Whether your commercial building uses a modified bitumen or low-sloped metal roofing system, it’s important to practice routine care and maintenance to ensure it stays effective in keeping out the elements. But throughout its serviceable life, your roof can sustain different types of damage that can affect performance over time. These issues must be resolved as soon as possible so you can get the most out of it.
While some types of damage are visible, others aren’t. Even minor damage shouldn’t be ignored, but rather addressed by a professional contractor. A professional inspection is necessary to identify potential problems and make the necessary repairs. Otherwise, these can lead to further damage and costly repairs.
During a typical roof inspection, your hired contractor will check closely for any sign of damage. Some of the most common warning signs include:
This type of damage can easily occur during or right after a storm. It can also stay hidden for a few days or weeks until it starts to appear indoors. They can even be difficult to diagnose if you have a low-slope roofing system because the entry point can be far from the interior water stain. This is why they should be taken care of by a professional roofing contractor as soon as you spot them to ensure the leaks are properly eliminated.
These are also common in most commercial roofing systems and can be caused by several factors. They can be caused by air or moisture trapped beneath the membrane and other roofing layers. If you have an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber roof, look for signs of rips and tears as they indicate the seal is broken and exposed to water infiltration. They can happen almost immediately during stormy weather or slowly after several years of wear and tear. If this is found in several areas of the surface, you’ll need a professional roofer to assess the damage. This can also be prevented with routine care and maintenance.
Sometimes, after severe rainfall, you can expect standing or ponding water on your commercial roof’s surface. This isn’t usually a problem as they drain or dry out after around 48 to 72 hours. However, if they’re still present afterward, there may be a problem with the drainage system or another component within your roofing system. If left untreated, these small problems can cause more damage to the rest of the system and you may end up paying for a premature replacement.
Cracks and tears on a commercial flat roofing system are often results of bubbles and blisters that burst. Improper installation and incompatible materials can sometimes be a factor in this type of problem. But if they appear after severe weather, you can be sure they came from trapped air and moisture. Even if they don’t occur overnight, they can still happen slowly and worsen over time. Only a professional roofer can effectively resolve blisters and bubbles and prevent them from destroying your roof.
The flashing is the metal strip that runs along your roof’s perimeter. It’s a crucial part of the system as it seals and protects the areas that receive a lot of water runoff. If they look bent, rusting, or loose, they need to be repaired or replaced. They should also be checked if they’re sealed properly or else water can seep through, causing rot and mold growth within the structure.
They’re not always easy to spot, but foul and musty odors can also indicate mold and mildew buildup within your roof. They’re also hard to ignore and are often caused by water leaking through and causing rot and moisture to some of the components. If you’re not able to identify the source of the musty smell, you can also check the interior walls and ceilings for water stains
Mold can become problematic if it isn’t handled properly. Your staff may be qualified and equipped to take care of this, but it won’t always be enough. It may even become a recurring problem if the source isn’t found and dealt with properly. They can also affect your ventilation system and compromise indoor air quality. To avoid this, you’ll need to work with a commercial flat roofing contractor who specializes in eliminating mold growth and preventing future problems.
Hail and other weather elements can sometimes be powerful enough to cause damage to your commercial roofing as well as the equipment installed over it. If your commercial HVAC units are installed on top of your roof, they can be more susceptible to weather conditions.
If a hailstorm recently hit your area, be sure to check them for dents and damage. Depending on how much your equipment sustained, you can also assume that the roof may have hail damage as well. Consider hiring a professional roof repair contractor to check it and provide a detailed damage report.
Some bumps on your roof membrane won’t always be an indication of blistering. They can sometimes be loose or damaged fasteners. These don’t usually need immediate repairs, but that doesn’t mean they can be ignored completely. Scheduling a professional inspection is still recommended to take a closer look and make the necessary repairs.
Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. is recognized across Campbellville and the surrounding communities in Ontario for their top-quality roofing and disposal services. As a local roofer with around 30 years of experience in the residential and commercial roofing industry, we offer flat roofing solutions to fit your specific needs and budget. We’re also a GAF Master Elite® contractor, which means we’re licensed and trained to install the brand’s top-notch commercial roofing products, including:
We’ve got you covered whether it’s an emergency roof repair or a scheduled roof replacement! Call us today at (905) 875-2888, or fill out our online contact form to request a quote.
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