Commercial roofing takes a beating over time, but it’s often easy to overlook small issues until they become major problems. A commercial roof inspection can save you thousands of dollars by identifying problem areas before they cause severe damage.
Commercial building owners should be on the lookout for red flags such as stains and water leaks. In addition, high energy bills are often a sign that it’s time for a new roof.
Leaks
Leaks are one of the biggest fears of any commercial property owner because they can lead to serious water damage and put employees at risk for health issues. Learning to spot the early signs of leaking in your commercial roofing in Baton Rouge is essential so you can call a professional immediately and get started on repairs.
The most obvious sign of a commercial roof leak is the appearance of water spots on walls or ceilings. The color of the water stains will depend on the location, but they typically appear in black or brown and look like large puddles on the top. Water can also travel down the rafters and cause stains farther down, so pay attention to any darker areas.
Another common sign of a leak is the musty odor that can accompany moisture buildup. Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, which can be caused by a leaky commercial roof. A musty smell is unmistakable and should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.
Water Stains
When a commercial building owner notices water stains on the ceiling, it is often a sign that a roof leak has occurred. If left untreated, these leaks can cause structural damage and several other problems for the business inside the building.
If you notice water stains on the ceiling, it is crucial to schedule a free roof inspection right away. The longer you wait, the more damage your roof may experience and the higher your repair costs will be.
In addition to leaking, water staining can indicate excess moisture in the building’s interior. This can be caused by condensation or by a lack of ventilation. Inspect the metal flashing around these structures if you have an attic vent, chimney or skylight in your commercial roof.
Faulty flashing can allow moisture to penetrate the roof membrane and deck, which can then leak into the interior of your building. It’s also important to check your downspouts after a rainstorm. It’s common for twigs, leaves and other debris to get caught in downspouts, preventing them from carrying water away from the roof. This can lead to pooling water, bubbling and other issues.
Buckled Ceilings
Buckling in your commercial roof signifies that you must immediately call for repairs. This is caused by water damage and should be addressed before the damage spreads to other areas of your building. You should also check for sagging in the roof deck, as this could indicate a more serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
Blistering, cracking, or other surface damage is another sign that you must call for commercial roofing repair services. This is a sign of trapped moisture in the membrane or between layers of the membrane itself, which will worsen over time and can lead to leaks.
You should also check for any signs of rot in your flat roof system, such as fungi or a discolored area that is soft to the touch. This is a common problem for flat roofs, especially in regions with high humidity. The fungi can penetrate deep into the structure and lead to holes in structurally unstable roofs that are often left unaddressed until it is too late and costly commercial roof repair is needed.
Cracked Paint
A commercial roof must be inspected regularly to catch potential problems before they become major, leading to expensive repairs. One such case is cracking and peeling paint. When this occurs, it’s a sign that the roofing material is nearing or exceeding its expected lifespan and needs to be replaced.
Another important sign that it’s time to call a roofing contractor is the appearance of blisters or bubbles on the surface of your commercial roof. These bubbles indicate that air or moisture is trapped between the membrane and the roof deck, and it’s not a good idea to ignore them because they can cause leaks.
In addition, if you notice that the flashing on your roof has rusted or shifted out of place, this is another sign that it’s time to call for a repair. The flashing protects the seams where different planes of your commercial roof meet, so keeping water out of your building is important.
High Energy Bills
Commercial roofs are exposed to the elements more frequently than residential roofing, so they tend to have more issues requiring repair. Commercial building owners should have a schedule for regular inspections and maintenance. You can save energy and money by identifying signs that a roof needs repair.
Wet spots on ceilings and walls are the most obvious sign of a commercial roof needing repair. However, there are other things you should look out for. High energy bills are another red flag since a damaged roof can have difficulty retaining heat in winter and cold in summer.
Commercial building owners should also pay attention to the condition of their commercial roof’s downspouts. If they become clogged with twigs, leaves, and other debris, it will be difficult for the downspouts to carry away the water that flows off the roof. This can cause ponding on the roof’s surface, leading to water damage and mold or mildew growth.
