Regardless of the size of your business, you have many valuable things and people under your roof. This is because the roof over the building protects your workers, equipment and products. Unfortunately, all commercial roofs give way at some point, and a repair or reroof may be needed.
Signs A Commercial Building Needs Reroofing
Regular inspections will ensure that the roof over your commercial building stays in top shape. Nevertheless, some issues can affect the roof to the extent that reroofing may be required.
These are some ways to know that you need to replace your old roof:
1. Musty odors
A commercial building with a musty odor? That could be a sign of mildew and mold which thrive under moist conditions. In some situations, this issue can be managed by adjusting the HVAC unit or by a comprehensive cleaning. If this is the case, you should schedule an inspection and assessment of your roof.
An expert in mold remedy is recommended to get the job done. You should immediately address mold growth as it can be the cause of health concerns that may include sneezing and even asthma. The problem of mold growth can be resolved by repairing leaks and reroofing.
2. Sagging roof
Your roof can get wet as a result of weather conditions like rain. The roof can sag if rainwater is allowed to pool on it for days. This can compromise joists, rafters and the sheathing of a roof. The affected area of the roof can be replaced, while the other parts will remain intact. However, the extent of replacement to be done will depend on the level of roof damage. Reroofing may be required if the sagging or drooping roofline is widespread. Generally, a sagging roof is an indication that you need to replace the roof, as a simple repair may not be as effective in the long run.
3. Blistering and bubbles
There could be underlying issues with your roof, and a sign of that is the presence of bubbles and pockets in it. Roofs that are not in good condition often trap accumulated moisture or air underneath them. This causes bubbles and blisters to form along the lining of the roof. These should be removed so that the compromised area or areas can be cleaned. Moreover, it could mean that the entire roof is damaged, especially if the blisters keep reoccurring.
Other than blisters, the leaking of water in some areas could also be the source of your roof’s problem. Repairs can probably still be done, but roofing experts recommend that a commercial building in such condition be reroofed. This is because it is cost-effective in the long run.
4. Loose materials
The roof of your commercial building bears the brunt of harsh weather conditions like heavy rains and high winds. These elements can cause the roofing materials to loosen, leaving your roof in bad shape. You must not ignore loose iron sheets or gutters. This is because loose components that seem harmless can escalate and cause potential damage. Additionally, loose materials can lead to an increase in your energy bills and shorten the lifespan of your roof. You should consider reroofing the building if a large portion of it is loose. This will help prevent additional damage to both the people and equipment that it protects.
5. Water damage
Roof leaks are something you should never ignore. This is because they can lead to further damage that can compromise your ceiling, walls and floors. You should act quickly if your commercial building is showing signs of water damage. A leaking roof may be noticed by peeling paint and stains on the wall. A reroof may be required if the water damage is severe. However, regular inspection and cleaning of the roof can help avoid such damage. You should reach out to an expert roofer as soon as possible if you notice any sign of water damage. A professional will assess the situation and recommend the best solution.
6. Clogged drainage system
The drainage system of your commercial building should be able to effectively move the rainwater away from your roof and the structure itself. The amount of water that comes through your drainage system should be almost the same as what it receives from rainfall. If it isn’t, then there may be an issue with the drainage system
Sagging spots and clogging may be the reason why water does not flow off the roof of your commercial building properly. Moreover, drainage systems like gutters and downspouts, if clogged for an extended period, may lead to structural damage.
Water can affect the wooden parts of the roof. In the case of rotting wood and other severe damage, a new roof is definitely recommended.
7. Worn-out roofing materials
The roof of a commercial building may appear to be in a good condition to the untrained eye. However, roofing experts can detect any issue that may require work to be done on the roof of a commercial building. Just like anything else, roofs are also prone to wear and tear. Extreme temperatures, hail storms and aging contribute to roof damage.
The causes of roof issues should not be ignored, as avoiding them just makes things worse. If left unaddressed, the roofing materials above you may get worn out; A reroofing may be unavoidable in instances where the roofing materials are severely damaged.
Conclusion
The roof is an important component of any building. Regular inspection and maintenance will ensure that it remains in tip-top shape. Damages as a result of harsh weather conditions and aging are inevitable. In many cases, you will notice some signs that may require that you reroof your commercial building. Think your commercial roof might need to be repaired or replaced soon? Contact SMC Construction at 763-300-5519 to discuss your issues.
