missing shingles, you may want to start thinking about a new roof. With other roofing materials like stone, concrete, or metal, you should watch for dents and cracks, as well as any missing sections. If you notice excess debris on the ground or in your building’s gutters, that may indicate excess wear and tear on the roof.
Unusual smells
This one might sound strange. After all, what’s a roof supposed to smell like? We can tell you what you’re not supposed to smell — mold or mildew. If you notice a musty odor in your building and can’t track the source, check the roof. The smell is a sure sign of a bigger problem (see the next item on the list) and mold can spread quickly. Plus, mold can cause breathing issues for anyone inside.
Water damage
Visible water problems like stains, drips, or moisture on the ceiling or wall, or puddles on the floor all mean a new roof should move up on your to-do list. Mold and mildew, and the smell that comes with them, are one sign your building has water in places it doesn’t belong. Visible water damage is another.
Saggy spots
If you can see a saggy spot in your building’s roof while you’re doing a visual inspection indoors or outdoors, you need a roof replacement sooner rather than later. Sagging can be a particular concern for a flat roof. In severe weather conditions, like heavy rain or snow, the best-case scenario will be a leak. The worst-case scenario will be structural damage.
How long should a roof last before it needs to be replaced?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer on roof lifespan. Depending on the location of your building, weather can have a significant impact. Excess heat, hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rain, snow, and ice can all accelerate your new roof timeline.
Your roof’s performance also depends on its materials. There are various types of roofing materials such as metal, TPO, and best of all Duro-Last Roofing systems (PVC) which are an investment worth making. These materials are built to last for decades and they are energy efficient.
If it’s time for a new roof, talk to your contractor about the best roofing material for your particular building and location.
Can I get the roof repaired instead of replacing it?
If you’re just starting to see signs that your building needs a new roof, you may be wondering about roof repair vs. replacement. After all, the cost of a new roof can be significant.
When there’s minor damage like a few missing shingles or a small patch of moss on the roof, some maintenance might do the trick. For more extensive problems, you could end up throwing good money after bad with repeated repairs that don’t do the trick
A good rule of thumb: If more than one-third of the roof has damage or if the roof is more than 25 years old, you should consider going new.
In addition to keeping your building and people safe, a new roof can add energy efficiency and increase your building’s value. So if you notice visible defects, unusual smells, water damage, or saggy spots as we mentioned above, it’s time to think seriously about a new roof.
If its time for a new roof…
Keep these surefire signs in mind especially before the onset of a season such as winter. A new roof can be installed anytime of year, but it’s a lot easier without having to combat snow and ice. An experienced roofing contractor such as MacDermott Roofing in the Detroit area can help.
We have been a top choice for commercial roofing services, such as new roof installation, roof repair, and commercial roof maintenance for years. Working with all types of roofing systems and buildings, we specialize in Duro-Last roofing systems, and we are an Elite Master Contractor. Call us for a Free Estimate on our expert commercial roofing services!