Your roof is your commercial business’ first line of defense against rain, hail, snow, scorching sun, and more. It can trap heat in winter and keep your commercial space or business cooler in summer, saving on energy bills over time. Yet, this absolutely critical structure is so often overlooked, and that can lead to big problems down the road. When a roof is damaged or installed incorrectly, water can seep into the very framework of your commercial space or business, causing mold issues that can impact your health and peace of mind. Don’t let this happen to your commercial space or business.
Wondering if it might be time for a new roof? We’ll send one of our professionals to check your roofing, siding, and gutters for any signs of damage. The professionals at Standard Roofing & Restoration have spent decades working with materials, and experience has shown them what works and what isn’t worth the time.
As a commercial space or business owner, roof problems can be a nightmare we would rather ignore until forced to deal with it. But there are specific signs you need a new roof if you know what to look for. Burying your head in the sand and waiting until there is a big problem can make the issue and its solution more costly and complicated.
These are 5 telltale signs you need a new roof:
1. Leaks
Everyone knows a big leak should be resolved immediately, but little leaks are also telltale signs that your roof is ready for repair or replacement. Small pinhole leaks that don’t do much damage can easily be ignored but they will continue to grow and eventually demand your attention. If notice any of the following factors, you need to take action:
- Water stains in ceilings or walls
- Dripping sounds
- Mold growing in ceilings/walls
- High humidity levels indoors
- Musty smell indoors
2. Shingle Color Changes
A healthy roof will have a consistent color throughout. Look for the following factors to determine if your roof may need repair or replacement:
- Look for blotchy colors
- Check your roof for areas of obvious wear and tear: look where leaves or snow tend to sit and hide
- If wood shingles are darker in some areas, this may indicate rot
- Drastic color changes and a roof nearing the end of its life span (20-year mark) are indicators that it may be time to get a new roof
3. Rotting, Curling, or Missing Shingles and Tiles
As shingles age, they start to deteriorate. For wood and asphalt shingles the most common sign that has reached the end of their life is curling of the edges. If you observe several stray shingles, you are in need of a new roof very soon and may need to check in with the pros for a free estimate.
For tiled roofs, missing tiles might signal another underlying problem. Perhaps the sealants, flashing, and nails are needing to be replaced, as they’re letting in leaks. These deteriorating parts can cause tiles to slip out of position or even to fall away completely.
Metal roofs can last a very long time, but their biggest danger is rust. So if you spot some rust showing through it is time to treat that rust and recoat your metal roof. If left too long the rust will create pinholes very quickly, leading to serious leaks and issues for your roof.
4. Particles in the Gutters
When your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, particles and pieces from the shingles start to show up in the gutters. The more pieces, the more urgent your need to consider a roof repair or replacement. Cleaning your gutters is an important thing to do at least once a year, not only for drainage issues but also for discovering any issues with the integrity of your roof.
5. Age of the Roof
As a rule, the roofing materials will determine how soon you’ll need a new roof. Many roofs made with wood or asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of 15-30 years, depending on the material used. For older buildings, alternate materials like clay, metal, and slate may have been used. Often these sealants, nails, and wooden supports wear out sooner than the materials. At this point, it may be time to arrange for a professional assessment to determine a plan for the best repair or replacement strategy.
Key Questions to ask about the Roof When Buying a commercial space or business:
- Was the previous roof removed?
- How many layers of shingles are there?
- What’s the ventilation like?
- When was this particular roof installed?
Call the Commercial Roofing Pros
Standard Roofing & Restoration has been in this business since 1901. There isn’t a residential roofing problem we haven’t solved before. From water and storm damage to missing parts on a previous installation, we are well-equipped and ready to fix whatever roofing issue you might have. Standard Roofing and Restoration Co. specializes in residential and commercial roofing services in southeastern Wisconsin. Unlike other roofing companies, we’re roofers – not salesmen – first. So, when you partner with us, you won’t just get a new roof for your commercial space or business or business – you’ll also get an expert in the field of roofing, who has extensive knowledge of and experience working on roofs. Contact us today for a FREE ESTIMATE and to discover if your roof is in need of repair or replacement.