Commercial Roof Repair: Common Issues and Effective Solutions

Your commercial roof does more than protect your property; it enhances its aesthetic, reduces power bills, and promotes employee safety. However, numerous problems can damage the structure of your building and shorten its lifespan.

Natural aging, harsh weather conditions, and inadequate maintenance lead to excessive wear and tear. A proactive approach to yearly roof inspections and routine maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your commercial roofing.

Sagging or Uneven Roof Surface

While a roof is designed to support a certain amount of weight, excess weight will cause it to shift and sag. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including storm damage and the presence of too much snow. This problem can lead to structural/foundation issues if it still needs to be repaired. In these cases, angled braces can be installed to shore up the rafters and trusses.

It’s important to inspect this problem as soon as possible by roofing company Austin to prevent more serious issues. In extreme cases, a roof that isn’t repaired can collapse, compromising the safety of occupants below. In addition, a sagging roof can compress or displace insulation, leading to diminished energy efficiency and increased stress on heating and cooling systems. The good news is that qualified professionals can easily fix sagging or uneven roof surfaces. These professionals will examine your roof’s structural integrity and determine the source of the issue.

Damaged Shingles

Missing or torn shingles should be repaired immediately. This prevents water from leaking into your home and causing expensive damage.

Visual clues often indicate that shingles are damaged, from visible cracks and chips to curling edges or missing granules. If you are still determining whether you have roof damage, climb onto the roof and look for yourself. Make sure you use proper safety equipment and work with others.

Start by securing your ladder to a sturdy object. Once you are safely on the roof, remove any loose shingle showing wear and tear. Next, spray asphalt roofing cement beneath the damaged shingle and place a new shingle over it. Use shingle granules to help the new shingle blend in with the surrounding shingles.

Once the shingle is in place, use a catspaw pry bar to lift the layer of shingles directly above the damaged area. You can loosen and remove the nails holding the shingle using the pry bar.

Leaks

The roof is the most vulnerable part of a commercial building. It takes the brunt of the elements day and night without any protection. Because of this, a leaky roof is a nuisance and can cause severe damage and financial loss to a business.

If you suspect your commercial roof leaks, it is important to address them immediately. First, ensure all equipment and supplies are cleared of the area to prevent water damage. This includes roping off walkways if necessary. Next, complete a full walkthrough of the space to locate the leak. Be aware that water stains are not always directly above the source of the leak, and you may need to search the entire ceiling to find the origin.

Leaks are often caused by poor drainage and can be minimized with regular roof inspections, maintenance, and cleaning. Ensure gutters, drains, scuppers, and leader boxes are free of debris that can clog and slow down water flow off the roof.

Increased Energy Bills

Commercial roofs can be made from various materials, including asphalt shingles and metal. However, all roofing materials can be subjected to excessive wear and tear over time due to environmental conditions or poor maintenance and inspection practices.

A well-maintained commercial roof enhances a building’s aesthetics, cuts power bills, and promotes employee and customer safety. Unfortunately, commercial roofs are vulnerable to several problems that can lead to costly repairs, shorter lifespans, and premature replacement.

Regular inspections and timely commercial roof repair are the best ways to avoid these common issues. A commercial roofing specialist can also recommend strategies to reduce the frequency of these problems by implementing routine maintenance, including cleaning gutters and trimming nearby trees. In addition, a professional can help determine the cost-effectiveness of upgrading to energy-efficient materials during roof replacement. These changes will lower energy bills, improve insulation efficiency, and ultimately save on monthly utility costs.