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Glorious weather, friendly people and booming trade are just three reasons to love Austin, TX. It’s a beautiful city where people take care of each other and their houses. Commercial roofing is an aspect of your home that you tend to overlook because it’s out of sight. Unfortunately, issues with roofing are usually only spotted when something goes wrong. Spring and fall are the ideal times to carry out roof inspections, helping you to save money by preempting any potential issues on the horizon.
There are several signs to watch out for that might indicate your roof requires repairs. In some cases, more drastic action such as recovery or replacement may be necessary. Longhorn Commercial Roofing can help you to get a roof that keeps you safe, warm and happy.
Finding Fallen Mortar
Mortar is the building material that was almost always used to bind roofing tiles to the roof. It has a limited lifespan, so be sure to check your mortar at least once per year. Chips or cracks in the mortar might be an early sign that your roof needs some attention. If it’s at the point where you’re finding mortar on the floor around your house, it’s time to call in professional roofing services to assess the situation.
Leaks in the Attic
When we find water around the home, our first thought is usually that a pipe is leaking or something has gone wrong with the plumbing. While this is sometimes the case, a leak in the attic is likely to be coming directly from outside. Circular water stains on the walls or ceiling or the sound of dripping water coming from within the walls are also signals that a leak is structural. Broken seals, missing tiles, poorly installed roofing and a complicated roofline, are some of the reasons your attic might be leaking.
Your Commercial Roofing Is Getting Old
Many of the factors that affect your roof depend on when it was built. Older materials, such as the type of tile and strength of the mortar, tend to be less sturdy than what we use today. If your roof is more than 20 years old, the chances are that you’ll need to replace it soon. A new roof, designed to suit your home and withstand the Texas weather, may last for 50 or more years.
Check Your Flashing
Flashing describes what connects items such as vents and chimneys to your roof. Made from galvanized steel or aluminum, they direct water away from structural joins and seams as well as holding the fixture to the roof. When inspecting your roof, ensure that the flashing is tightly sealed and in perfect condition. Damaged flashing can cause deterioration of the roof that you could have avoided.
Loose Tiles on Your Commercial Roofing Structure
If you find one loose tile a year, there may not be anything to worry about — an external factor is likely to have caused it. However, if you discover that more than one tile is loose, you could be in trouble. Loosening tiles is a significant sign that your roof is due for a full replacement.
Scuffing, Scrapes and Punctures
A roof is built to withstand an immense amount of pressure — sun, heavy rain, hail, wind and flying objects. A well-built, solid roof will show little to no sign of damage, even after a storm. If you notice patches, scratch marks or scuffing on your roof, you should pay attention. Shingle often has a protective layer over the top of it. Once something damages this layer, the sun can cause more damage, and a small hole can turn into a structural nightmare.
Commercial Roofing Gutter Issues
You must inspect your guttering even more frequently than your roof, as this equipment is used daily and is more susceptible to damage. Looking after your gutter can extend the lifespan of your roof, plus, getting up to check on your guttering also gives you a quick chance for a simple check-up on the roof. Leaks, rusting and a build-up of debris in the gutter all need to be dealt with immediately to prevent bigger problems in the future.
Any Kind of Sagging
No matter what type of roof you have — flat roof, hip roof or gable roof — it should follow a perfectly straight line. Sagging is a sign of structural damage, so if you see a bowed roof, especially if there is staining on the ceiling as well, call a professional commercial roofing contractor to assess the situation.
Mold or Moss Has Been Detected
If you see anything growing from the roof, it’s a potential problem. Moss or weeds take root and can potentially tear tiles and mortar apart. Mold might start off as a small problem, but as it grows, it attaches to materials it can eat away at and develops. This can gradually lead to the breakdown of various materials that are holding your roof together.
Tiles or Panels Are Missing From Your Commercial Roofing
If it’s been a few years since you last inspected your roof and you notice that several tiles or panels are missing from your roof, it’s time to call in a professional. An expert can let you know if a quick repair is enough to fix the problem. If you’ve had the roof repaired and tiles or panels start falling off again, we’d recommend that you look into the best type of new roof for your home.
Rotting Underlay
Underlay is the essential part of your roof that you can’t see. As such, it can start to wear down or fall apart and go undetected until it causes a substantial leak. Rotten underlay can weaken your roof at its core, potentially leading to collapse. If the underlay is damaged or worn, you’ll need an entirely new roof as it’s not possible to replace underlay alone.
Commercial Roofing Repair Services in Austin, TX
If you need roof repair services locally, call Longhorn Commercial Roofing today at 512-271-5909.
