A commercial roof needs a great deal of maintenance. But some parts of a property are easily forgotten about throughout the seasons. For instance, when did you last get your commercial roof inspected? While it doesn’t need frequent replacement or repairs, it is recommended to get it inspected from time to time. Neglecting it for a long time can result in damage and water intrusion. Here are the four common signs that a commercial roof needs to be replaced.
1. Leaks and signs of interior water damage
It’s more than just annoyance if you have to place a bucket underneath a roof leak. It looks bad and failure to address the issue in time could result in severe roof leaks and water damage that can be spotted on the walls, ceiling, and sometimes floors.
The moment you see signs of interior water damage get an expert to inspect your roof right away. Roof leaks and water damage inside your building’s ceiling or attic area are an indicator that your roof is failing. A professional roof inspection is necessary to determine the extent of damage and whether or not the roof must be replaced.
2. Damaged roof membrane
One of the easiest ways to determine if there is significant and irreparable roof damage is to check the roof membrane. Storms and strong wind damage will eventually result in severe uplifting on a commercial roof membrane. Assessing the severity of this uplifting can help establish whether the roof can be repaired or must be replaced. For instance, if the uplifting is 25 percent or more or you have noticed large bald areas on the membrane, it’s time to get the roof replaced.
3. Significant wear and tear on your roof’s deck
The roof deck is another part of your commercial roofing that you need to check. Moisture damage is often the major cause of damage to a roof deck. Though the signs are not obvious initially, a considerable level of wear and tear on your commercial roof deck means it’s time to get it repaired or replaced along with the roof membrane.
4. Bubbles and blistering
A roof shouldn’t have bubbles or air pockets in it. However, a damaged one can form blisters and bubbles in the roofing membrane over time due to the accumulation of air or moisture that gets trapped underneath.
Typically, roof bubbles or blisters are often found on the membrane. Thus, the membrane must be removed, cleaned, and the bubbles must be repaired. Though localized repairs may help, commercial roof replacement is the most cost-effective option.
Note that a recurring bubble is a sign that your commercial roof membrane is damaged. Since water might be invading different sections of the roof, the bubbling spot may be just the tip of a roof damage iceberg. This is the primary reason roof replacement is an effective solution.
If you have noticed one or more of the roof damage signs discussed here, it’s time to get in touch with a professional to get your roof inspected, repaired or replaced.
