What You Need to Know About Commercial Roof Repair
Most business owners are more concerned about what’s going on inside of their building than they are with the building itself — this is for good reason. Keeping your day-to-day business running smoothly is important, as it allows you to maintain your cash flow while enjoying the satisfaction of success.
But keeping your commercial property safe and sound is an important part of preventing disruptions to your business. This is especially true when it comes to commercial roof repair. Your roof is a critical part of your commercial property, protecting you from excess moisture and drafts and helping to regulate the temperature inside of your building.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different kinds of roofing that are most common on commercial properties, as well as the signs that your roof may need to be repaired. We’ll then look at the different options available for commercial roof repairs and explore what to do if your professional roofing contractors determine that it’s time for a roof replacement.
Types of Commercial Roofing
Commercial properties come in all shapes and sizes, from large apartment buildings to homes that have been converted into offices. While some of these buildings have traditional high-slope roofing, most businesses have low-slope roofs.
Often referred to as flat roofing, these roofs actually have a slight pitch — usually no more than 1/12 inches — which helps to drain water from rain or snow. These roofs are usually less expensive than high-pitched roofs, especially for large commercial properties.
Depending on a number of factors, including the age of your building, the size of your roof, and how recently you last had your roof replaced, you likely have one of the following commercial roof types:
- Single-ply membrane
- Built-up bitumen
- Modified bitumen
- Metal roofing
While there are variations in the cost and durability of these different types of roofing, every roof needs to be monitored to ensure that any minor damage doesn’t turn into a much bigger problem.
How to Tell When You Need Commercial Roof Repair
One of the most important parts of the commercial roof repair process is having your roof regularly inspected by a qualified professional. These trained professionals have the experience and the knowledge to be able to detect problems that you might not otherwise notice.
During these inspections, your roofing professional will take an in-depth look at your roof. Here are some of the things they’ll typically keep an eye out for:
Puddles
It’s not uncommon for there to be some standing water on a low-slope roof. However, those pools can also indicate that your roof’s structure is starting to fail, especially if the puddle is large or deep. Once puddles get large, the roof tends to deteriorate quickly.
Roof Blisters
If your roofing contractor notices bubbles under the surface of your roofing material, it usually indicates that either moisture or air have become trapped under your roof. For the most part, small bubbles are easily repaired. Larger blisters, on the other hand, may require a roof replacement.
Flashing Damage
Your roof probably has a number of metal strips. These are usually installed where there are objects protruding through the roof, your roof changes levels, or your roof meets the surrounding walls. If these strips are cracked or missing, they can allow water to seep into your property, slowly causing damage like rot.
Seam Gaps
Over time, it’s possible for the adhesives or fasteners that attach your roofing to the structure of your building to come loose. This usually shows up as gaps between seams in material, including flaps, tears, or other signs of damage.
Roof Rot
This damage is usually the result of standing water, which can start to break down the roofing material, giving it a dry, crumbly appearance. You might also notice spreading water stains, odd discolorations, or networks of cracks extending from the low spot.
Moss or Mold
This is usually another sign that you have too much standing water on your roof. While removing any moss or mold can help to extend the life of your roof, it usually points to an underlying problem that needs to be repaired. This will prevent additional mold or moss from growing and help to maintain the structure of your roof as a whole.
High Energy Costs
If you notice that you’re suddenly paying more on your monthly utility bills than you used to, it might be because your roof isn’t working the way it should be. Your roof may be absorbing too much heat, making it difficult to cool the building, or you may have leaks that are allowing hot or cold air to escape.
Your Options for Commercial Roof Repair
When it comes to commercial roof repair, there are a number of options available to help put off a complete roof replacement. Once your roofing professional has finished their inspection, they’ll present you with options for repairs.
Here are some of the more common solutions:
Patching
When you have a very small area of damage that hasn’t spread, your roofer can usually patch the area quickly at a relatively low cost. Whether you’re repairing a puncture, a small open seam, a small blister, or other kinds of minor damage, patching is a permanent solution for many small problems.
Flashing Repair
Repairing your flashing can go a long way toward preserving the life of your roof. Usually, this is a relatively cheap repair, and it can be done rather quickly by a qualified professional. And since flashing is usually one of the more vulnerable parts of your roof, your roofer will make sure that it gets replaced securely.
Roof Coating
Depending on the condition of your roof, one of the best solutions for commercial roof repair is either an acrylic or silicone roof coating. Applied as a liquid, these polymers conform to the surface of your roof, sealing small holes and cracks.
Once the coating dries, it forms a waterproof barrier over your existing roof, which can significantly extend the life of the roof. Even better, you can save on your utility bills by choosing a light color like white or silver, which will reflect sunlight and keep your building cooler.
Commercial Roof Replacements
Eventually, every roof needs to be replaced. While most roofing professionals will approach inspections with a repair-first mindset, it’s possible that they might decide that a commercial roof repair would be less cost effective than a roof replacement.
When that happens, your roofing professional will discuss all of your options with you, including roofing material, timeline for the project, and a cost estimate. If your roof was damaged due to a storm, you may also be able to file an insurance claim to help pay for your roof replacement.
If you’re replacing your commercial roof, the most important thing is to find a company you trust, one that offers licensed, bonded, and insured contractors who have experience in installing commercial roofing.
Professional Roofers Near Me
When you’re looking for help with commercial roof repairs, make Four Seasons Kanga Roof your first call. We offer a complete range of roofing services, from inspections and repairs to complete roof replacements. With our experienced team of roofing professionals, we have the knowledge and training you need to get the job done right.
Contact us today to speak with an expert about all of your commercial roof needs. At Kanga Roof, we’re always ready to hop to it!