Your flat roof is designed to take a constant beating throughout the year. From hail, snow storms to falling debris, your commercial flat roof is the first line of defense to protect your business. But even with the most meticulous upkeep, your flat roof will need to be replaced at some point. Check out some of our tips on how to determine if your roof is in need of replacement.

Perform an Inspection 

If you suspect your roof is in need of replacement, it’s important to inspect both the outside of your building as well as the inside for any vital signs of damage. Always stay safe and avoid climbing on your roof or taking extreme measures to try and view any potential damage. Here are some simple things to look out for during your inspection. 

Indoor Inspection

Go inside and take a look at your ceiling and walls. Check for moisture marks, stains or peeling paint that could be from a leak in your roof. Mold and mildew is a result from water making its way through the roof into the interior of your home or building. This moisture should not be neglected and a roof replacement is needed immediately. Further, look for a sudden spike in your energy bill that could be a sign of poor ventilation in your roof. Regular inspections of these key signs can help prevent major damage from happening if done routinely. 

Outdoor Roof Inspection

Once you have done a pass through the inside of your home or business, make sure to safely assess your flat roof from the outside. This should be done at least once every season, to provide a frame of reference for the future. Look for key signs of damage such as cracking, sagging, and leaking in the roof. Further, take note of how old the roof is because age is a major factor in assessing if the roof needs to be replaced. The average roof needs to be replaced every 15-20 years.

Typical Signs of Damage 

Once you’ve completed an internal and outdoor inspection it’s important to understand the differences of possible damage that would warrant a replacement of your flat roof. As mentioned above, key signs of damage can be anything from mold to old age. Here are three signs to look for after your inspection to determine if you need to call a roofing expert for an evaluation. 

Racking, Blistering or Bubbling 

These are signs of trapped moisture below the surface of the roof. This issue can damage the foundation of your roof and can be a major reason your roof needs to be replaced if left untreated. 

Roof Sagging 

Sagging can be identified by noticing a change in the surface level of the roof. Added weight from snow, water or debris can be reasons your roof is starting to sag. Your roof is designed to handle weight but over time the integrity of the roof may be compromised and result in replacement. 

Mold and Mildew 

Mold and Mildew can be spotted during your internal inspection of your house. Finding moisture buildup in the form of dark spots on your ceiling or walls is a key sign you may have water damage. This can be especially damaging to not only your roof but your quality of life because it manipulates indoor air quality and should be addressed immediately through replacement of your roof. 

Take Action With Duerson’s Flat Roof Maintenance Plan 

If you suspect your flat roof is in need of replacement, reach out to us at Duerson for a free roof evaluation. You will receive a detailed roof analysis, pictures of the current condition of your roof, and an evaluation of the potential life expectancy. We will provide suggestions for repair or replacement at no charge. Contact us today!