There are roughly 30.2 million small businesses currently operating in the United States. Though they serve different industries, most of those businesses have one thing in common: a physical headquarters.
As a business owner, you know that keeping your building in good shape is one of the best things you can do, but this means more than just taking care of your landscaping. You need to take care of your business’s roof.
Common Warning Signs You Need A New Commercial Roof
Commercial roofs are durable, but they won’t last forever. Here are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to get your business’s roof replaced rather than settle for a simple repair.
Your Energy Bills Have Increased
When a roof is in good condition, it provides adequate insulation for your building. This helps keep the temperatures outside from influencing the temperatures inside.
Under normal conditions, your HVAC system should be able to keep up with the changing weather conditions easily. If you’re noticing that your heat or air conditioning is cutting on frequently or see that your energy bills keep going up each month, you might have a roofing problem.
When commercial roofs break down, they stop providing the same amount of insulation for your building. This means your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your building comfortable, and the harder the system works, the more you’ll pay on your energy bills.
Take a look at the last few months’ statements. Are they increasing dramatically or for seemingly no reason? If so, call your roofer. It may be time to replace your roof.
There Are Noticeable Leaks
Water damage takes a while to show up inside your building. That’s because it has to soak through the roofing materials and into the structure itself.
If you see any discoloration on ceiling tiles or notice puddles in the attic and crawlspaces, you likely have a damaged roof. If that damage extends across the upper levels of your building, it’s probably time to replace your roof entirely.
Minor leaks can get fixed fairly easily, but when the damage is extensive and impacts the entire roof, it’s in your building’s best interest to replace the roof. This will protect your building from water damage for years to come.
Keep in mind that the best thing you can do is stay on top of preventative maintenance. If you notice high levels of humidity in your building or see any type of discoloration inside, call your commercial roofing company immediately.
The sooner the damage is addressed, the longer your roof will last.
Puddles Stay on Roof Days After a Storm
It’s normal for water to pool and collect on most flat commercial roofs during a storm. However, the water should drain off quickly, letting your roof dry in the sun.
If you notice puddles on the roof several days after a storm, it’s likely time to replace your roof.
Puddles collect in low spots, which means your roof is sagging, and the longer the water sits in those low spots, the more it weakens the roof.
Over time, those puddles can lead to serious issues in the roof membrane, creating the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and even pest infestations. These issues can put you and your employees at risk for numerous health issues if not addressed quickly.
Take a look at your roof after the next rainstorm and see what it looks like. If it’s mostly dry, you’re in good shape, but if you notice puddles that don’t seem to drain, call your roofer.
Roofing Material is Bubbling
Just as commercial roofs can sag and develop low spots, they can also expand outward and bubble up. This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with the structure or the framework; it just means the materials are starting to break down.
This is a warning sign that your roof’s lifespan is about to come to an end.
If your roof is in good shape, the materials should sit flush against the roofline. If you notice any patches where the material is bubbling up or curling along the edges, it’s time to dig deeper into the underlying issues.
Schedule an inspection of the roof. If damage is severe, you’ll want to get the roof replaced as soon as possible.
There’s a Strange Smell Indoors
Water damage isn’t always visible. (Sometimes, the moisture can soak into the insulation and the walls without you noticing.)
Over time, that buildup of moisture can create a musty smell that never seems to go away.
If you notice a strange odor inside your building that won’t dissipate (no matter how long you leave the windows open), call a professional. Ignoring the smell puts you at risk for structural damage and could impact the way your customers feel about your brand.
The last thing you want to do is drive customers away because your building isn’t properly maintained!
You’re Not Sure How Old the Roof Is
If you built your building, then you know exactly how old the roof is and how well you’ve cared for it. However, if you buy a pre-existing structure, you may not have that luxury.
If you’re not sure how long the roof’s been in place, you may want to invest in a replacement.
Replacing Your Commercial Roof
Even if your roof isn’t currently showing these signs of distress, you will eventually need to replace it. The best way to know when it’s time for a new roof at your business is to work with an experienced pro that specializes in commercial roofs.
If you’re worried about the condition of your roof or just want to get an inspection, don’t wait. Contact our team today and schedule an appointment.
The sooner we can fix or replace your roof, the better off your business will be.
