Your roof is an important part of keeping your building operating smoothly, and unless water is falling through the ceiling with each rainfall, it's tough to know what kind of condition your roof is in. Some roofing problems can be solved with simple repairs, but it’s important to be aware of the signs that it may be time to replace your roof entirely. Wondering if you need to replace the roof on your building? Here are a few ways to tell it's time to invest in a new roof:
Lifespan: On average, commercial roofs typically last somewhere around 20 years before they need to be replaced. With that being said, if you live in an area with extreme heat or cold, snow, or hail, it's likely that your roof will need to be replaced before you hit the 20 year mark. Consider what your roof has had to endure weather wise when making a decision on whether to repair or replace it. If your roof has seen snow storms, hurricanes, or hail, you’ll want to think about replacing your roof before the damage starts to affect other areas of the building.
Rust: Rust is a sign of water damage, and if your roof is rusting, it's also a sign that the protective coating on your roof is no longer doing its job. Once the protective coating is gone, water is able to come in contact with metal on the roof, which is why you begin to notice the rust. Without this protective coating, your roof is likely to begin to leak, causing damage to the interior of your commercial building. The best thing you can do once your roof has begun to rust is replace it.
Leaking: As mentioned above, leaking can be an indicator that your roof is rusting, but leaking can also be caused by a number of other things. One of the main instigators of leaks is curled metal planes. Planes on your commercial roof can begin to curl because of improper installation or, more likely, from exposure to harsh weather conditions. The water damage caused by leaks can lead to problems with the electrical systems in your building and mold. Curled plans can create access for pests and intruders into your building. In these situations, it's best to replace your roof before these problems begin to arise.
Sun: A little natural light in your office can be great... that is of course unless it's coming through cracks in your ceiling! Your roof may not be leaking water when it rains, but if sunlight is leaking through, that's a problem! A worn out roof board can have patches from which daylight is coming in, indicating that your roof is weak. It may not seem like a major problem, but if ignored, it can cause your roof to buckle over time.
Need a professional to assess your commercial roof in Delaware County, PA? Call Matrix Roofing Systems today at (267) 327-4680. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have, and schedule an appointment to inspect your roof.
