When is Professional Roof Repair Possible?
A property manager is tasked with ensuring that the roof of the building is reliable and in good repair. This requires routine maintenance to check for any damage, punctures, leaks, or breaches that may have occurred due to heat, storms, wear and tear, water, or debris. As is the case with any form of structural damage, the earlier the issue is resolved, the less costly it is likely to be. If you ignore minor problems, they are likely to become significant issues after another few months of abuse. Conversely, those who are aware of their roof’s condition and perform needed maintenance can often opt for roof repair over a new install.
Some of the damage you may notice on your commercial roof includes:
- Loose or Damaged Flashing: Flashing is a protective metal element that protects seams so that water and moisture can’t intrude. When flashing is missing or broken, the roof is vulnerable to further damage at its weakest points. This typically occurs where roof panels meet, as well as in proximity to roof ridges and around chimneys and vents. If you notice exposed seams or rusted or twisted flashing, call for repairs.
- Visible Damage: Visible weaknesses, such as cracks, blisters, or bubbles on roofing panels, are a sure sign of danger. This may manifest as bald spots, missing roof parts, or erosion of granules. In all cases, moisture may penetrate the roof, exacerbating the issue.
- Ponding Water: Flat commercial roofing is especially vulnerable to standing or ponding water, especially after a severe rainstorm. When the roof is structurally sound, water will be able to drain or evaporate. If water is lingering longer than 24-48 hours, the roof isn’t draining adequately, or parts of the roof are depressed or sinking. Ponding can be destructive to your roof condition and should be dealt with immediately.
- Water Stains: If you suspect your roof is leaking but cannot locate an external leak, you may be able to locate the breach from the interior of the building. Look on interior ceilings and walls for streaks and stains, which are generally indicative of a leak. Visible brown or black spots on walls and ceilings can mean mold and mildew are growing due to excess moisture. You may also notice dampness and musty odors. A roof leak puts tenant areas, insulation, personal property, and building electrical systems at risk, and the people inside the building may experience trouble breathing.
A New Roof May Not Be Necessary
There are some cases when damage to your roof might be severe enough to warrant a brand-new roof. However, a new roof is not always necessary, and the cost and work involved with installing a new roof can often be avoided. A roof coating can often be used to cover damaged areas to prevent and remedy leaks and represent a fast and easy solution that can save companies a significant amount of money.
A successful roof coating or recover project may protect and extend the lifespan and performance of your existing roof. If specified and applied properly, roof coatings can:
- avoid erosion and wear of the roof membrane
- resist degradation from solar radiation and pollution
- moderate the roof’s surface temperature, decreasing the urban heat island effect
When your commercial roof is nearing the end of its expected service life but is still in serviceable condition, a coating can improve performance and add years to the roof’s lifespan via a simple roof repair.
The professionals at Unicoat Industrial Roofing have applied coatings to commercial roof systems across several states. We are fully licensed and insured, provide extensive training to our employees (and do not use subcontractors), and utilize the latest in application technology designed for performance, efficiency, quality, lower costs, and shorter completion times.
Call today to learn more about how to extend the life of your roof for less.
