Commercial roofing protects your business from outdoor elements like sun rays, precipitation, and wind. It also plays a key role in regulating building ventilation and indoor temperature. Your commercial roof helps make an important first impression for customers, clients, employees, or potential investors.
With all the daily responsibilities involved in running a business, it can feel tempting to ignore any concerns about your roof until the last minute. But because the roof is integral to the structural integrity of your building, neglecting the telltale signs of roofing issues can constitute a disaster waiting to happen. Instead of putting off roofing care, it’s smart to remain well-informed about the current state of your roof.
Roof Leaks
Any sign of leakage during precipitation, such as rain, sleet, or snow, is grounds for an inspection or evaluation. A professional can help you determine whether you can resolve the leaks with standard repairs or if there are underlying issues that can damage the rest of your commercial property. For example, an inspector can check the underside of your roof as well as identify secondary symptoms of leaks such as water stains or mold growth. If your commercial building has an attic, the roofer can also check for moisture damage within this space.
Bubbles or Blisters
Bubbles or blisters indicate that pockets of moisture or air have become trapped under the roof’s surface. For example, water or air can seep into an undetected crack in a commercial roof and then become confined between the underlayment and membrane. Too much trapped moisture or air can eventually lead to deterioration or decay. Once you notice visible blistering or bubbling on your roof, contact a professional to diagnose the source of the air or moisture pockets. If detected early enough, a roofer may be able to repair patches of blistered roofing before the damage expands into the need for a full roof replacement.
Loosened Roofing Materials
Another major sign that it’s time for repair or replacement is the loosening or lifting of roofing materials. This can occur for several reasons in commercial settings. First, many businesses have accessible roofs that employees or contractors may walk across. When exposed to heavy foot traffic, some roofing materials can weaken and become loose over time. To avoid this issue, some experts recommend designating walking areas and adding traction padding to secure the remainder of your roof and prevent damage over time.
Inclement weather, like heavy winds or hail, can also loosen roofing materials. If you notice swaths of the roof flapping around after a windstorm or hailstorm, ask a professional to evaluate the roof and provide an assessment for correcting this storm damage. The type of materials used and the quality of the initial installation can also influence whether the surface becomes loose over time. An experienced roofer can often repair patches of loose material before they lead to moisture exposure or ceiling damage. If the uplifting is greater than 25% of your roof’s surface area, however, it may make more economic sense to invest in a roof replacement.
Rising Energy Costs
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), companies can spend up to 40% of their operational expenses on energy costs. Unfortunately, the Department of Energy (DOE) also reports that inefficient office buildings can cause businesses to waste 20%-30% of the energy consumed. Well-maintained roofs are important because they help stabilize temperature and airflow within buildings. Roofs absorb or reflect sunlight and shield the interior of buildings from the harsh effects of outdoor elements.
For example, roofing insulation provides a thermal barrier for commercial buildings. During the summer, proper insulation blocks heat from the sun and helps lower the need for constant air conditioning. In the winter, insulation helps trap warmth indoors, minimizing heat loss and lowering the need for excess furnace use. Well-maintained roofs also offer great ventilation that promotes air circulation and helps prevent temperature extremes.
On the other hand, damaged roofing can leave buildings vulnerable to harsh temperatures and poor air circulation that causes HVAC systems to strain or overwork to maintain consistent indoor conditions. If you notice a sharp rise in commercial energy costs for no apparent reason, damaged roofing may be the culprit. Reach out to a professional for an evaluation or assistance.
Sagging Sections
Sagging is a sign that your roof needs immediate attention. The appearance of sagging indicates a problem with the underlying structural components of your roof. Structural damage can result from everything from excessive weight or water damage. For example, ice dams or snow piles can accumulate in weak spots on your roof during the winter. Melted ice or snow can then lead to water pooling on your roof if its draining system is blocked or inefficient. Eventually, the sections of pooling water can add significant weight to the roof and cause it to bow or sag.
Other causes of structural damage to the roof include the weakening of underlying support elements like beams or rafters. Depending on the material, these support structures can wane due to age, rotting, or insect damage. In the most extreme cases, sagging can ultimately lead to roof collapse. Contact a professional if you notice any visible curving, sagging, or uneven areas of your roof.
Gutter Problems
Gutters help direct water and moisture away from your commercial building. Any problems with gutters will eventually impact the health of your roof. Gutters clogged with debris, drooping with age, or misaligned can fail to divert water from your property. The water can pool on your roof and cause leaks or moisture damage instead. In addition, gutters clogged with roofing materials like granules can indicate that your roof’s shingles are already wearing out. Pay attention to types of accumulation within your gutters or downspouts and reach out to a professional who can conduct gutter repair and address underlying causes from the roof itself.
Moss or Algae
While they might not seem like a big deal at first, moss and algae are biological contaminants that can damage the surface of your roof. Both moss and algae can trap moisture, eventually leading to leaks. They also create streaks or patches that deteriorate roofing materials, and the unsightly appearance of moss can create a negative impression of your business. If you notice this growth, have a professional clean and inspect your roof for damage.
Roof Age
According to Architectural Digest, the average lifespan of a commercial roof can range from 20-30 years, depending on the materials used. For example, a metal roof can remain strong well after 30 years, but built-up roofing (BUR) may show signs of aging at 20 years. Other factors that can affect the life expectancy of a roof include regular roofing maintenance or the frequency of storms in the area. If your roof has reached an advanced age, contact a professional to begin planning for a possible roof replacement.
Contact Us Today
Commercial roofs are crucial components of business properties. Roofing systems that do not function properly can pose a serious threat to a company’s operations in the long run, resulting in costly damage that can impact a business’s livelihood or even the safety of the staff. Fortunately, the experts are here to help. Schmidt Roofing offers roofing repair or replacement services for businesses in Burnsville, MN, and surrounding areas.
We offer commercial roof inspections, repairs, and new installations. Our roofers work with a range of commercial materials like metal, asphalt, EPDM, and TPO. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured to complete re-roofing projects in Minnesota. In addition to roof replacement and repairs, we offer gutter cleaning, storm damage repairs, and snow or ice removal. No matter the issue, we are here to help. Contact Schmidt Roofing today for all commercial roofing needs.
