Your commercial roof should last you for many years. However, no roof is forever. Scheduling yearly inspection and maintenance will help prolong the life of your commercial roof. Rain Man Roofing assesses commercial roofs and provides solutions for repairs and replacements. Learn some of the warning signs that your commercial roof requires repair before it’s too late. 

Concerning Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Repair

Your roofing system is vital to the safety and health of its occupants. When the roof gets damaged, it can lead to expensive repairs for your property. However, there are a few obvious warning signs that will cause you to call for a repair immediately, such as:

Leaks: Water leaking into rooms inside the building will be visible to the naked and untrained eye. It can lead to structural damage and destroy the integrity of your commercial building. If left untreated, it can lead to mold and mildew growth and costly, lengthy repairs.

Stains: Sometimes mistaken for other issues, stains may form on walls or ceilings and denote water damage. They can also indicate dirt and smoke accumulation caused by dirty air filters or a faulty HVAC system. Leaving stains untreated can further compromise your roof and be extremely expensive to repair. 

Ponding: Maintenance techs will be able to spot pools of water on the roof of the building. When water sits for 48 to 72 hours, it causes water damage. This is typically an issue from poor drainage systems from clogging, poor design, damaged roof insulation, or sagging.

HVAC: Your HVAC bills will increase dramatically, indicating your roof is compromised in some way. Proper insulation plays a vital role in maintaining a constant temperature inside your building. Your HVAC unit will be forced to work harder if cracks in the walls, roof, windows, and doors are present.

If you notice any of these signs present on your commercial property, make sure to call a professional to inspect your property and let you know what those next steps are.

Less Obvious Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Repair

While there may be some apparent signs for roofing repairs, other warning signs can also indicate roof damage. These include:

Odor:  Moisture has seeped through the roof and walls leading to mold and mildew. Leaving this untreated can lead to health concerns for everyone on your property. Musty odors are both unpleasant and ugly to look at and smell.

Age: The age of your roof can determine how much annual repair it needs. Exposure to sun, heat, wind, and debris all play a part in reducing the lifespan of your roof. Leaving these untreated can lead to cracks, leaks, loose flashing, and damaged membranes resulting in the compromise of your structure.

Flashing: Flashing can easily be damaged if it is old or if the area is known for storms. It prevents leaks and seals pipes, joints, and other components that are prone to moisture. Exposure to extreme heat, heavy rain, or strong winds can bend, rust, crack, or warp the flashing. When not treated, it can lead to either a new roof or costly repairs.

Membranes: Damaged membranes allow water to pool and enter under shingles causing leaks and damage. Because of their thinness, membranes are prone to ripping due to heavy foot traffic, animals and birds, tree branches, and debris.

Scheduling routine inspections and having regular preventative maintenance measures can help you avoid costly repairs and catch roofing concerns earlier. At Rain Man Roofing, we focus on the maintenance, repair, and replacement of roofs, decks, and other commercial waterproofing systems. If you have any questions or a service request, contact us by calling 623-888-8740 or emailing us today!