So you own a big commercial building here in the Kansas City, Missouri Area. Well if you live here I can promise you that your roof is taking a beating from these harsh winters and these hot summers.
But how will you know when its time for to repair your commercial roof?
Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Repaired
Excessive moisture
Soggy wood and other roofing materials can indicate mold on a roof, which is typically a red flag. Rot and mold are most commonly found with wooden shingles and cedar shakes. Water damage is often discovered in areas that are humid or places that have large amounts of rainfall.
When Was It Last Checked?
Depending on the climate and age of the roof, a homeowner must examine the roof once or twice a year on their own unless there are circumstances such as heavy storms that may warrant an inspection. A professional roofing inspection should be performed every one to three years as necessary or when the homeowner suspects damage to the roof.
Homeowners understand that a roof will need a repair, but it is much more difficult to determine when a repair is not enough. If a homeowner suspects they may need a new roof, it is important to contact us for an inspection. In the meantime, a homeowner can get a good idea of what they may be facing by examining a few different factors.
Age of the Roof
The 3rd thing that may indicate a new roof is necessary is the age of the roof. Asphalt roofs that are older than 15 or 20 years and wooden shingle roofs that are older than about 50 years will likely need to be replaced. Slate and tile roofs can last for more than 100 years, but it may be necessary to replace some individual tiles. Homeowners should also remember that it is important to take weather and climate into consideration as the weather can play a part in aging a roof in some areas. Homeowners should also look for signs of mold, rot and excessive moisture.
A homeowner should take the condition of the shingles into account when determining whether a roof needs to be replaced. For homeowners with an asphalt roof, damage to the shingles will be the first sign that a new roof is needed; this damage includes curling, buckling or missing shingles. If a homeowner finds an excessive amount of shingle granules in the gutter, it is also a sign that the shingles are becoming too old and worn to be effective.
Have a question regarding commercial roofing or residential roofing? Please ask one of our recommended commercial roofers.
Condition of Roof Flashing
The condition of the flashing is also a sign that the roof may need to be replaced. The purpose of flashing, a piece of metal sheeting that is placed around joints and angles on the roof, is to keep water out of seams and other openings in the roofing membrane such as around the chimney. Flashing that has begun to peel or crack should be looked at by a professional as soon as possible as excess moisture can get in through these cracks. It can also be a sign that the rest of the roof is not in its best condition.
Many signs of roofing damage appear on the outside of the home, but there may also be warning signs on the interior of the home. Things such as a sagging roof deck, dark spots on the ceiling, water damage or light coming in through the roof are all signs.
When looking at the condition of a roof, if a homeowner sees signs that the roof is aging or damaged, it is important to contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible. The longer the damage is allowed to go on, the worse the issue becomes.
