When Should I Call a Roofer?
Signs your commercial roof needs help
Who keeps an eye on your roof? Does anyone know the last time it was checked, serviced or maintained? Perhaps that’s a “file” you’ve been meaning to start and keep updated, but just haven’t gotten around to?
Perhaps you visit the roof for a regularly scheduled check-in, but just aren’t sure what to look for. If this task falls on your plate, here’s a starting point for assessing the health of your commercial roof.
If you have any uncertainty, questions or concerns, give our experts a call!
Some warning signs are obvious
Let visible, obvious damage be a sign that you should call us. Plants growing on your roof or in your gutters can cause extensive damage if left untreated. Edge metal separating or pulling away can lead to further damage inside the roofing system and your building. Missing shingles or a leak inside your building rightfully cause a sense of urgency.
Call us right away!
Pooling or ponding water is a large gray area because all flat roofs will have some ponding and tolerance for the water. Extreme Ponding can be a sign of a larger drainage issue, and we would want to determine why, where, and when the ponding occurs. If left untreated, too much standing water for too long can cause a more rapid decline of your roofing system.
Let’s ask questions together.
Advice from our commercial roofing experts: what to look for on your roof
For low slope / flat membrane roofs
- Tenting, where the membrane is pulling away from the wall no longer forming a 90* bend between the wall and roof surface.
- Cracking or visible dry rot of the membrane.
- Membrane or Patches curling – seams age, they may lift and curl allowing water to enter the roofing system.
- Holes or punctures in the membrane, tears or open seams.
- Billowing or shifting of the membrane – this will appear as more than just wrinkles on the surface.
For metal roofs
- Rust around the screws or popped screws are the most visible external cause for a leak
- Dents, cracks or creases that rust and lead to leaks
- Sagging insulation visible on the inside / under-side of the roof
- Bent or creased gutter brackets – often due to the weight of ice and snow
- Cracked or dried and failing caulk at the site of earlier repairs
For shingle roofs
- Nails sticking up.
- Balding or darkened patches on the roof will also appear as excessive shingle debris at your downspouts.
- Curling or cupping shingles.
- Any visual anomalies in the geometric consistency of the shingle pattern – could indicate lifting or shifting shingles.
- Icicles or moisture INSIDE the attic or coming out the soffit.
Look Beyond Visible Signs
Even less obvious than the physical deterioration of the roof is a worsening of the building’s energy efficiency. A healthy roof provides ample insulation and ventilation, which help manage your building’s energy consumption for climate control. Persistent roof leaks often lead to sodden insulation, which will go unnoticed until it breaches your interior.
Additionally, roof systems have a limited lifespan. Life expectancy differs by roof type, but “old age” starts between 15 – 20 years. Your geriatric roof could cause you avoidable problems.
Don’t wait for an emergency to arise, be informed about the health of your commercial roof.
Give Our Roofing Experts A Call If You Suspect Rooftop Damage
If you see any of these scenarios, your roof is telling you it’s time to call Great Lakes Roofing.
Our experts will diagnose whether you’re in a repair or replace situation, and create a customized roof care plan with you. They’ll tell you what you need to hear about the roof, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
Great Lakes Roofing offers 24/7 emergency roof services. If your roof shows signs of distress, call your local Great Lakes Roofing branch to assess the damage and schedule a repair.
800-871-5151.
We’ll make sure your roof stays watertight. Think of us as Here Today, Dry Tomorrow!
