When raindrops start falling on your head when you are inside your building, you know you are having roofing problems. There are other signs that your commercial roof may be having issues that are not as obvious. Sagging and cracking can start small and be hard to see, and mold can start growing in areas where people usually don’t look.
So, what are some common commercial roofing problems?
A commercial roof can sag, crack, or have other types of breaks in the structure. Damaged or broken seals, membranes, or tiles and mold growth are common problems that need to be repaired as soon as they are noticed to keep them from growing too large.
These common problems can develop with time as the commercial roof ages or can be accelerated by weather conditions. Strong winds, heavy rain, and other types of natural disasters can lead to roof damage no matter how new it is.
So, How Do You Know if You Should Repair or Replace Your Commercial Roof?
In many cases, you can repair the cracks or broken seals. If they are discovered when they are small and haven’t caused damage to the rest of the structure, then they should be fixable. A roof that is ponding needs immediate attention. The weight of the water will cause further sagging and will become harder and more costly to repair if left unattended. Regular inspections of your roof will help you catch these types of changes before they get out of hand.
Mold is a serious issue. First, you need to take care of the leaks, cracks, or breaks that let the moisture in, and then you need to get rid of the mold. If you cannot be confident that the mold is gone, then you need to look into replacing the roof, because people can’t work safely around the mold.
Replacing your commercial roof is a good idea when repairs become too costly, the roof is at least 20 years old, or the damage is too extensive.
So, What Causes Common Commercial Roofing Problems?
Wind and rain are the two main enemies of your commercial roof. They will try to break into your building any way they can. They cause the biggest problems of leaks, mold growth, cracks, and sags that get worse with time if left to fester. Lightning strikes, hail, and other natural occurrences can also lead to damage.
Other causes can be man-made. Problems with cracks or other types of breaks can happen when people are careless with big machinery against the roof, make changes to the roof without consulting a professional, or accidentally puncture it.
Related Questions
So, How do You Prevent Common Problems?
Scheduling regular inspections with a roofing specialist is the best way to prevent common problems. This professional can help identify areas of concern and offer guidance on what to do before it is too late. You should also make sure the roof stays cleared of debris, keep large machinery away from it, and do visual inspections both inside and outside at least once a week by someone in the house. Document everything so there is a record of when damage is first sighted. Proper ventilation is also important to help prevent mold growth.
So, Does a Change in Building Use Affect the Roof?
Changing the product you produce in your building could affect the roof if there is moisture being added to the air and not enough ventilation. Because water is one of the basic ingredients of major roofing problems, when it is introduced from the inside, and not properly handled, it can lead to mold.
Summary
Having to carry an umbrella with you at work is not good, and dodging buckets catching drips of water from leaking roofs is no fun. Leaks, cracks, and mold growth are just some of the common problems commercial roofs experience. They can be repaired if caught early enough, or may need replacing if the damage is too severe. Regular commercial roof maintenance will help keep the integrity of your roof in check so that repairs and replacement are a last resort.
MacDermott Roofing provides industrial and commercial roofing services throughout the Metro area. Our experienced team is dedicated to completing each job with complete customer satisfaction. Using the highest quality roofing materials, including Duro-Last roofing systems, your building will up secure and safe.
Whether you need commercial roof repair or new roof installation, our crew is always standing by. Call to schedule a no obligation commercial roof inspection today!