Unlike a residential roof, it may be harder for you to spot signs of damage for your commercial roof, especially if your building doesn’t have direct roof access. However, in order to keep your office building safe and dry, you’ll want to know when a commercial roof replacement is needed. Today, we’ll help take out the guesswork and provide five signs of roof damage you should look for in your commercial building!
5 Ways to Determine if You Need a Commercial Roof Replacement
You don’t want any interruption to your business operations, but if you ignore signs of needing a business roof replacement, you could end up having to halt operations. A commercial roof replacement keeps your business safe and operating. To get ahead of the curve, pay attention to these five indicators that your roof may need a replacement in the near future or a professional inspection.
1. Roof Leaks
The most obvious sign you need a new roof is roof leaks. If water is getting into your building, then you should call a reputable commercial roofer immediately. This can be a hazard to your office, employees, and customers, so you’ll want to get it addressed quickly.
However, there are some subtle signs that you have a roof leak—you may not always notice water or dripping in your building. Some indicators of a roof leak include:
Visible stains on your ceiling. It may be a brownish color or just general discoloration in your ceiling. If the leak is severe enough, you may even notice sections of your ceiling drooping from the weight of the water.
An odd or mildewy odor. This is an indication that mold may be present from the increased moisture, which can quickly become a health concern for those within your office.
Rust on the metal structure of your roof. If you notice rust, you may have a structural hazard on your hands since too much rust can cause the metal to weaken.
Holes in your roof. If you have access to your roof and you see visible holes or cracks, you likely have a leak and need a flat roof replacement.
Vegetation on your roof. Plants need water to survive, so if plants are growing on your roof, they’re likely getting water from a leak.
2. Recent Hurricane
In Florida, every homeowner and commercial building owner needs to be prepared for the reality of hurricanes. These strong storms are notorious for the damage they cause to roofs across the state. For this reason, you’ll want to inspect your commercial roof after a hurricane, especially if it was a particularly strong storm and/or you were in the direct path of the storm.
Because a storm can compromise the structural integrity of your roof, you’ll want to perform the inspection safely from the ground. Look for signs of leaks, damage to the flashing, sitting water, and gutter damage. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional roofing company so they can assess the damage more thoroughly without putting your safety at risk.
3. Visible Damage to Structure
There are several types of visible damage that may indicate you need an industrial roof replacement. One of the most common signs is bubbles or blisters along the surface of your roof. This usually occurs when water gets trapped between your roof and distorts the shape of the roof. If your commercial roof has shingles, missing shingles is a telltale sign of damage.
Another common sign is damage to the flashing on your roof. This could look like rust, bends or dents, pieces missing completely, or gaps between your flashing and the roof. If you have access to your flat roof, carefully inspect it for these signs a couple of times a year to ensure that there’s no visible damage.
4. High Energy Bills
In Florida, AC is necessary to keep everyone in your building comfortable and safe from the harsh heat. However, if you notice your AC is running more frequently or your energy bill has suddenly increased, don’t blame your HVAC system just yet. The real culprit could actually be your roof. If you have a leak or damage to your commercial roof, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep the building cool, increasing your energy bills.
Not only does this put a strain on your AC and budget, but it means you likely have damage to your roof you’re not aware of. Have a professional inspect your roof thoroughly to see if your roof may be the issue and enjoy energy savings when you install a new roof.
5. Age of Roof
With the harsh heat, regular storms, and strong winds, roofs in Florida tend to have shorter lifespans than the rest of the country, including commercial roofs. So while you may not notice any immediate signs of damage, you may want to replace your roof once it’s reached a certain age. In fact, some insurance companies may even stop covering your roof if they consider it too old.
In Florida, a well-maintained commercial roof will last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, depending on the material (for example, metal roofs last longer than shingles). Once you reach the 20-year mark for your commercial roof, you may want to have a professional inspect your roof to determine how many more years it has. You’ll also want to reach out to your insurance company to see if they require a commercial roof replacement at a certain time to keep you covered.
Big D Handles All Your Commercial Roof Replacement Needs
Whether you’re noticing signs of damage, are dealing with a high energy bill, or your roof is simply reaching the end of its lifespan, Big D Roofing helps provide expert commercial roof replacement services throughout North Central Florida. Our services are designed to work around your schedule so that you don’t have to disrupt your business operations during our work. Keep your office safe and dry, and schedule a commercial roof inspection today with Big D!
