Inspecting a roof and fixing the issues isn’t an ideal DIY project. Signs of roof damage aren’t always evident to the untrained eye. Hire professionals to perform annual roof inspections to make sure damage doesn’t fly under the radar.
What Are Trouble Spots on Commercial Roofs?
Commercial roofs, especially flat roofing structures, need ongoing maintenance. Otherwise, trouble spots and signs of roof damage may go unnoticed for too long, resulting in expensive repairs. Roofing contractors have seen issues of all kinds, but a few specific areas are more prone to problems than others. These vulnerable areas require close attention and immediate action if they’re in poor condition.
Trouble spots on commercial roofs include:
Flashing
Flashing points are the places where the roof surface meets a wall. This flat, thin material keeps water from entering through the roof. Flashing points are some of the first spots contactors check during roof inspection services. Although flashing points only account for a small percentage of the roof’s surface, you can get leaks due to damaged flashing points. High winds, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall can ruin flashing points, which is why those areas must be checked often.
Roof Penetrations
Piping, skylights, and rooftop HVAC equipment are a few examples of penetration points on commercial buildings. During installation or repairs, it’s vital to make sure that these areas are sealed tightly shut since they enter the building through the roof. If not, these openings are susceptible to water infiltration. Once water gets under the roof’s membrane, it leads to ongoing issues in the future.
Foot Traffic
Commercial buildings are flat, which allows for safe and stable accessibility, minimizing the possibility of slip and fall incidents. However, foot traffic can wear down the surface over time and leave deep scratches and cracks in the surface. If contactors are carrying sharp tools and aren’t careful to lift them up, they drag across the roof, cutting through the top layer.
Interior Signs of Roof Damage
If you’re not sure how to spot roof damage, don’t worry. Although some issues are apparent, others may not be, which can still cause big problems, even if they’re small and unnoticeable. Some signs of roof damage are inside the building or under the surface. A couple of the most common interior signs of roof damage are:
Water Stains
If the walls and ceilings have water stains, moisture has saturated the material and invaded the structure. This could be due to unaddressed storm damage or neglected routine roof repairs. Either way, if there are water stains, it’s a sign your roof needs immediate attention. Call a professional roofing company right away to implement a plan to fix your commercial roof.
Roof Leaks
Water dripping from the ceiling into the building needs more than a bucket underneath. A slip and fall incident from a leaking roof is the least of your worries in this case. Accumulating moisture leads to mold growth when there’s moisture in dark, damp, hidden areas. Therefore, in addition to water filling up a bucket, you may also notice an unpleasant smell. Mold doesn’t just smell bad, some of it is also toxic to inhale and can lead to mild to severe symptoms.
Exterior Signs of Roof Damage
Licensed contractors should be the only ones climbing your roof. Even if you have a flat commercial roofing system, it’s safer for trained professionals to get a closer look. Some companies offer free roof inspections, so you have nothing to worry about. It’s better to know your roof’s condition than to assume there aren’t any issues.
Some exterior signs of roof damage include:
Standing Water
Puddles of rainwater on top of your roof are problematic for a couple of reasons. If the water seeps through the surface from damaged or open areas, it can lead to wood rot. Wood rot is when the wooden underlayment is soaked in water and begins to deteriorate and form a hole in the roof. If roofing contractors access your roof and notice standing water, they’ll recommend a plan of action to fix the problem right away before it gets worse.
Blistering or Bubbling Material
Pockets of air or moisture trapped between the membrane and the roof deck cause blistering and bubbling. If you have a monolithic roofing membrane and inspectors notice blisters and bubbles, they’ll confirm this red flag with you. Schedule repairs as soon as possible to address the issue and as soon as possible.
Routine Roof Inspections Prevent Major Issues
When was the last time trained professionals checked your roof? If you can’t remember, it’s likely overdue for an inspection. Business owners are obligated to keep their property in pristine condition for the safety and wellbeing of their staff and visitors. Making sure your building is in great shape reflects on your professionalism.
It costs more money to handle expensive repairs or, worse, a mandatory roof replacement when the problems are out of control. Do yourself a favor and take proactive measures to protect your investment and sign up for annual roof maintenance.
New Image Nips Roofing Problems In the Bud
Signs of roof damage should never be ignored. The sooner you get help, the better. New Image Roofing Atlanta is your dedicated contractor who can handle any of your roofing worries. Within 24 hours of your inspection, you receive a free estimate of your roofing project, and we get started on your building.
We understand your time is valuable, so we promptly give you the answers you need. Don’t wait any longer. Call New Image today to discuss all we can do for you.
