The benefits of a sturdy roof extend beyond aesthetics. Your commercial roof does not just improve the aesthetic appeal of your property, but also protects it from the elements.
Your roof takes a lot of punishment every day and can develop a problem that can affect its performance. Some other factors that give rise to roofing issues include age related deterioration, lack of maintenance and the vagaries of the weather.
Since replacing a commercial roof can be very expensive, it makes sense to identify and address problems before they snowball into major concerns. Every commercial property owner should know about these roofing issues and how they can affect roof performance.
Continue reading to learn about several 5 common roofing problems from a tile roofing company near you.
Roof Leaks
Some common causes of roof leaks include age related deterioration, damaged or poorly installed flashing, poorly installed skylights, damaged or missing roof tiles, and poorly placed fixings.
A leaky roof is a recipe for disaster. In addition to causing water damage, a leaky roof can create slippery surfaces posing a trip, slip or fall hazard. If an unsuspecting person walks on a slippery surface, slips and sustains an injury on your property, they can sue you for damages.A leaky roof can also create ideal conditions for mold growth.
To prevent roof leaks, have a tile roofing company near you inspect your roof twice every year and after a storm or downpour. During a professional maintenance session, your provider’s team will inspect every part for leaks. Your contractor will fix existing leaks and prevent potential leaks.
Drainage Issues and Standing Water
Though commercial roofs feature drainage systems designed to effectively drain water, water can collect when their drainage systems become clogged with debris, dirt, or remnants of pest nests.
Once pooling water gets into your roof, it can open a Pandora’s box. If water penetrates pinholes in your roofing materials, it can cause mold and mildew to grow and reproduce. And before you know, you may end up with a full-blown infestation.
Water can also cause blisters to form and you may have to repair a particular part or your entire roof earlier than you expected it to last. Deep ponds of water can weigh well over five pounds. If allowed to stand for more than 48 hours, water can negatively affect the structural integrity of the roof.
To prevent water from pooling on your roof, periodically inspect and clean your drainage system. Maintain your roof flashing. Remember water pooling on your roof can indicate an underlying problem, which is why it is necessary that you get to the root of the problem and eliminate it as soon as possible.
Roof Punctures
Heavy foot traffic is one of the most common causes of roof punctures. When people walk on a roof carelessly, their weight can damage the tiles. Also, an aging roof is more prone to punctures than a new roof.
Strong winds can hurl debris at a roof, damaging it. Installing communication gadgets, a rooftop HVAC unit or a television antenna on your roof can also cause punctures.
If your roof is surrounded by overhanging branches and one of them falls on it, punctures can develop on different parts of your roof.
To prevent punctures, do not allow anyone who is not qualified to repair or maintain a roof climb and walk on your roof. Trim back branches hanging over your roof. Have a professional inspect your roof after a strong wind.
A roof puncture, no matter how small, can cause major roofing issues. It can penetrate the protective felt and membrane, creating an entry point for moisture. Inspect your roof regularly. If you notice punctures developing, consult a technician as soon as possible.
Roof Shrinkage
Many types of roofing materials expand and contract with temperature changes. This expansion and contraction can cause the roofing structure to warp. Age related deterioration can also cause warping. Over time, warping can damage joints and cause leaks.
Some other common causes of warping include water damage, poor ventilation, improperly installed rafters, poor ventilation and underlayment issues.
Again, professional inspection and maintenance can prevent these problems. The professional will inspect your roof and decide on a course of action which may include replacing certain sections and installing new shims and chips. If you plan to install a new roof, hire a professional with the expertise and experience required to ensure a flawless installation.
Damaged Flashing
Your flashing plays an important role in preventing water damage. It is designed to direct water away from your roof and any openings. The right flashing can add years to your roof’s service life.
When flashing fails, the risk of leaks developing in different parts of the roof increases substantially. Unaddressed roof leaks can cause water damage and mold and mildew growth. Water damage not only affects the roof, but can also damage different structures and even items in your home.
Regular professional roofing maintenance can help prevent flashing damage. If your flashing is damaged, your contractor will repair or replace it. Do not avoid wrinkled or loose flashing. Have a professional address the problem in a timely manner before things take a turn for the worse.
Roof Tile Custom Specialists is a renowned tile roofing company near you. We are committed to helping homeowners ensure that their roofs last for years to come. To learn more, call (925) 634-8700.