The eight most critical dangers to a commercial roof’s lifespan

Warning Signs You Need a New Roof 

Any good commercial roofing system should last 20 to 30 years. Unfortunately, that’s rarely ever the case. No roofing system is strong enough to withstand the mighty persistence of Mother Nature. Striking against your will, she leaves a toll on your most important investment, leaving building owners and facility managers with plenty of issues to deal with. But roofing projects are expensive initiatives, and they should never be something that you have to jump into prematurely. 

Don’t get wrapped up with a costly repair, an early replacement, or a myriad of other problems. Be cautious, proactive, and keep your eyes peeled for these crucial warning signs: 

Leaks and Water Stains

Once a storm passes, take a look in your attic for signs of leaks. Some leaks are strong enough to inflict damage on your shingles and may even deteriorate roof flashing.  But it’s not just the attic you need to keep a close eye on. Inspect every corner of your home and take note of your ceiling’s condition. Call your contractor if you notice any interior stains as they can lead to the spread of mold, while also triggering more leaks.

Broken or Missing Shingles

The surface of an asphalt roof need close attention. Check to see is all the shingle tabs are intact. Over time, shingles are going to absorb a lot of wear and tear, thus losing not only its aesthetic appeal, but also its durability. A dry, cracked, or punctured shingle have clearly reached the end of their useful life. This should be a clear indication that it’s time to invest in a new roof.

Paint Blistering and Peeling 

Moisture trapped in the house due to poor ventilation can cause exterior paint to peel and blister. This usually stems from the condition of your roof. When you start to notice any paint chipping on the outside of your building, set up a roofing inspection, because this probably means that a replacement is likely on the horizon. 

Roof Valley Buildup

Valleys are some of the most important areas of your roof. They help preserve the condition and functionality of your gutters and downspouts. A poorly functioning roof valley can cause the gutters to overflow during periods of snow or rainfall. This can lead to leakage, repairs, and expensive headaches. 

Outdated Roof Flashing

This is a critical area of concern. Roof flashing is a protective sealant installed between the joints of the roofing elements. Its sole purpose is to keep water out of the building. If your flashing contains cement or tar, then an immediate replacement might be necessary. Support your roof with water-tight metal flashing material such as copper or aluminum. 

Exterior Decay

Regularly check the sheathing and siding of your roof, especially after storms. Any excess moisture can cause decay, which is a leading cause for damaged, damped shingles and exterior fade. This not only hinders the exterior appeal of the building, but it makes the building more susceptible to water damage. You should automatically strategize a roof replacement any time you spot decaying matter. 

Dark Exterior Stains

After a while, you might start to see dark statins on your shingles. This is probably the result of vegetation, fungus, mold, or algae growing on your roof. Put a stop to the spread of these issues fast, otherwise they might lead to various health concerns for anyone occupying the building. Unfortunately, many of these problems are beyond repairable and when that’s the case, you’ll need to replace your roofing system in its entirety. 

Expensive Energy Bills

Have you ever looked at your energy bills and thought “what is this charge for?” More often than not, you might be getting inadequate ventilation support from your heating and cooling setup. Ironically, this frequently stems from your roofing system. When your roofing system starts to fail, it traps hot air in smaller, condemned areas of the building, which creates moisture that drips into insulation. As a result, this forces your HVAC equipment to work harder and exhaust more energy, causing your utility bills to skyrocket each month. 

Preserve the Lifespan of Your Roof 

Why wait to have your roof checked out until it’s on it’s last leg of life? Take action now and make sure that you are getting the most out of your commercial roofing system. Whether it’s an emergency service or an entirely new installation, Frederic Roofing bears the skills, tools, and knowledge to help you reach and exceed roof life expectancy. We’re your St. Louis’ all-in-one source for today’s most sophisticated roofing initiatives. 

With our experts by your side, greater peace of mind for contractors, property managers, and building occupants alike. Take advantage of roofing support that leads to more energy efficiency, greater cost savings, and long-term protection. 

Contact us today to schedule a complimentary roofing inspection!