Roofs are a crucial part of every building. They provide insulation, protection from the elements, and so much more. While your average roof is sturdy, it’s not invincible, and chances are, it’ll sustain damage at some point during its long life. To keep small problems from turning major, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for potential problems with your roof and have them fixed ASAP when they do occur.

To help you stay on top of potential problems, we’ll go over eight signs your commercial roof needs to be restored. If you notice one or more of these signs, pair with a professional restorer right away to find a fix.

1. Skyrocketing Energy Costs

Are your monthly energy expenses unusually high? The culprit could be your roof.

Your roof is supposed to act as an insulating feature that traps heated or cooled air inside your building. But if there are cracks, holes, or other damage to your roof, this air can escape.

To compensate for this lost air, your A/C has to work harder, driving up your bills. If you’re losing money from your energy bills, there’s a good chance we can hop on your roof and diagnose the issue. (Note: Our roof coatings can have up to 70% reflectivity against the sun so you will see immediate benefits to having a white coating)

2. It’s Up There in Age

Depending on your roof’s material, size, and the climate, it will last anywhere between 10 to 30 years. If you know that your roof is hovering around the 15-20 year mark it would be prudent to at least get a free inspection.

An older roof is more prone to damage and other system failures. You should have it inspected regularly to catch trouble spots before they spread and can inevitably disqualify for roof coatings (and therefore require an entire roof replacement which is $$$$).

3.Unusual Smells

Does your building smell like mold or mildew? Your first assumption might be that there’s something related to plumbing issues.

But what if we told you the source of that dank odor could be your roof? When water enters your roof, it becomes trapped in a narrow, dark, and warm space, conditions that are conducive to mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew can affect the structural integrity of your building and cause health problems for visitors and employees.

So if you smell something unusual and persistent, you’ll want to get a roof inspector at the least (and possibly mold remediation, too).

4. Pools and Puddles of Water

It’s not unusual for water to pool on your roof after a heavy storm, but if these pools persist for several days it could mean there’s no proper draining so they sit on your roof until damage is done.

Pooling water puts extra stress on your roof and can cause problems, like bubbling, leaking, and sagging. In rare circumstances, pooled water can even lead to total roof collapse.

In a similar vein, if you notice water spots cropping up inside your building, that’s a sign your roof is leaking due to ponding or physical damage. Moisture problems can destroy the structure of your building and can also encourage mold growth, creating an unsafe and unhealthy environment for everyone inside. 

5. Bubbles and Blisters

If you notice bubbles and blisters on your commercial roof, that usually indicates that moisture is trapped beneath the roofing materials. When the water evaporates, it creates pockets of air that give your roof a pocked texture. While their name makes them sound innocuous, bubbles can cause severe damage by making it easier for moisture to penetrate your roof.

Poor installation is the most common cause of bubbles and blisters, but fortunately, you don’t need to install a whole new roof to fix them. When caught early, a professional restorer can cut away the damaged area and apply new membrane material in its place. Once restored, your roof should look and function as good as new.

6. Worn and Torn Flashing

Flashing is a thin material placed near walls or dormers to prevent moisture buildup. If your roof’s flashing is damaged in any way, water and debris can sneak through gaps in the flashing and cause your roof to slowly deteriorate.

Get damaged flashing repaired as soon as possible so you can prevent water, debris, and pests from entering your building and wreaking havoc.

7. Visible Damage

If your roof is visibly damaged in any way, it may be time to call a commercial roofing company. Common forms of roof damage that need to be addressed include punctures, cracks, dents, loose or broken material, discolored material, and shifting.

While small scratches and dents may not seem like huge deals, they are the gateway point to more damage as they pose a vulnerability in your roofing system. It’s best to address minor problems early before they balloon into something bigger and costlier to fix.

8. Clogged Drains

If you notice a lack of water dripping from your downspouts after a period of rain, they may be clogged. Twigs, leaves, and other debris can lodge inside your spouts and clog them, which prevents water from flowing though; and when water can’t flow freely, it pools on your roofing surface. 

Summary

While there are several signs indicating issues with your commercial roof, many of them can be resolved by quickly calling a commercial roofing company to inspect and provide a game plan for repair.

Armour Roof Co. has tons of experience in commercial roof restoration with a commitment to open, honest communication.

Call (402) 289-7869 to get started today!