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At some point, your roof is going to have some issues. However, most of these issues are easy to miss because they’re small and not visible to the naked eye. If ignored or not spotted in time, they could end up costing you a lot more and even posing a danger to the people under the roof.
Prevention is your safest bet in keeping your roof problem-free. But it’s essential to have your commercial roof installed and maintained by a professional because this ends up saving you money and avoiding future problems.
Here is a list of the 12 most common commercial roofing problems you’re likely to encounter.
1. Roof Leaks
Leaks are the most common roofing issues. Clogged drainage and open penetrations are what give water access through the roof, causing leaks. Hail, snow and wind also grant moisture access through the layers of your roof.
You can easily spot leaks by checking for water stains on the walls and ceiling, puddles inside the building or dripping water.
To prevent leaks, schedule regular appointments with a pro commercial roofing company.
2. Poorly Installed Flashing System
A poorly installed flashing system causes a high number of roof leaks in most commercial buildings. Flashing refers to pieces of impervious materials installed on your roof, skylights, chimneys and HVAC systems to prevent water from passing into your roof. Therefore, if your flashing isn’t correctly installed, some openings might lead to tiles blowing off and leaks. If ignored, this could lead to permanent roof damage.
To avoid these issues, the best thing is to have your roof installed by the best commercial roofing company in Dallas, TX.
3. Poor Installation
If your roof wasn’t correctly installed, the potential of ensuing roofing issues will be high, affecting the roofs lifespan.
Always ensure you’re working with a reputable roofing company on all matters regarding your roof. However, if you’re concerned that your roof isn’t correctly installed, it’s best to have a professional examine it.
4. Lack of Maintenance
Most common roof problems begin as small issues that you probably ignore. However, these minor issues end up causing major problems that cost a lot of bucks to repair.
Frequent inspections of your roof help detect problems early when they’re still small issues. In turn, this extends your roof’s lifespan.
5. Blow Offs
When heavy winds blow over a roof that’s improperly secured to the substrate, there are high chances of the roof billowing and, in some cases, getting blown off altogether.
This is because pressure above your roof’s surface decreases, while at the same time, internal air pressure expands due to air infiltration through cracks and openings on your roof.
If you suspect your roof might pose a danger, it’s best to contact a commercial roofing company.
6. Punctures
Many things could cause punctures on your roof, from strong winds to standing water. To spot punctures on your roof, check the sealant and flashing around the roof penetrations (for example, vents, chimneys and pipes), especially if they were added after your roof was installed. Small punctures on your roof could result in leaks, leading to more extensive problems.
7. Improper Repairs
Most roof issues require particular expertise and specific tools to get the job done. If your contractor performs a repair without the right tools, it poses a threat to your roof. Using the wrong tools could worsen the situation, even causing permanent damage.
To avoid disappointment and more damage to your roof, contact a professional roofing company and have them diagnose the problem and handle the repairs.
8. Blistering
At first, when you notice a blistered shingle, you ignore it, claiming it causes no harm. However, in time the blistered shingles increase; at this point, you can’t still ignore your roof as numerous blistered shingles could lead to bigger problems.
Therefore, upon noticing significant blistering of shingles, it would be best to contact a reputable roofing company and have them address the issue.
9. Standing water
This is a common problem on flat or low-sloped commercial roofs. Never allow water to puddle on your roof. Standing water can damage the materials used on your roof, resulting in costly repair charges. If you encounter this problem, it could be a sign of built-up debris, clogged gutters or HVAC units’ improper drainage.
To have the issue properly corrected and avoid it happening again in the near future, contact the best commercial roofing company.
10. Roof Aging
Commercial roofs usually stay in excellent condition for about 15-20 years. Therefore, the older the roof becomes, the more susceptible it is to damage. However, proactive maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your roof ages without any issues.
If your roof is in bad condition and hasn’t lasted you over 15 years, it’s better to have it replaced by a professional roofing company.
11. Shrinkage
Under the shingles of the roof, there’s a layer known as the roof membrane. When the roof membrane starts to shrink, it causes the roof’s upper layers to crack and craze. Your flashing pulling away from the wall could be a sign of shrinkage.
Shrinking is a serious matter that if ignored, could cause significant problems. This is why if you notice any signs of shrinking, contact a professional commercial roofing company.
12. Debris Buildup
Built-up debris is expected as a result of shaded leaves and broken tree branches. Built-up debris could clog your gutters or pile up on your roof, damaging roof materials. Though they may go unnoticed, it would be best to contact a professional to clear them as this could end up saving you in the future.
Contact Us for the Best Commercial Roofing Services
For all your commercial roofingneeds, Longhorn Commercial Roofing of Dallas, TX, has you covered. Whether your roof needs repair, maintenance or brand new installation, you can rely on our experienced and highly skilled technicians to handle the job. Our team of licensed professionals can address all your roofing needs right the first time. Contact us for the best roofing services today!