It may be time for an inspection if you notice any signs of leaking or damage in your commercial roof. Full roof replacement is expensive but you may not need this. Unless your roof is severely damaged, you should be able to fix it. In general, commercial roofing can last for up to 30 years, especially when proper maintenance has been done over the years. Take the time to assess your options and get a roof inspection before buying a new one.
How to Tell if Your Building Needs a Roof Inspection
Do You Need a Roof Replacement?
A well-maintained roof can last for decades and if there is any small damage, it can usually be fixed for less than $500. The reasons below are cause for repair and do not require a roof replacement.
- Missing or loose shingles
- Flashing around vents chimneys
- Sagging gutters
- Hail damage
- Downspouts
- Damaged roof vents
- Hail spatter
If you notice any of these signs, then the next step is to get a roof inspection. You can get free inspections and consultations from most reputable and qualified roofing contractors. After assessing the roof and identifying any damage, they will tell you how much the repair will cost.
Signs of Roof Damage to Watch For
Roofs are prone to wear and tear as a result of extreme temperatures, hail storms, and old age. When you wait to address issues caused by weather or age, you risk more serious damage and more expensive repairs. The common signs to look for include:
- Damaged Shingles: Look to see if these are cracked, curled, or missing and check for dark spots and signs of dirt.
- Old Age: If you’ve had the same roof for over 20 years, it’s time for an inspection. Older roofing is more likely to get damaged. Older roofs also may not be safe as shingles could break away and injure people passing by.
- Water Stains: If you notice water stains on any interior walls, your roof might be the culprit. Check both the ceiling walls for moisture. Most leaks start small and get worse over time and the sooner you get your roof fixed, the better.
- Algae Growth: The roof is the perfect place for algae growth. If you see algae on the roof, don’t try to clean it yourself as it may be dangerous. Call for an inspection right away.
- Flashing: Check the vents, chimneys, skylights for cracks breaks where flashing is in place. Flashing is designed to seal the roof seams from rain and bad weather. If there are any signs of damage to your tar or cement flashing, get a metal flashing system installed instead.
- Granules in the Gutter: Granules in the gutters are not an issue if you just got a new roof. However, if your roof is over 15 years old, this could be a problem as these granules can deteriorate which leaves your roof susceptible to damage.
- A Sagging Roof: If your roof is sagging, there could be a structural problem. Even though you’re not in danger, the damage can get worse with time. A sagging roof can have a variety of causes, such as framing or structural issues as well as rotten sheathing. If the roof carries too much weight, it is more susceptible to wear and damage.
You should also pay attention to:
- Gutter waterfalls
- Storm damage
- Soft spots on the roof interior
- Loose material around the pipes
- Bald spots
- Dark streaks stains
- Moss in the corners of your roof
- Ice dams
- Small dimples in the roof surface
- Sunlight showing through the roof
- Blistering exterior paint
What to Expect With a Roof Inspection?
You have decided to get a roof inspection and this will save you money in the long run. This preventive measure is often overlooked by many building owners. Hire a professional roofing contractor to check the roof exterior and interior of the building. They will look for signs of moss lichen, missing shingles, rust spots on flashing, as well as any other signs of damage. Inspections can also help detect chimney cracks, improperly seated nails, damaged downspouts. The roofing contractor will also measure attic ventilation and perform thermographic readings to determine the most appropriate maintenance and repairs for your roof. Most contractors provide a free estimate and will also offer advice on how to take care of your roof.
Conclusion
Perform an annual inspection to keep your commercial roof in the best condition. Schedule one after every storm to make sure no damage has occurred. Keep an eye on the condition of your roof throughout the year. Any signs of damage should prompt an inspection so that if there are any repairs needed, the costs will be lower. Preventative care is the best option for maintaining the integrity of your roof. Call us today for an inspection.
