Did you know that small business owners spend an average of $40,000 in their first year of opening their business?
If you own the building you do business in, your startup costs increase. It\’s important to know how to maintain your building to keep prices down.
For example, taking care of your commercial roof is a big factor to consider. To do this, you need to know the common commercial roof repairs and how to spot them.
Keep reading to learn them.
Leaks
By far the most common commercial roof repairs are leaks. Small leaks can wreak havoc on your building\’s structure, especially if they are not found or repaired right away.
Commercial roof leaks also open the door for mold and water damage to creep in. It\’s not only rain that can create issues. You should worry about wind, snow, hail, ice, and other debris as well.
Not all leaks are visible, so if you hear running water in the building, call a professional to get to the root of the problem. There are signs of a roof leak that you can spot, such as:
- Water stains
- Mold
- Musty odors
- Puddles inside the building
Regular roof maintenance can minimize the risk of leaks. Holes and cracks caused by leaks are simple repairs for roof contractors.
Roofing companies can also help you maintain your commercial roof so you can spend more time focusing on your overall business.
Defective Flashing
Flashing protects the roof\’s joints and seams from excessive moisture. They play a major role in preventing water damage.
It\’s important to have defective flashing repaired. You might notice that flashing breaks or rips. This can happen because of thermal shock, which is referred to as expansion and contraction from the external temperature.
This often occurs when the flashing was not installed properly. If you hire a company for commercial roof repair, it\’s important to hire one that is experienced, licensed, and insured to avoid this issue.
When your flashing is defective, it\’s no longer effective in keeping water away from the seams.
Contractors for commercial roof repair in Wisconsin can assess the extent of flashing damage to determine if you need to replace it or repair it.
When flashing goes untreated, your commercial building is likely to experience water damage. In the long run, you could be left with more expensive roof repairs and even roof replacement if you leave this problem untreated.
Condensation
Commercial roof repairs are needed when condensation and mold cause damage. Condensation can occur on your roof when hot air rises through leaks or holes.
This situation leads to rotting, molded, and weakened roofs. If not resolved immediately, it can have serious outcomes.
Mold growth, for one, can cause health implications and deteriorate roofing materials. If you suspect mold growth on your roof, a contractor can eradicate the problem.
Look for discoloration on your roof to get to the root of the problem.
Condensation can occur for a lot of reasons, one being an improperly installed roof. Always hire a professional contractor that has the right tools to install a roof.
Ponding Water
Another one of the most common roof repairs is ponding water. Some building owners believe ponding water on a roof is okay as long as it isn\’t leaking. This couldn\’t be further from the truth.
Ponding water can cause roof damage even when it doesn\’t result in leaks. In the worst-case scenario, ponding water can cause your roof to cave in.
When you have ponding water, you likely have improper drainage, clogged gutters, or a buildup of debris.
This solution can be resolved by ensuring you have proper drainage and insulation systems on your commercial roof. Flashings should also be intact and in the correct position.
These fixes are drastically less expensive than if your roof were to cave in. Commercial roofing companies can make these repairs for you for an affordable amount.
Lack of Maintenance
A lot of common commercial roof repairs start out small but build up to be something bigger. Roofing companies see a lack of maintenance often for commercial roofs because business owners are busy with other tasks.
Routine maintenance is essential to the health of a commercial roof. When you regularly inspect the roof and maintain it, you avoid major repairs and extend the life of the roof.
Old Roof
A lot of common commercial roof problems stem from having an old roof. Roofing materials have their own lifespan so it\’s important to know the recommended time for a roof replacement.
If you are dealing with a lot of repair issues because your roof is old, it might be in your best interest to replace the roof instead. Over time, the roof replacement will cost you less than completing multiple repairs every so often.
To find out which solution is best for you, consider a yearly roofing inspection. Roofers can help you figure out if your roof is still in good condition or not.
If you notice your roof needs various repairs, ask a contractor if a total roof replacement would be more efficient and less costly.
Common Commercial Roof Repairs to Know
Maintaining your roof can help you avoid potential downtime caused by leaks or the roof caving in. Part of roof maintenance involves knowing the common commercial roof repairs and how you can spot them.
Opt for a regular roof inspection from professional roofers who can recommend a repair solution or replacement.
Contact us today if you notice any of this damage on your commercial roof.
