Commercial Roof Replacement: 5 Signs It's Absolutely Necessary

When you walk into your business every morning, you probably don’t give much thought to the roof above your head.

But, like everything else in life, a roof doesn’t last forever. You might get 50 years out of a tile or metal roof, but a standard shingled roof needs replacing every 20-25 years.

When’s the last time you had a commercial roof replacement? Have you ever had a commercial roof replacement?

If you’re scratching your head, you might be facing this situation sooner than you think. Here are 5 sure signs you’ll soon need a new roof for your business.

Visible Roof Deterioration

If you haven’t inspected your roof for a while, it’s time to pay it a visit. Signs of deterioration on a shingled roof include:

Bubbling
Curling
Cracking
Missing shingles
Splitting
Blistering
Moss or algae growth

Metal roofs typically last longer than shingled roofs, but they’re not immune to damage either. Tears, corrosion, rust, and warping are all signs your metal roof is approaching its expiration date.

Signs of Water Infiltration

Next, take a look at your property’s attic, ceilings, and walls. Do you see any signs of water leaks or infiltration?

Dark spots
Soft or sagging spots
Visible mold or mildew
Musty smell
Flaking or bubbling on walls or ceilings
Orange (rust) stains

If you notice any signs that water is seeping in, your roof isn’t doing its job. Schedule a roof inspection ASAP before the damage gets worse and creates health problems or expensive repair bills.

Damaged Roof Membrane

Does your roof receive a lot of foot traffic? The more people tread across your roof, the greater the chances of damaging the membrane over time.

Metal roofs aren’t immune either, especially if you live in an area with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. Years of expanding and contracting can make the membrane brittle, leaving it ripe for warping and cracking.

Higher Heating & Cooling Bills

When your roof is properly insulating the building, your energy bills should be consistent throughout the year (or each season).

If you notice a dramatic uptick in your heating or cooling costs, it could be a sign your roof isn’t functioning properly. The same is true if the building doesn’t cool off or heat up sufficiently, no matter how much you adjust the thermostat.

The Passage of Time

Often, the biggest sign you need commercial roof repair is simply the passage of time.

As stated at the outset, you’ll get around 20 years from a shingled roof and 50 years from a metal roof. Extreme temperatures, severe storms, and other outside factors can decrease these averages.

If decades have passed since your last roof replacement, chances are you’ll need one sometime soon.

Is It Time for Commercial Roof Replacement?

So, how did your assessment go?

Are there visible signs of deterioration or damage to your commercial roof? Have you noticed an increase in your energy bills? Or have the years slipped away to the end of the roof’s lifespan?

If you feel you need a commercial roof replacement, don’t delay. Contact a roofer in your area for an inspection ASAP.

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