Signs Of Trouble In A Commercial Roof

26 September 2018
 Categories: , Blog


Roofing materials can have an effect on the energy efficiency and structural stability of a commercial building. Business owners need to be vigilant in monitoring the condition of their commercial roof so that potential problems can be addressed before they compromise the integrity of the entire roofing system.

You might not be familiar with the warning signs that indicate your roof is in trouble. Use these tips and tricks to help you keep tabs on the condition of your commercial roof in the future.

Check the Drainage

A roofing system that is functioning properly will drain water away from the surface of the roof. This drainage occurs as a result of the roof's slope and the rain gutter system working together. Many commercial roofs are flat, which means they have very little slope. As the building ages and settles, drainage could become a problem for a commercial roof.

You should always take the time to inspect your commercial roof following a rainstorm. If water ponds on the surface of the roof and takes a few days to disappear, this is an indication that you have drainage issues. An experienced roofing contractor will be able to correct the problem and prevent water damage from affecting your commercial building.

Minimize Layering

Investing in the installation of a new commercial roofing system can be costly. To help save on maintenance expenses, many business owners opt to have a protective overlay installed over the existing roofing system to address leaks and other performance problems.

It's important that you don't build up too many layers on your roof if you want to preserve the structural stability of your building. Roofing materials (including felt, bitumen, and asphalt shingles) can be quite heavy. Stacking layers of roofing materials on top of one another could put undue stress on the roof decking and support joists. This increased stress can lead to structural failure.

You should have a roofing contractor calculate your present roof load before investing in an overlay. Some municipal building codes limit the number of overlays a commercial roof can have at any given time, so keep these guidelines in mind as well. Minimizing layers by removing old roofing materials when necessary will help keep your commercial roof and building in better condition over time.

Caring for a commercial roof requires attention to detail. Monitor your roof for signs of trouble so that you can invest in repairs quickly and prevent serious roofing problems from plaguing your commercial space. Consider getting regular commercial roof inspections to help you do this.


Share