3 Signs That Your Commercial Roof Needs To Be Repaired

Any damages to the roof of your commercial property can cause major problems for your business operations. Even a small issue could eventually lead to downtime and more expensive repairs in the future. If you don't regularly check the state of your roof, however, you may not be able to immediately spot some key indicators that it's time to call for help from a professional commercial roofer. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to determine if your roof needs some attention without having to crawl on top of your building every day for an inspection. These three signs can indicate that a commercial or industrial roofer should take a look at your property and make any necessary repairs before a bigger problem develops.

1) High energy bills

A significant red flag that something is wrong with your commercial roof is a sudden rise in your energy bills. One of the main purposes of your roof is to reflect sunlight and control the interior temperature of the building. When this reflective ability is diminished over time from exposure to various weather elements, the cooling system is forced to operate even harder. The resulting energy bills increase to compensate for the deteriorating roof. In an industrial or commercial setting, higher power bills are often more noticeable than in residential environments due to the nature of the work being performed. For example, most industrial factories rely on extremely hot machinery and equipment that run all day. In these cases, a failing roof is not able to support the function of the building's AC system, so the energy usage will quickly climb without warning. If you see that your bills are unexpectedly high, reach out to a commercial roofer for an inspection right away. 

2) Leaks and moisture

Another obvious signal of trouble is the presence of water leaks or moisture coming from your roof. Since commercial buildings must accommodate a business or factory, there are generally more HVAC units, pipes, and drains on an industrial roof than a residential roof would contain. These extra elements are installed directly through the roof's surface, creating several openings that water can pass through if any of these spots are not sealed correctly. Additionally, commercial roof leaks can be exacerbated by poor drainage solutions. Many factories or business properties are outfitted with flat roof designs that have inadequate options for collecting and moving water away from the buildings. Gutters, downspouts, and drains need to be cleaned frequently to avoid the formation of puddles on the roof. Ultimately, moisture buildup that is left untreated can cause extensive damage to the roofing materials and very costly repairs. Once you notice the first leak, it's vital to call a professional roofer to diagnose the problem and stop any further damage.

3) Old roof age

With a commercial property that has been around for a long time, there is always the possibility that the building's roof is old as well. If you've just recently taken possession of the building or if you're simply not sure when the roof was last replaced, then you'll need to do some research. Confirming the age of your commercial roof is essential to determine whether or not preventative repairs are necessary. Check the building permit for the property to see if and when a roof installation was performed. You can also ask a commercial/industrial roofer to estimate the age of your roof. They will recognize the signs of an old roof and give you a general idea of when repairs or maintenance should be conducted in the future. 

If you notice any of these telltale signs that repairs are needed on your building's roof, be sure to contact a commercial roofer as soon as possible. Taking proactive steps can greatly increase the longevity of your roof and keep your business operations running smoothly.