Roofs of commercial buildings are mostly made of the same kind of material as residential roofs; however, they are typically much larger and have unique challenges when it comes to repair and maintenance.
Since replacing a commercial roof can be very costly, it is important that repair issues are spotted early on so that they do not turn into expensive repairs — or worse, a complete roof overhaul. At America Roofing, we understand the most common roof problems, how to identify, and how to repair them.
Here are some of the common commercial roofing issues that property owners face.
Damage From Foot Traffic
A commercial roof often has various systems installed, including the HVAC and the electrical systems. Since these systems are installed on the roof, this means that the roof will be accessed regularly so that the systems can be operated and maintained. The more people walk and work on the roof, the more your roof will suffer from granule loss, holes, and deterioration of the roof coating and material.
Hence, damage from foot traffic can cause a weakened roof structure. This can result in loose shingles, leaks, and moisture problems, leading to more frequent repair issues. Because of the high risk of damage, the lifespan of the roof will also be reduced, necessitating the replacement of the entire roof after a few years.
If your commercial building sees frequent access to the roof, it is important that you take measures to protect it from damage. You can create walkways for workers and limit foot traffic to only what is necessary. Also, make sure that you get your roof maintained on a regular basis so that small punctures or damage can be fixed quickly. You may also apply a special roof coating to help protect the surface from the damage of high traffic.
Standing Water and Drainage Issues
Many commercial buildings are made flat since they need to accommodate various systems. Therefore, they are more likely to suffer from standing water after a bout of rain. Although they do have a slight slope and a water drainage system, this does not mean that they do not get water issues. The drainage channels may become filled with debris or pests and birds may make their nests inside these channels, blocking them.
If water is allowed to stand too long on the surface of the roof, it will seep into the structure. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can further weaken the structure of your building. The water may also cause blistering of the drywall and sagging of the ceilings. It can cause water to drip into your building and cause structural damage to the floor.
All of these issues can lead to very expensive repairs and potential replacement of the roof. To mitigate the risk, it is important to find out where excess water stands on your roof and fix it.
Poor Maintenance
As a commercial building owner, you may remember to maintain the internal structures and walls of your buildings, but you might often forget to have your roof maintained. However, it is important that your roof be assessed and maintained by a professional roofer at least once a year.
Lack of maintenance over a period of time is one of the leading causes that can reduce the lifespan of a roof. It can also lead to structural problems in places other than the roof. This is particularly true in the case of water and storm damage. In addition to regular maintenance, you should also call a professional contractor as soon as you notice a problem with your roof.
If you need commercial roof repair or replacement, call American Roofing today. We can inspect your commercial roof, find out the source of the problem, and fix it quickly before it blossoms into a huge issue. Reach out to us today.
