Maintaining the roof of your commercial building is essential to ensure your business’ success. Commercial roofs are durable, and most last over 25 years. Business owners often overlook roof maintenance and repairs until a significant issue arises. Although roof replacements are costly, regular inspection and prompt maintenance can save money and help you avoid catastrophic roof issues.
Do you fear that your commercial building’s roof is damaged or nearing the end of its lifespan? Experienced commercial roofing contractors can help you decide whether you should repair or replace the roof.
Below are some of the most common signs that your roof needs to be repaired.
Increased Energy Bills
Summer and winter often mean higher energy costs for many Greenville, South Carolina, business owners. Although they usually blame the rising bills on the significant shift in temperature or the increasing costs of their energy service provider, this isn’t always the case. If you notice a sharp increase in energy costs, your building’s roof probably needs immediate repair.
It is important to remember that roofing materials degrade with age. Your commercial property’s roof is never idle. It faces severe weather year-round, from freezing temperatures in the winter to sweltering heat in the summer.
This constant exposure to the elements causes your roof to deteriorate over time. Insulation materials and features may wear out gradually, leading to high energy and utility bills. The escalation of your energy costs may also be caused by more than just regular wear and tear. It may also signify a more severe problem, such as water damage or cracks in your ceiling and roof.
Deterioration of Roof Support
Inspect any low spots or areas where rainwater collects on the roof. Water damage to your roof’s foundations may have occurred in these spots because of weather damage.
Call an experienced roofing contractor near you for a thorough inspection if you notice any dips in your roof. Joists and rafters that support the roof may have rotted or sagged, or the insulation may have been wet and compacted. Replace the damaged parts of the roof to help protect the building below.
Bubbles on the Roof Surface
When water penetrates the protective membranes that cover your roof, the materials will bubble at the point of contact. You can follow the trail of the bubbles to find out where the water has been leaking.
However, remember that water takes the path of least resistance so that it could have seeped in from somewhere else and pooled there. To prevent additional destruction, these spots require immediate repair.
Water Spots
If you see any water stain on your ceiling, your roof needs urgent attention. Water spots are the signs of a leak in your roof and are often hard to locate. An experienced commercial roofing contractor can quickly detect leaks and take the necessary steps to repair them.
Foul Smell
When you detect a moldy or mildewy odor in a commercial building, the first place most owners check for issues is in the bathroom, kitchen, or pipes. If you can’t quickly locate the source of the stench, it’s coming from somewhere above your head.
A moldy smell is usually a sign of mold growing inside the roof or ceiling. Once water manages to find its way under your roof, it will pool because there will be nowhere for it to go. When water accumulates in a closed environment, the humidity level rises, providing the perfect conditions for mold to flourish.
If you smell mold, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a commercial roofing professional in Greenville, SC. How quickly you respond could mean the difference between being able to keep your roof and having to spend more to replace it.
The Roof Is Aging
Depending on factors such as the type of material used, the size, and the environment, commercial roof lifespans range from 10 to 30 years. However, never assume that your commercial roof is in prime condition. Schedule a full inspection by a roofing professional to determine your roof’s status.
Lack of annual inspection can lead to severe damage that requires expensive repairs or, in worst cases, re-roofing. Taking preventative actions will help your roof last longer. You may achieve this by scheduling routine maintenance with a reliable commercial roofing contractor.
Gaps in Seaming
Most commercial roofs require seams to link the different waterproof materials that cover the roof decking. Standard techniques to fasten the waterproof membranes include screws and bolts, adhesives, and clips.
Roofs often need different types of seaming. Roofing contractors inspect every inch of your commercial roof during inspection to expose any failing areas. Gaps in the seaming provide an entry route for water and moisture.
Signs of Wear and Tear on Flashing
Flashings are metal strips used to protect the joints between the roof and other surfaces, such as the top of the building. They prevent water from seeping in and causing more severe damage. It’s essential to check the flashings thoroughly during an inspection because they could be damaged, loose, or missing strips. Maintaining the flashing improves your roof’s ability to protect the contents beneath it.
Sagging Roof and Ceiling
If you see sagging in your roof or ceiling, it’s probably a good idea to schedule a professional inspection to determine what has caused the problem. Potential causes of a sagging roof include excess moisture and installing new roofing materials on top of existing ones.
Drainage Problems Caused by Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
Your roofs need an effective drainage system to ensure rainwater stays outside rather than seeping inside. Your draining setup may require adjustment when an evaluation reveals they are not functioning correctly.
Water can collect on the roof and get under the waterproofing systems when the drains are clogged. During a heavy downpour, check the roof’s surface and drains to discover whether there’s a problem with clogged drainage.
Contact Your Greenville, SC, Roofing Contractor
It’s best to call a commercial roofing contractor as soon as you notice any of the problems above. Ensure your commercial roof is inspected twice annually, in the spring and the fall. Even if you don’t observe any of the warning signs, you should still have a commercial roofing contractor take a look.
Call Greenville Roofing for any commercial roofing needs in Greenville and the surrounding areas. Our experienced crew of commercial roofers is dedicated to exceeding your expectations with high-quality service tailored to your business.
Wondering how much commercial repair costs? Get in touch with us today by calling (864) 416-4166 or request a free quotation online through our website.