If you own a business building, commercial roof maintenance is crucial. This is especially the case if the building is situated in an area that experiences strong winds or extreme weather. That said, you should have the roof regularly inspected to identify any issues that might need repair. On that note, knowing when your roof needs maintenance can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several signs that you can check to know if you need to budget for professional roof maintenance. These include:
1. Surface Erosion
The surface of roof structures can develop blisters over time. These blisters are proof of loss of adhesion that is caused by the trapped moisture. While tiny blisters are not a cause of concern, you should keep an eye on them to ensure they do not expand. On the other hand, you should not ignore large blisters as they will expand and create severe structural problems. Eventually, you may have no option but to replace the entire structure.
2. Stagnant Water
Drainage issues are common in commercial structures. However, there are specific drainage issues that spell disaster. For example, pooling water after a heavy downpour is a typical drainage issue. However, if the pooling water does not drain after several hours, this should be a cause for concern. Even if the roof structure was designed to withstand leakage, the water will eventually find its way into the structure. As a result, you may begin to experience leakages.
3. Billowing, Tenting, Or Blow-Offs
These issues can arise if you have a single-ply roof. They indicate that the roof has not adhered to the substrate. That said, the problem should be treated as a roofing repair emergency. If you ignore fixing it promptly, there is a high chance that the membranes will get blown off. Therefore, you should hire a contractor to inspect the roof regularly. During the inspection, the expert will confirm if the ply membranes billow. In addition, ask your roofer to offer the correct specification for your region when installing a new roof on your commercial building.
4. Shrinkage
As the structure ages, the ply membranes can shrink and lose elasticity. This shrinkage causes the movement of materials on the structure. So, it would be best if you did not ignore this movement because it will put tremendous pressure on the flashing, causing the fasteners to fail. That said, you should book an appointment with a repair technician immediately after you observe the membranes shrinking.
Your structure needs maintenance if you detect any of these red flags. That said, ensure you engage an experienced commercial roofing contractor to fix the issue. Additionally, do not handle the project independently because you can make mistakes that will cost you in the long run.
Contact a local roofing company, such as Danny Odom & Son Roofing, to learn more.