From leaks to blistering—commercial roofs display many signs of wear and tear, some of which need to be treated ASAP to avoid expensive bills down the line! In this guide, you’re going to find out about the top signs that indicate wear and tear on commercial roofs. Hopefully, this will help you recognize these signs early on and avoid bigger problems that eat into your business cash flow.
Let’s begin with the most common signs of commercial roofing wear and tear.
1. Water Stains & Leaks
First, we have water damage. When water gets in, it’s game over. That’s true for all types of roofs, not just commercial ones. In fact, if you ask any reputed roofing contractor in Florida, they’ll tell you that water damage is the #1 problem they help fix for both homeowners and business owners.
Water stains generally signal underlying issues that can compromise the structural integrity of the whole building, not just the roof. Even smaller signs of water leakage and even dampness can be the face of a huge issue, a can of worms just waiting to be opened. The sooner these problems are solved, the better.
Now, water damage works differently in the case of commercial roofing compared to a residential roof. And that’s why you need an expert here to tell you exactly what could be wrong. Any guesswork can cause a major dent in your wallet later on.
Leaks, especially, need to be fixed immediately.
2. Blistering & Bubbling
Blisters on commercial roofs form when pockets of air or moisture get trapped between layers of roofing material. This can happen if the roofing membrane is improperly installed, or if there are issues with the bonding process. Over time, as the roof heats up under the sun, these pockets expand, causing visible blisters or bubbles to appear on the surface.
Trapped moisture leads to bubbles. And you don’t need to be a commercial roofing contractor to understand why. It happens because moisture can seep into the roofing materials due to leaks, poor draining, and even humidity in some cases. This creates significant pressure between roofing layers.
In turn, this pressure pushes up on the membrane, thus forming the visible bubbles. An eyesore, really, but more importantly, a grave issue that needs fixing. Thankfully, commercial roof repair for bubbles isn’t very expensive if you catch it early on.
But if you leave it unchecked, these blisters will weaken the integrity of the roof by stretching and straining the roofing materials. Over time, heavily blistered areas become very fragile, and can get cracked or start to leak. This basically shortens your roof’s lifespan. It won’t be surprising if you need a complete commercial roof replacement due to this.
3. Cracks and Splits in Roofing Material
One thing that a commercial roofing company cannot ensure for you is protection against aging. Cracking is a common sign of aging in commercial roofs. Like nearly every other building material exposed to the elements, roofing materials also expand and contract as the temperature around them changes. Eventually, this makes them lose flexibility.
And inflexible solids crack. Not need to be a commercial roofing expert to know that.
Also, poor maintenance or materials that weren’t built to handle the climate in the first place also cause premature cracking. It’s also not rare to see areas with drastic temperature changes cause significant expansion and contraction in roofing materials—leading to premature cracking.
First, you need to make sure that the commercial roof installation is top-notch. With the right materials for climate, that is, and only high-quality materials and processes. Second, you need to conduct a commercial roof inspection by experts regularly. These are the only two ways to avoid cracking and extend the lifespan of your commercial roof.
Not all cracks mean it’s time for a new roof, but large or deep splits can signal a need for replacement. If cracks are widespread or appear in critical areas where moisture can easily seep in, it’s often a sign that the roof is nearing the end of its useful life.
Other Signs of Damage
There are a few more signs of damage. Often, these are caused by age, damage from the elements, poor commercial roof maintenance, or avoiding roofing inspections like the plague. Here’s a quick lowdown:
- Pooling or Standing Water: Flat commercial roofs are prone to pooling water, particularly if the drainage system is clogged or the roof’s pitch is inadequate. Dirt and debris can block drains, while areas with low spots due to settling or sagging are common places for water to accumulate after rain or snow melts. This can cause all sorts of problems ranging from health risks and attracting pests to leaks and structural damage due to mold and algae.
- Sagging or Uneven Roof Surfaces: Sagging areas on your roof are often a red flag for structural problems. This can occur when the underlying support system—be it trusses, beams, or decking—is compromised. Causes of sagging include water damage, rot, and poor installation.
- Damaged Flashing & Loose Seams: Flashing acts as a protective barrier, sealing the edges of your roof against water intrusion. Typically installed around vents, chimneys, and along the roof’s perimeter, flashing prevents water from seeping into vulnerable areas. Over time, however, flashing can degrade or become loose. Needless to say, when that happens, these key areas are not protected that well anymore.
What to Do?
Get in touch with a leading commercial roofing company such as Chappelle Roofing, of course! You can get a roof quote right now—telling you what kind of an expense you’re looking at. They are true experts who understand commercial roofs really well. More than just a service provider, they are a company that educates homeowners so you can select the best service, equipment, and materials for your needs.
All that is a culmination of years of hands-on roofing experience. So, get in touch with the pros if you spot any signs of wear and tear on your commercial roof before it’s too late!
