Keeping a commercial facility under sustainable operation requires lots of resources.
This is especially true as the tasks of upkeep and maintenance are both demanding in time and labor. One of the most important yet expensive components of a commercial structure is its roofing system. In commercial buildings, the roofing system is the engineered material that protects the entire structure from the harsh effects of natural elements.
When a commercial roof sustains damage, fixing it at once is the only way to avoid secondary expenses that could total thousands of dollars. But here’s the problem: recognizing the symptoms of a degrading commercial roof can be challenging, especially if you are not a trained professional.
You need to know the signs that indicate a depreciating roof so you can get adequate commercial roof repair services at the right time.
Here are six symptoms that are clear signs you need the inspection or repair services of an expert Denver roofing contractor:
Visible Metal Deterioration
Deterioration or rusting sets in due to time and weather damage. This process can compromise the edge metal’s structural integrity and can cause even more substantial damage to the entire roofing system.
When it comes to protection against severe weather, the roof edge acts to provide a solid first-line of defense, which is why you must ensure that it stays in the best possible shape. Doing so is the only way to prevent high-wind storms from compromising the roof. As soon as you notice metal deterioration, get in touch with a professional roofing contractor for repairs or replacements.
Damaged Roof Flashing
Along the roof edges, you’ll find the metal strips installed to keep the roof materials secured. They also keep debris and water from infiltrating the roof underlayment. Inspect the roof flashing to see if it is rusting, bent, or damaged in any way.
Poorly sealed roof flashing could allow water to seep into the roofing system, in which case you’ll need a professional contractor to address this issue quickly.
Common Wear and Tear
Your commercial roof will age over time, and degradation will set in naturally. It’s important to increase your maintenance efforts if the commercial building is old. This helps to prevent major expenses in the future and to avoid accidents. You’ll want to check the drainage system for vegetation, foliage, and clogs.
Also, look out for any materials that could lead to corrosion or areas that are already corroded. All rusty parts must be replaced at once to avoid punctures and further chemical degradation.
Water Infiltration
The roof membrane can be damaged by water infiltration, eventually affecting other parts of the building. This can lead to mold and further property damage. Commercial roofs and interior ceilings must be inspected regularly to spot water infiltration early enough or prevent more destructive damage.
Is there mold on the inside of the building? If yes, it could be a sign of poor ventilation or water infiltration. The first step is to locate the infiltration source, a task best performed by a trained roofing professional.
Cracks or Blisters
Inspect your commercial roof surface to check for blisters, bubbles, or cracks. Any of those could indicate trapped moisture that might result in roof leaks. When roof membrane layers have air or moisture pockets trapped between them, or if the trapping occurs between the deck and membrane, it leads to blistering.
Ignoring roof blisters is risky and will only trigger even bigger roof issues.
Punctured Membrane
Abnormally high foot traffic on the roof can make the membrane wear or tear prematurely. If too many people walk on the roof, the effect could be water leaks or infiltration. Since metal construction can contract and expand with changes in outdoor temperatures, there is a need to avoid using caulk in excessive amounts to take care of any tears. This can damage the roof even more during expansion and contraction.
Consider adding more layers of membrane or creating a walkway if you expect high amounts of foot traffic on the roof.
Get a Professional Denver Roofing Contractor to Inspect Your Commercial Roof
Commercial buildings need regular checks and inspections, especially on their roofing systems.
Due diligence is necessary before taking any action on your commercial roof in Denver. You need to know what problems exist and what your options are. At A-to-Z Roofing, we use our commercial roofing expertise to inspect roofs of all types, sizes and styles. Get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation and roof inspection service.