Commercial Roof Damage – When to Call a Professional Roofer

Avoid business closure and revenue loss from a damaged and leaking commercial roof. Recognizing commercial roof damage and when to call a professional roofer keeps your business safe and protected from the elements.

New Image Roofing Atlanta gathered information about commercial roofing system damage requiring roof repair or replacement by a commercial roofer and how a maintenance program protects your home.

Identifying Damage on Low-Slope Membrane Roofs

Low-slope membrane roofs are typical for commercial buildings due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. However, these roofs have specific weaknesses, especially in handling water drainage and UV exposure.

Ponding Water – When water accumulates on low-slope roofs, it poses a severe threat. Ponding water weakens the roofing material, increases the leak risks, and creates an ideal environment for mold and algae growth. Water that does not drain within 48 hours requires immediate attention. Call a professional roofer to install corrective drainage or adjust the slope to allow proper water flow.

Blistering and Bubbling – Blistering occurs when air or moisture becomes trapped beneath the membrane. This can result from poor installation, severe weather, or general aging. Blisters weaken the roof’s surface, increasing the risk of leaks and structural issues. Address blistering and bubbling promptly, as even small blisters can burst and lead to water infiltration.

Cracks or Tears in the Membrane – The membrane material on low-slope roofs faces regular strain from temperature changes, expansion, and contraction. Cracks or tears in the membrane compromise the roof’s integrity, increasing the risk of leaks and water damage. These issues often occur in high-traffic areas or near HVAC units. Don’t ignore cracks—early repairs prevent costly water damage.

Metal Roof Damage

Metal roofs are known for their durability and energy efficiency, making them a popular roof for commercial properties. However, even metal roofs can suffer damage over time.

Rust and Corrosion – Metal roofs are susceptible to rust, especially if the coating wears off or the roof experiences prolonged exposure to moisture. Rust weakens the metal, creating holes that allow water infiltration. Regular inspections help catch rust early, but visible corrosion means immediate repairs are necessary to prevent further damage.

Loose or Missing Fasteners – Strong winds, expansion, and contraction can loosen or dislodge fasteners, creating gaps in the roofing material. Loose fasteners allow water to penetrate the roof, leading to leaks and moisture damage. Call a roofer to inspect and replace missing fasteners as soon as you notice this issue.

Panel Lifting and Warping – Temperature fluctuations cause metal panels to expand and contract, leading to panel lifting or warping. These deformations increase the risk of leaks, as water can seep between the lifted panels. A professional roofer can assess the damage and secure or replace panels.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Warning Signs

Built-up roofing (BUR) is bitumen, tar, or asphalt layers topped with gravel or mineral surfaces. A built-up roof requires regular maintenance to prevent deterioration.

Alligatoring – This condition refers to cracks and splits in the roof’s surface, like an alligator’s skin. This issue often results from prolonged UV exposure and aging. Alligatoring compromises the roof’s ability to repel water, leading to leaks and water damage. If you see alligatoring, act quickly as delayed repairs can worsen the damage.

Gravel Erosion – BUR roofs rely on gravel to protect the underlying layers from UV radiation. Over time, weather conditions and debris can cause gravel displacement, exposing the bitumen or asphalt layers. Without gravel, these layers become vulnerable to UV damage and degradation. Replacing displaced gravel maintains the roof’s protection.

Blistering – BUR roofs can develop blisters due to trapped air or moisture within the layers. Blistering weakens the roofing surface and can lead to leaks. Contact a roofer immediately if you see blisters on a BUR roof, as they often signal compromised layers that allow water to infiltrate the structure.

Roof Maintenance Contract for Commercial Properties

A roof maintenance contract offers essential care for commercial roofs, ensuring routine inspections and upkeep. Professional roofers can spot emerging issues like loose panels, small cracks, or blistering before they escalate, ultimately saving property owners from costly repairs. Maintenance contracts not only protect the roof itself but also preserve the structural integrity and assets inside the building.

Through a maintenance contract, commercial building owners receive regular inspections and prioritized service, keeping the roof in optimal condition and preventing disruptions to daily operations. Routine inspections, including post-storm evaluations, detect wear or damage immediately. A roofer’s trained eye identifies subtle issues that might go unnoticed during casual observations, like slight panel shifts or minor membrane damage.

Annual Inspections – Annual inspections are a vital component of commercial roof care. During these evaluations, professional roofers assess the roof’s condition, checking for damage, wear, and potential vulnerabilities.

Early Leak Detection – Leaks are the most common problem for commercial roofs. They lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural concerns if left unaddressed. An inspection catches signs of leaks before they affect the building’s interior, reducing repair costs.

Identifying Structural Issues – Harsh weather, wind, and heavy rain can impact a roof’s structural integrity, leading to gradual weakening over time. Inspections reveal areas with minor weaknesses that might worsen under extreme weather conditions, such as fasteners coming loose on a metal roof or small cracks on a BUR surface.

Improving Longevity – Regular maintenance extends a roof’s lifespan. Commercial roofs can serve a building for decades (with proper maintenance), eliminating the need for premature replacements. Quality care, including regular inspections and timely repairs, keeps the roof performing at its best.

When to Call a Professional Roofer

Knowing when to call a professional roofer can be the difference between a minor repair and a significant overhaul. Commercial roofs face exposure to harsh elements, making regular inspections and maintenance essential. Address issues like ponding water, rust, gravel displacement, or blistering quickly to prevent them from escalating.

Commercial roof repairs require specialized skills and equipment, so relying on a professional ensures the job is done correctly and safely. Professional roofers bring expertise to every inspection, repair, and maintenance task, allowing building owners to focus on their business operations.

Commercial Roof and Investment Protection

In this article, you discovered how to identify commercial roof damage, when to call a professional roofer, and how a maintenance program can prevent leaks and costly repairs.

Recognizing early damage signs, knowing when to call a professional roofer, and having a roof maintenance contract help business owners save money and protect company assets.

Failure to recognize roof damage can lead to severe leaks, extensive property damage, business closure, revenue loss, and costly repairs.

Sources:
gsa.gov/real-estate/historic-preservation/historic-preservation-policy-tools/preservation-tools-resources/technical-procedures/types-of-flat-roofing-and-factors-affecting-its-deterioration
ibhs.org/wp-content/uploads/Commercial-Roofs-Best-Practices.pdf
campuspress.yale.edu/ledger/how-to-stay-on-top-of-your-commercial-building-maintenance/