As the temperature drops and the days start shortening, it is a sure sign that winter is fast approaching. While winter has its own beauty, it brings challenges too for your roof. Your roof does a lot more than just covering your building – it protects everything that is inside your building, including staff, customers, machinery, and other valuable assets.
This is why fixing your commercial roof before it becomes a problem for your business is very important. To avoid any possible issues, read this article to know the 14 simple reasons that clearly indicate the need to repair your roof before the winter season.
1. Higher Energy Bills
If you have observed that your electricity bills have increased, and you have not made any particular adjustment to your habits of electricity usage, your roof could be responsible. Business owners must be aware that a leaking roof lets heat escape freely during winter and lets heat pass freely in summer. This places additional pressure on your air conditioning and heating system, thus increasing your energy bills.
A roof also serves the purpose of insulation, which keeps the heat inside when the weather is cold outside and keeps it outside when the weather is hot. If your roofing insulation is old or damaged, your go-to experts should be Lava Roofing Maui.
2. Water Leaks Inside
If you notice leaking of water from your roof during rain or any other season, then it is a sign that your roof needs to be fixed. Roofing is made to stop water and other external elements from coming inside the building.
But when they are damaged, water can cause mold, algae, rot, or other water-leaking issues to your roof. If you notice any of these issues, check your roof and pipes. If any serious damage or widespread issues are found, then try to look for a roof replacement.
3. Pooling Water on a Flat Roof
Preventing water from accumulating on your roof is important. Water must drain away or evaporate within a day or two. If it doesn’t happen, it could lead to problems or even damage to your roof.
Collected water can be the cause of serious issues such as leaks or mould growth. While a certain amount of pooling water is normal on a flat roof, it goes away or evaporates in some time after rain. To prevent these issues, regular inspections by a proactive maintenance team of the drainage system are required.
4. Roof Sagging
A commercial roof must maintain its shape, even when snow loads get heavy. Also, pooling water causes sagging as a result of added weight on certain spots of the roof. When you notice dips or sagging areas, don’t ignore them—these are red flags that the roof’s integrity has already been compromised.
If you find any sagging on your commercial roof, connect with roof repair professionals in your area. Taking it lightly may damage or even collapse your roof.
5. Blocked Gutters and Drains
Gutters and drains of your building are responsible for carrying out the excess water and dirt away from it. If they stop working properly, then water can get collected on your roof, causing issues like leaking. This is why it is important to inspect your gutters and drains after rain.
If your drains are not draining properly, the assumption is that they might have clogged up. Puddled-up debris or water on the roof might be caused by clogged drains and gutters. It is recommended to hire a professional to inspect your roof and fix it as soon as possible, so other issues do not arise.
6. Cracks, Bubbles, and Blisters
If you are inspecting the roof on your own, check for cracks, bubbles, and blisters. If you found any of these, it indicates that moisture or air has been trapped underneath your roof and indicates a failed roofing material.
Regardless of the reason for this problem, bubbles and blisters are not good for your roof, and cracks need to be fixed as early as possible to prevent water leaking and other issues. More cracks can cause more of the problem. In such a situation, call a commercial roof repair specialist to fix your roof.
7. Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the part of the roof where the metal edging around vents and chimneys meets. It prevents water from coming inside. To keep water flowing away from the roof, flashing should be in good condition.
Broken, bent, or rusted flashing will be like compromising with your roofing system’s integrity. As soon as you find a problem with your flashing, call a professional to fix this issue. Avoiding this repair will allow the roof and flashing to be damaged more, which will end up in a costly repair.
8. Roof Rot
Roof rot is a result of water collected on a roof for a long period of time. If not fixed on time, standing or pooled water can break your roof membrane, eventually failing your roof and causing damage to the roof’s structure. Sagging, water stains, dark spots, or cracks are the signs of roof rot. Immediately connect with a professional to perform an inspection.
9. Wind Damage and Blow-Offs
Strong winds can potentially damage your roofing materials. This is very rare to happen, but if you live in an area where strong winds and winter storms keep arriving, then this is an issue to be identified. Roofs that are not properly installed have a higher chance of blow-offs. In areas with risk of winter storms, it is advised to get your commercial roof inspected once before the winter season starts.
Light Coming Through Attic
If you find light beams inside the building, this indicates that the roof has holes or gaps. This could be a result of missing shingles, but it is surely a sign to get your roof repaired. And if light can come in, then water will also find its way.
Another reason for this could be the rotting of the plywood. In any of the reasons, it is best to call a roofing professional.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
If your commercial roof is made up of shingles, look for any missing, curled, or damaged shingles. A missing shingle is a cause for concern, as it can allow water to come in and cause other possible damage. So, if you find any missing shingles on your commercial roof, have a roofing inspection as early as possible. Issues with shingles generally mean that your roof has reached its end and needs to be replaced.
12. Moss or Mold on the Roof
Moss and mold are a result of standing water on the roof for a long time. Growth of moss and mold stops the water or moisture from escaping as it should. Moss in a smaller area is not a big concern, but if you notice thick patches of moss or mold, then this could be an indication of roof rot. And while removing the patches from the brush reveals visible rotting underneath, it is a sign that the roof is asking for a repair or replacement.
13. Animals in the Attic
During the winter, animals keep trying to get a warmer place where they can stay warm. Many times, they end up coming to an attic. These wild animals, such as rats, pigeons, and critters, can cause potential damage to the roof, including chewing of the wires.
It is also possible that the animal may have entered your attic from a damaged part of your roof. Call roofing professionals to get a proper idea about the damage and the animal present in the attic.
14. Your Roof is Just Getting Old
This is a very common reason to get your roof repaired: it is getting old. The life expectancy of the roof depends on the type of material used in the roof. As different materials have different lifespans:
- EPDM (Rubber): Commonly known as a rubber roof, its life expectancy ranges from 10 to 15 years. This doesn’t cost much but is less durable.
- Modified Bitumen: Its life expectancy is between 10 and 20 years. It is a multi-layered roof and is known to rapidly absorb heat.
- Build-Up Roof (Tar and Gravel): Its life expectancy is between 15 and 20 years. It is a heavy roof that can support lots of weight and withstand a higher amount of traffic.
- PVC: It lasts for a long time, is very tough for general purposes, but comes at a high cost.
- Silicone (Spray-On): These roofs last up to 20 years. This is also expensive, and converting silicon to a spray is pricy.
- Asphalt Shingles: This is the most common roof for homes, and it also lasts for about 20 Years.
- TPO (Thermoplastic): This is a roof that comes at a low price and is durable and energy-efficient.
Conclusion
Ignoring early signs of damage and avoiding easy repairs allows those minor repairs to turn into major repairs that generally require a huge investment. Fixing roof problems before snow and snowy storms arrive is better, as winter weather is hard on commercial roofs. To be on the safer side, hire a professional and get your roof inspected on time.
