Are you wondering if it’s time for you to get a new roof installed on your commercial property? Do you fear that your roof is only one bad storm away from leaking all over your tenants’ belongings? If so, then you need to know the signs of when it’s time to get a commercial roof replacement.
Doing so can keep you ahead of the curve. You won’t walk in one morning to an unwanted surprise. Instead, you’ll be able to ensure that your property remains protected.
See below for the several signs that you need to get a new commercial building roof to give you and your tenants/employees peace of mind.
1. You’ve Noticed More Leaks
This glaring warning sign is two-fold. First, you might notice that you’re finding new roof leaks every so often, namely after a big storm. Second, you may realize that one leak continues to become more and more frequent or has heavier drops.
An increasing roof leak is one of the most tell-tale signs that you need either a roof repair or a roof replacement.
Unfortunately, water leaks aren’t always as noticeable as you would think. There are many times when a leak can go undetected for weeks, if not months. There could be leaks in the walls or the attic of your commercial building that isn’t in plain sight.
Two common indications of water leaks, even if the water isn’t currently dripping, are water spots and mold growth.
Be sure to schedule time to go behind the scenes every so often and look for signs of leaks. That way, you can reach out to a commercial roofing company and determine the best course of action.
They can come out and inspect the property, assess the damage, then let you know whether they’d recommend a repair or completely replace the roof.
2. Your Energy Bills Have Skyrocketed
Even if you don’t have a trained eye and find yourself too busy to take an elaborate glance at your roof, there is one way you will notice when a roof needs replaced: your energy bills will rise considerably.
Contrary to popular belief, a roof isn’t just meant to protect your company from rain, it’s also the leading source for insulation, much like your walls. The idea is that the roof keeps your controlled climate inside and prevents the weather outside from seeping in.
Whenever a roof is starting to fade, it will cease to grant you much insulation. The heat will rise (as it always does), then sneak out of your roof and into the world outside.
Because of that, your building’s HVAC system will have to work twice as hard to keep your building at your desired temperature. Not only can this lead to increased energy bills from month to month, but it will also lead to you replacing your HVAC unit sooner than you’d hope.
Be sure to see here for more information on what a commercial roofing service can offer your business and what you can expect from the installation process.
3. Damaged Shingles
Of course, if your commercial roof doesn’t have shingles, then disregard this portion of the article. If it does, then take a gander at your roof and see if any shingles are missing, cracked, warped, or torn off.
You might also notice that the shingles are starting to lose their gripping (a process known as “balding”).
Even if the shingles aren’t damaged, try to look out for signs of mold growth. If there are any traces of mold, it’s a sign that your entire roof is sabotaged. Water is somehow getting trapped inside and causing mold to spread.
If you catch the shingle damage quickly enough, then you might not need a full roof replacement. However, if the damage and mold growth is severe, you’ll need a new roof to get a fresh start.
4. Your Roof Is Sagging
No, ladies and gentlemen, a sagging roof isn’t a natural part of the aging process. This warning sign can be hard to detect because you get used to seeing it daily.
Since the roof starts to sag more and more over time, you might not notice how bad it has gotten. That’s why it’s always a good idea to perform a roof checkup once or twice a year.
The longer a roof sags, the more water it will trap. Not only will that lead to mold growth and possible leaks, but it can also result in the entire roof collapsing one day.
5. Your Roof Is 30+ Years Old
Typically, but not always, a commercial roof can last anywhere between 10 to 40 years depending on the materials that it’s made of and how much you’ve prioritized proper maintenance.
If your roof is 30 years old or older, then you’ll want to get prepared to replace the roof at any time. Start putting aside money to help with the expense.
Even if your commercial roof is in great condition for its age, be sure to schedule more frequent checkups the older it gets.
Reach Out for a Commercial Roof Replacement Today
Now that you have seen several key indicators that it’s time for a commercial roof replacement, be sure to prioritize it in your company’s budget.
Start by scheduling a roof inspection. The commercial roof company will come out to assess your roof’s current condition and make you aware of any repairs that are needed to extend the life of the roof.
Be sure to browse our website for more articles on roof replacements, as well as many other topics that you will find helpful.