Are you worried that your commercial roof might be damaged? Can you remember the last time you had your roof inspected or repaired? If not, then you may need to have the vital step done. Looking for signs of roof damage is the best way to get it repaired or replaced to keep your building safe.
Read on for the signs to look for to determine if there is damage to your business roof in Illinois.
1. Signs of Roof Damage: Leaks
The first and most obvious sign that you have roof damage is that you will notice water leaking into your building.
Your roof is in place to keep the elements from getting inside, and if it’s damaged, it’s won’t be able to do its job. Not only should you be looking for dripping water, but you’ll also need to keep an eye out for stains on the walls and ceilings.
It’s possible that the water spots could be coming from your air conditioning system. To find out for sure, consider calling in professional roofers to have them do an inspection.
Water leaking into your building — no matter the source — is not good. Getting this taken care of as soon as possible ensures the health and safety of your building and the people inside.
2. Mold Growth or Weird Odors
You may not see any water leaking into your building, but if you notice mold growth or smell strange odors, this could be another sign that you need roof repair.
Your commercial roof keeps moisture out. Even if you don’t have a ton of water getting into your building, you may be getting enough to encourage the growth of mold or mildew. Either of these can make your building smell musty.
Water also creates an ideal breeding ground for certain bacteria. If you smell a foul odor and can’t figure out where it’s coming from, it could be bacteria that is growing in the moisture your damaged roof has allowed to leak into your building.
Since any of these elements can have an impact on human health, you’ll want to get your roof repaired quickly to keep everyone safe.
3. Ponding Water
Your commercial building may have a flat roof, but that doesn’t mean you should have water ponding on the top.
Flat roofs still have an angle to direct water away from the surface and into gutters. If you venture onto the roof and notice standing water, this is a sign that your roof needs to be repaired.
It’s a good idea to talk to contractors and have them determine the cause of water ponding. This could be an issue with the drainage system. Worst case scenario, there’s a problem with your roof decking.
No matter what the cause, getting it fixed by a professional will ensure that your building and everything in it stays safe.
4. Cracks or Holes in the Surface
Another really good indicator of damage to your commercial roof is that you will see it. This could include cracks or holes in the surface.
Your commercial roof can last for a long time, but damage from weather will eventually take a toll. If you can’t remember the last time you had your roof inspected and a huge storm recently came through, it’s a good idea to call professionals and have them take a look.
It can save you a lot of time, stress, and frustration to proactively take care of your roof. If you wait until you notice water leaking into your building, far too much damage will have occurred.
At this point, not only will you have to pay the roof repair cost, but you’ll also have to pay to mitigate any mold that might be growing as well as take care of potential structural damage.
Keep the roof repairs within your budget. Taking care of small problems now can help you save in the long run.
5. Damaged Flashings
The flashings on your metal roof are in place to secure the material to the building. They are also necessary when it comes to keeping moisture out of your space.
Damaged flashings are a sign that you need to have your roof repaired.
Getting this taken care of as soon as you notice a problem can save you from having to deal with water damage.
6. Increased Utility Bills
Your roof does a great job of keeping water and the other elements out of your building, but it’s also in place to keep the space comfortable.
A damaged roof could allow cold and hot air to escape. When that happens, your heating and cooling system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, and this will increase your utility bills.
Thus, if you notice that your energy bills are more expensive and you can’t explain it with a normal increase, then having your roof inspected for damage is in your best interest.
7. Fasteners Have Come Loose
Fasteners are in place to secure your roof to your building. Over time, they can come loose. When this occurs, you may notice bumps within your roof membrane.
Getting the fasteners fixed will ensure that your roof creates a tight seal to keep moisture out of your commercial building. It can be hard to see the bumps in the membrane, but if you have your roof regularly inspected by a professional, they’ll be able to find and fix this problem before it becomes a major issue.
The Right Roofing Professionals
Taking care of your roof will ensure that your building and everyone inside it is safe. There are signs of roof damage that you can look for, and having professionals conduct an inspection on a regular basis is recommended.
At Williams Roofing and Construction Inc., we have the skills and expertise to fix a wide range of roof issues. We can help with repairing old roofs or adding a new one to your building. We only use the highest quality roofing materials so that we can guarantee the final results. Call us today for any commercial roofing needs!
