A commercial roof can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years, depending on the material you use, how it is installed, and more. However, it can be difficult for property owners to know when they need to get their commercial roof replacement.
If you wait too long, your roof can become more damaged and may even lead to structural issues.
Do you think you need a new commercial roof? Keep reading this article to learn the top seven signs that you need a commercial roof replacement.
1. Interior Damage
One of the easiest signs to spot that you need a new commercial roof is that you have interior damage. While you may not be able to go onto the roof of your commercial property that often, you will be able to see if you have mold growth in your building, sagging stains, or even water spots on the walls.
Most often, commercial property owners notice brown watermarks on their ceiling, which is a sign that the roof is leaking and needs attention.
2. Large Gaps in the Seams
Another common sign that you need a commercial roof replacement is if there is visible damage to the surface of your roof. Over time, roofing membrane can develop large holes, gaps in the seams, and other issues.
If you catch these issues early on, you can likely get away with a simple repair. Most roofing companies can either patch or re-weld these areas and prevent further damage.
However, if this is a problem across your entire roof, you will likely need to replace your entire roof.
3. You Notice a Foul Smell
Something else that is a sign that you need a new commercial roof is if you notice a foul smell in your building. If you find that your commercial building smells musty and damp, you may have a problem with mold.
This can be due to many roofing problems, including roof leaks, ponding, and trapped moisture.
Not only can this lead to mold and mildew growth, but your roof may also have algae or moss growing on it. Each of these issues can cause potential respiratory issues and other health risks. If you have noticed a bad smell, you can ask a commercial roofing contractor to inspect your roof for you.
They will tell you if the foul smell is coming from your roof and whether or not you need to replace it.
4. Ponding
Over time, you may notice that your commercial roof begins to sag. This is often due to harsh weather and storms leaving significant amounts of water on your roof. While this often evaporates within a day or two, sometimes it causes your roof to sag, making it hard to drain the water.
This issue is known as ponding. While it can be fixed, leaving the problem for too long can cause your roof to crack, rot, and more.
Not only can this cause problems like mold and algae, but it can also be dangerous for the stability of your flat roof. If you have noticed issues with drainage on your commercial roof, you may need to get it replaced.
5. Blisters and Bubbling
Something else that shows you need a new commercial roof is if you notice damage to the surface of your roof. Often, membrane roofs will get moisture and air trapped beneath the surface over time.
This trapped air and moisture cause bubbles and blisters to form, which may make the layer of the membrane thin.
While this problem can often be repaired, you will need to get your roof replaced if there are bubbles and blisters all over your roof.
6. Increasing Energy Bills
Many commercial property owners do not realize how important their roof is to the energy efficiency of their building. A common sign that you need your roof replaced is if you are experiencing skyrocketing energy bills.
While there may be other causes, it is often due to your roof. If you have cracks or leaks in your roof, it allows air to enter your building and will make it harder for your HVAC system to heat or cool your building.
This means it will cost you much more to regulate the temperature of your commercial space. By repairing or replacing your roof, you can potentially lower these energy bills. Plus, many new roofing systems are energy-efficient, which will make an even bigger impact.
7. Your Roof Is Old
Finally, if your roof is old and has met its average lifespan, it is a sign that you should start installing new roofs on your commercial properties. Often, people cannot even remember when their original roof was installed, so
If you have any other worries about your commercial roof or want professional advice about whether or not you need to replace your commercial roof, you can ask a local commercial roofing contractor.
They can give you a free inspection and can even help with replacing old roofs or repairing roof damage.
Need a New Commercial Roof?
Getting a new commercial roof is an important investment for your commercial property. So, you must learn how to recognize the early signs that you need to replace your old roof.
This way, you can prevent roof damage and will know when it is time for commercial roof maintenance, repair, or replacement.
Now that you have learned more about the signs you need a new commercial roof, you can learn more about other important services for your business. Check out our other articles for the different types of businesses and services that can benefit you!
