Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Service
Although no roofs are forever, your commercial roof should last you for many years, providing it is regularly inspected and serviced. Scheduling yearly inspections and maintenance, the same as you would your home heating system or automobile, is critical for the long-term performance of your roofing system.
At Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc., we understand the importance of preventative maintenance, as ignoring your roof’s service needs can lead to premature system failure.
If it has been a while since you have had a roofing professional inspect and service your roof, here are some of the warning signs that you are past due for service.
It is important to note that roofs with a manufacturer’s warranty MUST be inspected yearly by a certified contractor to install that manufacturer’s roof. Even if the roofs are only a year or two old, they need to be inspected and the inspection documented to ensure the warranty stays intact.
Leaks
When you notice water dripping into the building, this can signify roof leaks. Duh! While a small drip may seem inconsequential, allowing it to go unaddressed can lead to areas of saturated roof insulation, damaged roof deck, mold, mildew, and potentially void any warranty that may be in effect, as leaks are to be reported immediately to stay in compliance with the warranty requirements.
It is best to have any leaks serviced and repaired immediately.
Stains & Odors
Sometimes, roof leaks may not be as apparent as water dripping from the underside of the roof deck, a puddle on the floor, or a wet, collapsed ceiling tile on the boss’s desk.
When you start noticing stains on walls or ceilings, peeling or bubbling paint, these can be signs of water penetration of the building envelope.
Mold and musty odors can be another sign of water intrusion. Leaving these untreated can lead to a “sick building” and health concerns for everyone in the building. Repair and clean-up of this type of damage can be extremely costly.
If you notice any of these, have a professional contractor investigate and repair the source of the problem. While roof leaks may not always cause these problems, that is a logical place to start looking.
Field of the Roof
A simple visual inspection of your roof can often reveal issues that need to be addressed, even to an untrained eye.
Cracking and crazing of the roof surface, open field seams, blisters, damage, i.e., punctures or cuts, are all items that should be inspected and repaired by a roofing professional.
Perimeter Flashings
The perimeter edge metal or metal copings terminate and secure the roof system at the edges. If you notice that the perimeter metal has lifted or is missing, bent, or otherwise distorted, this needs to be addressed promptly, as it is typically a sign of wind damage and could lead to more severe damage or blow-off.
Also, rust stains on the metal edging or the side of the building right beneath the metal edge should be investigated, as that is a sign of corrosion. Rusting metal flashings, cleats, and fasteners will weaken the securement of the roof system and make the roof more susceptible to wind-uplift.
Membrane Wall Flashings
Membrane wall flashings may lose adhesion and pull away from the wall. While this alone may not cause your active roof leaks, that is typically what comes next. This bridging is caused by shrinkage of the roof membrane and is an early warning sign of an aging roof in distress and pending system failure. This condition, if addressed promptly, can slow the deterioration of the roof system and minimize leaks related to this condition.
Debris
Leaves, sticks, debris left behind by other trades, and other windblown debris can accumulate on the roof. This can lead to clogged drains and gutters, which often cause leaks. If gutters and downspouts clog, water can cascade over the edge of the gutter and down the side of the building, causing numerous problems, such as wall leaks, masonry deterioration, landscaping and lawn erosion, water, and ice build-up on paved or concrete surfaces, and water entry into below-grade spaces.
Age
Finally, the age of your roof may dictate how frequently it needs to be serviced. The industry standard for an aging roof system is typically twice per year.
Scheduling routine inspections and having regular preventative maintenance measures can help you avoid costly repairs and catch roofing concerns earlier. At Matrix Roofing, we focus on the maintenance, emergency repair, and replacement of roofs and other building envelope systems. If you have any questions or a service request, contact us by calling 267-642-5027 or emailing us today!