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Warning Signs You Need a New Commercial Roof

Roofing systems play a critical role in the health and wellness of your commercial roof. They protect against water damage and improve insulation. Correctly installed, your commercial roof should last between 15 to 20 years. But there are times, unfortunately, due to poor installation or Mother Nature; premature problems can arise in your roof system. There are a few tell-tale signs that will alert you a roof replacement may be needed.

1. MOISTURE INSIDE THE BUILDING

It’s not everyday owners of a commercial building that will climb on top of the roof to inspect for damage. One of the fastest ways to tell if your roof needs replacing is signs of water in the interior of the building. These signs could appear in the form of water stains or moisture on the ceiling or walls. It’s possible even to smell a faint odor of mildew inside the building that seems to emit from the ceiling.  The first sign of water inside the building requires an immediate roof inspection from your roofing professional. Water can cause structural damage, and you’ll want to stop it before it starts.

2. DAMAGE TO THE FLASHINGS

Flashings appear around the edges of the roof, the chimney, pipes, rakes, and stacks. Their purpose is to act as a barrier between the materials and whatever protrusion is on the roof. These areas are continuously exposed to the elements and can become vulnerable. Any cracks or holes will create leaks and damage to your roofing system. Inspect these areas regularly and after every bout of severe weather. If bubbling, warping, cracking, or peeling occurs it might be time for a new roof.

3. GAPS IN THE SEAMS

Checking your roof’s seams is challenging. The seams are one of the most vulnerable parts of the roof installation. Seaming usually relies on a chemical bond(adhesive) or a heated bond (called heat welding). Seams tie the roof membrane together to create a quasi-monolithic waterproof barrier over the entire roof area. Water penetrating into the building or other visible signs of damage could mean there are cracks or deterioration in the seams. If you notice seam breakdown or aren’t sure if it’s severe enough, you’ll want to bring in the experts.

4. WARPING ON THE ROOF

The moment you climb onto your roof and see any sign of warping, bubbling, or some form of distortion, you’ll need to talk to a professional about the condition of your commercial roofing system. Excess moisture causes this type of warping, blistering, or bubbling. The water seeps into the materials and then evaporates. The result is a build-up of gas that warps or distorts the roof system. These distortions can quickly escalate roof problems. In many cases, the materials that have been affected will need to be removed and new panels installed.

5. POOR INSULATION

Insulation in your commercial roofing building maintains the temperatures throughout the year. It helps the heat stay inside the building and makes it possible to run the HVAC without it overloading. Your roof system plays a critical role in the insulation capability of your building. An unexplained increase in your energy bill should warrant a call from your roofing contractor. While windows, doors, wall cracks, as well as poor or wet roof insulation can contribute to an increase in your energy bill.

6. DIPS AND SAGGING IN THE ROOF

A roof is built and installed to bear its own weight. Should there be sagging, dipping, or abrupt change in the appearance of your roof, don’t ignore it. There are a couple of reasons why you might notice sagging. Collected moisture could be trapped inside the building materials or between the layers causing pockets of heavy water-soaked insulation. This is detrimental to both the roof’s waterproof performance and could lead to structural damage. Ideally, roofs would last a lifetime, but they do have their limitations. If there are issues with sagging, call a roofing contractor for a thorough inspection.

If you have questions or concerns about your commercial roof, call the professionals at JBK Roofing. For over 20 years, we’ve been helping individuals manage their properties through adequately executed roofing systems. 

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