Your commercial roof protects valuable interior assets and allows you to operate your business. To keep worry away, a roof should receive adequate attention year round with routine inspections and maintenance. Catching problems early on is important and will always pay off in the long run. Keep an eye out for these signs so you can respond confidently instead of scrambling for a solution. Neglecting your roofing needs could lead to serious and expensive structural issues.

Visual Signs of Roof Damage

Thankfully, the majority of signs for a roof repair will be clear to the human eye. You should make it routine that you take a visual inspection of roof at least once every season, unless there are multiple inches of snow on top. When you are executing a visual inspection, take notes of anything you might see, whether small or large.

Cracking, Blistering or Bubbling

These three signs are an indicator of trapped moisture below the surface of the roof. The sun will heat up the trapped moisture, causing it to expand and stretch the membrane. The expanding membrane may crack under these circumstances. The issue may be a recurring cycle of expanding the pockets without cracking, but will jeopardize the integrity of the roof nonetheless.

Sagging

Sagging can easily be identified by noticing a change in the surface level of the roof. Added weight to the roof or moisture accumulation over time can be factors in a sagging roof. A roof is intended to bear weight and that ability diminishes when it dips. 

Mold and Mildew

You will notice mold and mildew when discoloration, stains, or black spots begin taking form on your walls or ceiling. As you may suspect, mold and mildew is the result of water making its way through the roof to the interior of your building. This moisture buildup can compromise indoor air quality and should not be neglected. If mold or mildew is building up, a roof repair is needed immediately.

Flashing

Flashing is composed of the strips of metal along the edges of your flat roof. The purpose is to secure the roofing materials and prevent water or other debris from getting to the interior. If the flashing is bent, rusting or poorly installed, your roof could be prone to leaking.

Leaking

A leaking roof is a sure sign that you’re in need of roof repairs. However, early detection of the roof repair warning signs will assist in reducing significant water damage. Roof leaks don’t require a full re-roof, but they should be attended to in a timely fashion.

Non-Visual Signs of Roof Damage

You likely don’t spend a lot of time on your roof. The good news is you don’t have to see it to believe it. You can pick up on these non-visual cues to detect a potential roofing issue. 

Age of Roof

An aging roof is impossible to avoid. Even if you have had regular inspection and maintenance, repairs may only go so far. The average lifetime of a roof depends on the materials used, but a flat roof should generally be replaced every 15-20 years, depending on the material. The bottom line is that the older your commercial roof gets, the more repairs you’ll likely need. 

Increased Energy Bill

If you have a sudden spike in your energy bill with no logical signs to why, like weather or heavy utility usage, there may be physical issues on the roof. Keep an eye on your monthly energy bill as a potential indicator of roof repair needs. Remember, consistent inspections and maintenance will alleviate the guessing game.

Smell

If a foul odor has infiltrated your work space, you may have some hidden mold or mildew issues. Contact a professional roofing inspector to double check the integrity of your roof if the bad smell persists. 

Schedule Commercial Roof Maintenance

With these warning signs in mind, it’s important to not put roof maintenance to the side. A roof is a vital component to the structure of your building. A healthy roof ensures efficient internal use of your business operation space. Get started today by reporting a leak or contacting us with your general roof repair needs.