If you’re reading this article, chances are, you have a good suspicion that you might need a specialist to look at your commercial roofing in Bath. When there are minor issues with your business’s roof, it can be tempting to turn a blind eye and bury your head in the sand, rather than face the problem at hand.
But that could be a costly mistake…
Even seemingly insignificant issues can wreak havoc further down the road, so don’t get caught out by that damp patch or small crack in the membrane. Save yourself a small fortune and book in a roof repair specialist!
Why are Commercial Roof Repairs Important?
When you own a commercial business, the health and safety of your staff and customers is of utmost importance. Imagine you have an unsafe roof at home. If you were to have a particularly bad leak or structural damage, you would be gravely concerned about the welfare of yourself and your family.
Now scale that by 100.
A damaged or dangerous commercial roof is no joke. With the potential for hundreds or even thousands of people to get injured, ignoring commercial roof repairs is just about the worst thing you can do as a business owner.
But, My Commercial Roof Looks Perfectly Fine…
If you haven’t had your commercial roof inspected for a while, you mustn’t assume that all is hunky dory. While a quick glance might lead you to assume that all is okay, in reality, you need a more thorough assessment to ensure that your roof is in good condition.
Commercial roofing requires professional inspections up to twice a year. If you’ve had no recent inspections and paid little attention to commercial roof maintenance, then there is a strong possibility that your insurance provider won’t pay out for repairs when things go wrong.
So, what are the most obvious signs your commercial roof needs a little TLC? Read on to find out now.
You have a Flat Roof Leak
Nowadays, flat roofs are a common choice for commercial buildings and offices as they save space, are easy to install and provide the perfect home for HVAC systems. Despite all of their benefits, when commercial flat roofs don’t have sufficient sloping or low-quality felts have been used, there becomes a bigger risk for leaks.
The good thing about a flat roof leak is that it is easier to spot. Due to the ease of accessibility, a roofer can quickly access the roof space and inspect for any deterioration, water build-up, blistering or weather damage. With a clearer view of the surface area, it’s quicker to get to the root of the problem.
Be mindful, however, that if you see a wet patch on the ceiling inside the building, this doesn’t necessarily mean the water is coming from directly above. Water tends to follow the easiest route, so if there’s a particularly vulnerable spot in the ceiling, this might be where the leak is visible but not necessarily where it originated.
There are Signs of Wear and Tear
When we talk about roofing wear and tear, we are generally referring to deterioration that has happened over time due to age. Depending on the type of commercial roof that your property has, this could mean different things. On a pitched roof, common signs of wear and tear might be slipped, broken or weathered roof tiles. On a flat roof, you might notice blistering caused by air or moisture pockets trapped between the membrane.
With both flat roofing and pitched roofs, you may also experience faulty flashing due to temperature fluctuations. This can be a serious issue, particularly when the roof is exposed to adverse weather.
At the end of the day, the older your roof is, the more likely it is that it will fall victim to wear and tear. So, keep on top of regular inspections and always call out a trusted roofing contractor the moment you notice something amiss.
Your Commercial Roof Has Been Damaged
There are a whole host of reasons that your commercial roofing could be damaged. From severe weather and encroaching trees to unwanted pests and roof debris. When damage occurs, your first port of call is to eliminate danger. Depending on the size of the job, a roofing contractor may be able to repair the issue there and then. However, if the damage is extensive, a more complex job could require multiple visits.
Do I Need a Repair or is it Time for a Commercial Roof Replacement?
So, when does a commercial roof go from needing repairs to needing a replacement? There are a few telltale signs that a roofing repair won’t be enough.
Repeated Commercial Roof Leaks
Roofs that leak repeatedly despite regular repairs will often need replacing. If your roof is severely water-damaged it could drastically impact the integrity of the roof structure, putting you and your staff in danger.
Roof Sagging
If your roof is sagging, then this indicates that it’s likely to be at the end of its life. In some cases, a sagging roof can be replaced (eg when caught early). However, in most instances, a total replacement is the best course of action. With a roof replacement, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your roofing is structurally sound and your staff are protected.
Your Roof is (Really) Old
With ancient roofs, come a whole host of potential issues. Not only do older roofs start to look unsightly over time, but the longer they take a battering from wet and windy weather, the more likely they are to become defective. So, if it’s been 50+ years since your commercial roof was installed and it’s looking a little worse for wear, it’s a no-brainer. ‘Out with the old and in with the new’!
Use a Commercial Roof Repair Expert
Are you looking for a commercial roof repair contractor?
At S&J Bath, our experienced team are fully equipped to deal with even the most complex commercial roofing issues. Whether you have flat roofing or shingles, our experts will carry out a thorough assessment and provide you with a competitive quote for the job.
Call us today to arrange a free consultation or fill out our simple contact form to get in touch with a member of our team.