In addition to residential roofing, we also handle commercial roofing in the Madison area. Over the years we’ve been asked the following question countless times … “how do I know if my commercial roof needs replacing?” And although every situation is different, there are some tried-and-true signs that a commercial roof may be on its last leg.
Here are six of the most common signs that your commercial roofing may need replacing. If any of the following signs are present on your commercial roof, we highly advise that you have a professional contractor conduct an inspection of the roof …
- Your Roofing Material is Bubbling and Blistering
Are there air pockets or bubbles across the surface of your commercial roof? This can happen over time, and it is a direct indicator that the roof may be damaged. Air pockets and bubbles manifest when either air or moisture becomes trapped under the roof’s membrane. - Water Leaks and Signs of Water Damage
If you’re experiencing roofing leaks on the inside of the commercial space, or even worse the leak is so bad that you need a bucket to catch all the water leaking in, there is a very good chance your roof is in need of immediate repair or replacement. Don’t wait to have this inspected. If you ignore the issue the problem could lead to major water damage throughout the commercial space — including walls, floors, and of course the ceiling. Water damage issues could be a little more subtle, although still easily noticeable … peeling paint and water stains are two sure signs there may be a leak — even if you’re not noticing any actual dripping. - Musty Odors
If you smell unusual odors in certain parts of your building, there’s a chance your building has excessive mold, which of course is a health hazard. Signs of this, beyond the musty odor, include team members complaining of headaches, sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, sore throat, lung irritation, and/or wheezing. Also, another sign is that mold grows quickly, starting as a small spot before expanding into other areas of your building. You may see it as spotted, black, or white. - Your Commercial Roof has Sagging Spots
A roof should not remain wet for days after a rainstorm. If it does, the roof is either old or poorly designed, causing it to sag. Sagging can often indicate a leak — and that can compromise your roof’s sheathing and rafters. There are times the compromised area can be replaced leaving the rest of the roof intact. However, if the sagging is widespread, you’ll most likely need a new commercial roof. Once again, getting an inspection from a trusted commercial roofing contractor ASAP is the best decision you can make. - Loose Shingles or Roofing Materials
High winds, heavy rains, and snow can cause roofing materials to become loose or dislodged over time. Waiting to deal with the issue can lead to additional damage to commercial roofing, so catching it as early as possible is key to needing a roof repair vs. a roof replacement. - Clogged Gutters & Rain Drains
Most people don’t like getting on a ladder to keep their gutters clean, so it’s often a mystery how clogged they may actually be. The good news is that it’s easy to do a gutter check without stepping foot on a ladder. Simply check to see if the water is flowing freely out of your downspouts the next time it’s raining. Or just have the gutters inspected by a professional. You can also have gutter guards installed, too, to help keep gutters clear and working well. That said, clogged drains can cause damage to your roof over time.
A Final Note on Having Your Commercial Roof Inspected
You should never have to pay for an inspection of your commercial or residential roof, so be aware that if a contractor wants you to pay for an inspection, you may want to look elsewhere. That said, we offer free inspections at Legacy Exteriors, so you don’t have to worry about paying for us to stop by and examine the commercial property. If there IS damage, we take pictures of everything we find, and bring it to your attention.
Get in Touch …
Feel free to contact us anytime to discuss what’s going on with your commercial roof. We’re happy to stop by and take a look!
