When your commercial roof is leaking or shows any signs of damage, it’s time for an inspection. Full roof replacement is expensive but you may not need it. Unless your roof is severely damaged, you should be able to get it repaired. Usually, roofs can last for up to 30 years. Take the time to evaluate your options and get a roof inspection before buying a new roof.
Should You Replace The Roof?
A maintained roof can last for decades and if there is any small damage, it can usually be fixed quick and inexpensive. You do not need to replace the entire roof for these reasons:
- Missing or loose shingles
- Damaged flashing around vents and chimneys
- Sagging gutters
- Hail damage
There are plenty of contractors offering free roof inspection. If you notice any of these signs, then the next step is to get one. After inspecting the roof and identifying any damage, they will tell you how much the repair will cost.
Roof Damage Signs
Roofs are prone to wear and tear from extreme temperatures, hail storms, and old age. Repair costs will rise the longer you wait to address any of these issues. Make sure you need an inspection before you schedule one. The common signs to look for are:
- Damaged Shingles: Look to see if these are cracked, curled, or missing? Also, check for dark spots and signs of dirt.
- Old Age: If you’ve had the same roof for over 20 years, it’s time for an inspection. Note that old roofs are more likely to get damaged. On top of that, they may not be safe as shingles could break injure people passing by.
- Water Stains: If you notice water stains running down interior walls, your roof might be the culprit. Check both the ceiling walls for moisture. Most leaks start small and get worse over time. The sooner you get your roof fixed, the better.
- Algae Growth: The roof is the perfect place for algae growth. If you see algae on the roof, don’t try to clean it yourself as it may be dangerous. Call for an inspection.
- Flashing: Check the vents, chimneys, skylights for cracks breaks. Look for leaks in the roof. In older buildings, flashing is made of tar or cement. Its role is to seal the roof seams from rain and bad weather. If there are any signs of damage, get a metal flashing system.
- Granules in the Gutter: Granules in the gutters are not an issue if you just got a new roof. However, if your roof is over 15 years old, this could be a problem. These granules can deteriorate leaving your roof susceptible to damage.
- Sagging: If your roof is sagging, there could be a structural problem. Even though you’re not in danger, the damage can get worse. A sagging roof can have a variety of causes, such as framing or structural issues. Faulty roof materials rotten sheathing may be the culprit too.
If the roof carries too much weight, it is more susceptible to wear and damage. You should also pay attention to:
- Gutter waterfalls
- Storm damage
- Soft spots on the roof interior
- Loose material around the pipes
- Bald spots
- Dark streaks stains
- Moss in the corners of your roof
- Ice dams
- Small dimples in the roof surface
- Sunlight showing through the roof
- Blistering exterior paint
What to Expect from a Roof Inspection
A roof inspection will save you money and bring peace of mind, yet this preventative measure is often overlooked. Roofing professionals will check the roof exterior and interior. They may also look for signs of moss, missing shingles, rust spots on flashing. Inspections can also help detect chimney cracks, improperly seated nails, damaged downspouts. The roofing contractor will also measure attic ventilation and perform thermographic readings. The information gathered is used to recommend appropriate maintenance repair. Most contractors provide a free estimate. They can also offer advice on how to take care of your roof.
Final word
To keep your roof in good, perform an annual inspection and schedule one after every storm. Make sure no damage has occurred. Keep an eye on the condition of your roof throughout the year. Repair costs will be less than roof replacement and your roof will last much longer with a preventative care.
