A new commercial roof is an expense that most commercial property owners dread hearing that they will need. Extending the lifespan of a commercial roof often relies heavily on how well the roof is maintained. Rooftops may appear to be intact from the ground level, and this is why some repair issues such as ponding water may go undetected until a leak occurs. An effective way to reduce the chances of you needing a premature commercial roofing installation is to ensure that you get scheduled maintenance.
Sometimes events such as acts of nature may compromise rooftops or make them vulnerable to damage. You should get your commercial roof inspected after these events to maintain its integrity. The following points represent types of damage that could happen to your commercial roofing system and put it at risk for leaks.
Drainage Issues
Your commercial roof is composed of a complex drainage system that needs to be fully functional to avoid drainage issues. Drainage issues can occur when water is allowed to pond in areas of a rooftop. Sometimes debris may lay on rooftops for extended lengths of time and absorb moisture from precipitation. Waste may get left behind by individuals who go on top of your roof. It could also be the result of wind blowing trash onto the roof. Tree leaves and twigs may also make their way onto the top of your roof and degrade naturally or get stuck on and adhere to the rooftop. Stuck-on debris can compromise your roof's drainage system. Routine commercial roof maintenance can ensure that debris removal is performed.
Punctured Membranes
Commercial roofs are made of durable materials, but the materials can get punctured. Punctured roofing membrane cannot provide sufficient protection against repelling moisture. Eventually, water intrusion will occur if a commercial roofing repair is not made. All types of punctures should be addressed as roofing repairs even if they appear minor. This is because they will likely get worse over time.
Loosened Flashing
Commercial roofs require intact flashing to avoid water damage. Property owners who act quickly to get this type of commercial roofing repair can benefit because it is one of the more simple repairs. Delaying it can lead to other components of the roofing system degrading, too. The potential for leaks is unavoidable if loose or damaged flashing is not repaired.
Loosened Screws
Your roof has screws in it to keep it in place. You might be surprised to learn that something as small and budget-friendly as replacement screws could mean a big deal to roof integrity. Screws may loosen over time as roofing materials age. Temperature fluctuations can also lead to loosened screws because the changes in temperature cause roofing materials to expand and contract. A roofing contractor is a good resource to use to learn more about commercial roofing repairs.
When you develop a roof leak, you don't have time to ignore it. Issues with leaks can cause problems as simple as incoming water and as wide-ranging as mold accumulation inside your home, which is why you should never let an issue sit. However, if you aren't careful, you could develop problems with roofing that is simply open to the elements, allowing rain and snow to enter your home, melt, and contribute to problems like mold growth. On this blog, you can learn more about the kinds of roofing issues that you could be faced with, and what to do about them.