Warning Signs Your Commercial Roof Might Need Replacing
The roof is one of the most important structural elements of any property for any business owner or facility manager. It safeguards your inventory, your equipment, and above all, your employees and customers. But since commercial roofs are flat and often hidden, they are often forgotten until a big leak happens. Knowing the early tell-tale that you need a commercial roof replacement can help you avoid devastating interior destruction and expensive downtime operations.
At O’Danny Boy Builders, we have done over 5,000 roofing jobs in the country, starting at our base in Burr Ridge and extending to our Wisconsin, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas locations. We understand that the most effective method of managing your long-term capital costs is to be proactive with your commercial roofing services. This is how to know whether your facility needs a new roof.
Evident Membrane Damage and Wear
TPO, EPDM, or PVC membranes are used in most commercial buildings. These materials are made in a way that they are durable, though not invulnerable to elements or time.
Bubbling or Billowing of the Roof Surface
When you see that your roof membrane appears to be lifting or blowing in the wind, this is referred to as billowing. This is when the points of attachment are defective, or the insulation beneath is saturated. Likewise, the presence of large bubbles means that the moisture is trapped under the surface.
Cracking and Brittleness
The chemicals that make a roof flexible start to evaporate as the roof approaches the end of its life cycle. When the surface appears alligatored or has cracks visible, the membrane is no longer able to expand and contract with the changing temperatures.
Moisture Intrusion and Interior Red Flags
You do not necessarily need to climb the roof to be aware that there is a problem. The most indicative symptoms of a flawed system are often found within your building.
Leaks After Slight Rain Persistently
When your maintenance crew is always in hot pursuit of the new leaks when it rains, then you are probably experiencing structural failure in your roof. A single leak is a typical repair, but when there are several, repetitive leaks, it indicates that the whole system is at the point of failure.
Water Stains and Mold Growth
Look at your ceiling tiles and the top of your walls. Signs of active moisture infiltration are yellow or brown water stains. Unattended, this moisture will cause molds to develop, posing serious health dangers to your employees and potentially breaking building safety regulations.
Evaluating Storm History and Age
Although your roof may seem fine at a glance, the calendar and the weather are usually the determining factors of its feasibility.
Approaching the 20-Year Mark
Most commercial systems have a life span of 15 to 25 years. When your roof is nearing the 20-year mark, it is prudent that you begin to plan on replacing it. Roofs of older buildings are much more vulnerable to wind uplift and thermal shock.
Recent Severe Weather Events
Hail and high wind is not new to Chicagoland and our service areas in North Carolina and Texas. Heavy hail will tear or even puncture membranes, and large winds will loosen the flashing of vents and chimneys. We have had a significant storm in your area, and a professional inspection is required to make sure that you can file an insurance claim when the damage is still fresh.
Conclusion: Collaborate with Professional Commercial Roofing Services
Neglecting the warning signs of a collapsing roof is simply a way to increase the cost and jeopardize one's future. Be it an old house in Burr Ridge or a new warehouse in Dallas, you require a partner who has the knowledge to facilitate a smooth shift to a new system.
O'Danny Boy Builders is a GAF Master Elite® Contractor who has an A+ rating on BBB and impeccable experience in all aspects of commercial roof replacement. Our free inspections and full insurance claim service will help get your business back on track in no time. Waiting until the next storm to see how far your roof can be stretched is not the way to go: you can have your free inspection with O'Danny Boy Builders today.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to simply re-coat my commercial roof?
Roof coating can be an excellent method to prolong the life of a roof, though this only applies when the insulation behind the roof is dry and the membrane has not deteriorated structurally.
2. What is the average time for a commercial roof replacement?
Most projects require a few days to two weeks, depending on the size of the building and the complexity of the HVAC equipment on the roof. Our team operates effectively to reduce disruption to your day-to-day business operations.
3. Will my insurance pay for a new commercial roof?
If the need for replacement stems from a sudden "peril", like hail or wind damage, insurance often reimburses for a good part. If age and poor maintenance are the culprits, it will often be treated as a capital expense. We can inspect your roof to establish the reason for damage.
4. What is the best material for a new commercial roof?
TPO is at the forefront of popular products because of its ability to reflect heat. However, the answer can change based on the slide, foot traffic, and exposure.