When you own a commercial establishment, you will want it to be as profitable as possible, so you should want to invest in keeping it attractive. Commercial properties require specialized knowledge and regular upkeep to continue to be profitable in the long run. You must prioritize the maintenance of the critical parts of your property, like the roof, in order to preserve its value.
Roofs come in all shapes and sizes, and some may require regular maintenance to extend their lifespan, while others are more resilient and won’t need as much attention. When the time comes that you need your roof to be repaired, it can be challenging to pinpoint which parts need fixing and which don’t. Just like regular home maintenance, below are some situations when you need to consider getting a commercial roof repair service:
1. When your roof is old and outdated
When a roof is over 10 years old, it’s possible that it is nearing the end of its lifespan and is unlikely to last much longer, and you may need to plan for repair or a commercial roofing replacement soon. Typical indications of an aging roof are when it has leakage, some discoloration, and visible signs of structural issues.
After prolonged exposure to damaging elements such as ultraviolet rays, rain, snow, and heat, the roof will start to break down and become brittle. Waiting too long for maintenance can lead to more damage that would require emergency repairs—or worse, a replacement that can cause extensive interruption to your business.
2. When your roof has visible signs of damage
Visible damage can include but is not limited to missing shingles, curled shingles, holes in the ceiling, broken or cracked trusses, and even dark stains from water or algae. Your roof protects you and your business from catastrophes like heavy rains, hurricanes, extreme heat, or cold during the winter. It is supposed to withstand such calamities, but once damage starts, it could put you and your business in even more danger.
3. When there is discoloration and curling on your roof
Shingles are supposed to last around 20 years. When they start to wear out, they will appear faded or discolored. Restoration and maintenance are necessary if you see discoloration in more than 50% of your roof shingles.
You may also see other signs of wear and tear, such as curling. Curling shingles are brittle and likely to break off and be blown away during high winds. It is important to do roof restoration as soon as possible to avoid safety hazards to you and your business.
4. When your roof is showing signs of rot or mold
Rot and molds are common problems that can be easily addressed in most cases. However, it can also quickly spread and become very serious. Once the damage starts, water can leak through the roof and into your building. It can also cause damage to trusses that can lead to structural issues. So if you notice any signs of rot and mold, you should get restoration services immediately.
5. When there are structural issues on your roof, consider getting a commercial roof repair
Rot and mold can cause structural issues in wooden trusses. If the rot goes deep enough, it can break through the shingles and create holes in the ceiling. In case of metal trusses, water damage can cause them to rust and break under the roof’s weight. They can also create an uneven surface on your ceiling and cause it to sag.
Trusses connect shingles and hold the ceiling up, providing structural support. Regular maintenance and repairs are highly recommended to prevent them from collapsing or any other unexpected incidents. Also, be prepared to have them replaced once they deteriorate.
6. When your roof is starting to cause water damage
Water damage can be very costly to manage. It can destroy the integrity of your building, cause foul odors, and lead to mold growth, so you should want to try and prevent water damage as much as possible. Luckily, you can prevent most water damage by regular roof cleaning, but you have to be knowledgeable enough to know the most efficient and less intrusive way of cleaning, or else you may inadvertently cause further damage. Our recommended course of action that you should take is to call for a roof repair as soon as you notice the first sign of leakage.
Conclusion
Depending on the commercial roofing materials used, the roof of a commercial building can last around 15 to 20 years. Periodic restoration and maintenance is a must to keep the roof’s integrity close to its lifespan. Restoration is a lot more cost-effective than replacement, which can be extensive and complex, and interrupt your business operations.
Regular commercial roof repair and maintenance services are necessary to extend the life of your roof and keep your business and employees safe. If you notice any signs of damage that compromise the roof of your commercial property, get it repaired immediately. If you ignore the problem, it will only grow worse and cost more to fix.
