You can say a lot of things about roofs, and most of them might be true. But one thing that nobody can argue with is that roofs are tops. This statement can be taken in several ways. A roof does for the top of your home. It can also act like a "top" or lid for your home, keeping the rain out. Then, there's the third meaning, which is the one we happen to like the most: roofs are the best. (People say things are "tops" when they really like them.) Since we like roofs so much, we've decided to write about them, and you've discovered the blog where we do that.
Brian Riley
Commercial buildings aren't immune to roofing problems. These roofs are exposed to harsh weather conditions, and old age will also leave them vulnerable. That said, you must inspect the roof of your commercial building often. The inspections should help you spot problems early. But what kind of problems affect commercial roofs?
Pooling Water
Most commercial buildings have flat roofs. As such, you might have to check for pooling water during the rainy season. You might encounter this problem, especially if the drainage is blocked. Besides, some flat roofs don't have enough pitch to facilitate proper drainage. In that case, you need a commercial roofing service to fix the drainage issue.
Leaks
Leaks can affect both residential and commercial roofs. As such, you must inspect your roof often to see if it has cracks, holes, or weak spots that might allow water to seep through. Fixing weak areas should be your top priority. Otherwise, the problem might affect the entire roof, and you might need to replace it. Fixing leaks on commercial roofs should be cheap as long as it's done early.
Shrinkage
Shrinkage is an issue that's common in metal roofs. As you know, metal can expand and contract. So, expect frequent contraction and expansion to cause problems. You might notice the roof shrinking after a couple of decades. So, check whether the roof edges are retreating, as it's the only way to know if the roof is shrinking.
Punctures
You must also watch out for punctures in the roof. As much as metal roofs are strong, they can sustain punctures during storms. Punctures shouldn't be overlooked because they might allow water to penetrate the roof. Roof punctures are caused mainly by roof traffic, old age, and harsh weather conditions.
Blow-Offs
You also need to be wary of blow-offs on commercial roofs. As your roof ages, it becomes vulnerable to strong winds. So, if strong winds hit the side of your building, they might proceed to the top and create a suction effect. This effect will blow off any weak roof materials. If that happens, you must call a commercial roofer to fix the issue or install a new roof.
Damaged Flashing
Damaged flashing is yet another problem that might affect your commercial roof. And remember that flashing helps to keep water from entering the seams and joints. As such, all the additions on your roof, including chimneys, air conditioners, and pipes, have flashing. And if the flashing gets damaged, water will find its way through the seams.
Contact a local commercial roofing service to learn more.