Signs of Commercial Roof Damage

Durable and strong materials are used


When a contractor builds a commercial roof, they take care and select durable and strong roofing materials to finish their job. These materials are expected to last a very long time.


However, even commercial roofs cannot withstand strong winds, and storms or remain damage-free. There will be signs letting you know when you need to get an experienced roof to come and repair the damages you have spotted.


To know what you are looking for, just continue reading our article. The content gives you these signs and more.


Common signs that are easy to spot


The signs that tell you that you have a damaged commercial roof are usually easy to spot. They are very visible for the most part and a quick visual inspection should see these signs. Here is what to look for and at:


#1. Flashing- This is the material that covers the joint between different roofing materials. It helps redirect water and keep it from entering your building through that joint.


If any part of the flashing is damaged or missing, then you know you need a roofer to come out and examine the amount of damage this sign has caused already. If you are lucky, you may catch it in time before any further damage is done.


#2. Pooling water- Usually, commercial roofs are flat with a slight slope to direct the water to the drain pipes. However, if the drains get plugged then the water will pool in different parts of your roof.


You do not want pooling water on your roof as that little pool can cause some damage to your roof. When you see this sign, check your drains and clear any ones that are plugged.


#3. Interior water damage- This is not just caused by rain. When flashing is damaged or missing or there are pools of water, those issues can allow water to flow inside your building.


When this happens you are looking at a fairly expensive repair. If you see water marks on your ceiling or walls, you know you have a leak or two somewhere on your roof.


The best fix is to hire an experienced and good roofer to find and repair those leaks. Then repair any damage that the water may have caused.


#4. Little ventilation- ventilation helps remove excess moisture but when there is not enough of it, the excess moisture can cause roofing damage and may even encourage mold or mildew growth.


Check your ventilation system and if it is not doing the job, then get qualified help to rectify the problem.


#5. The roof is getting old- this can be determined by how the roof looks. While this is not an immediate issue to deal with, when your roof is starting to show its age, you know that the potential for damage increases.


An aging roof may look like it is bubbling, cracking, or blistering, or it just may have lost its color and look outdated. When you see these signs, it is time to consider replacing the roof and protecting your building’s structure and interior.


#6. Higher than normal energy bills- a business’ energy bills can remain the same for a very long time. While there is some fluctuation in your monthly bill, if you see a sharp increase in the cost, then you may have a roofing problem.


This sharp increase is telling you that your energy is escaping somewhere through the roof. When you see your energy bill, make sure to call a roofing expert to investigate and find the source of the problem.


Sealing the leak or repairing the damage will pay for itself over the long run and lower energy bills.


#7. Holes- every now and then you should walk up to your roof and walk around. This routine inspection can help you spot any holes in the roof birds, or storms that may have caused.


Once you see those holes, you know that you need to repair the roof as quickly as possible. The next rainstorm could cause a lot of interior damage if the holes are left alone.


The best fix is to call a good roofer to come in and make the repairs. Get several quotes and pick the best one for your budget.


#8. Roof membrane tears- During your routine walk-through inspections, check the roofing membrane. The same sources for the holes in your roof can cause tears in the membrane.


Once that happens the integrity of the roof is in jeopardy and could lead to interior damage that is more expensive to fix. When you see tears, get on the phone quickly and get a top roofer out there to fix the problem.


When to replace the roof


Now that you know what signs show a damaged roof, the bigger question that needs to be answered is Do you need to replace it? Most often, you may not have to but if the roof is getting old or the damage is irreparable, then you have to make this hard decision.


To help make this decision you have to consider the cost to your business if you delay and there is interior damage done later on. Patchwork repairs only delay the decision.


Get estimates for the work first before authorizing any work. Then pick the most credible and experienced roofer to do the work. This is not a repair where you go cheap.


Some additional words


When you see any of the above signs on your roof or interior walls, give us a call. We at Motor City Roofers are based in Detroit and we know what the weather in this city can do to a commercial roof.


We also know how to fix those damaged roofs making them stronger than ever. Once you call us, we will schedule an appointment and then come out to inspect the damage.


No roofing repair is too small or too large for our company. Plus, our rates are reasonable and competitive. Call us today for the best roofing repair work.