Tuscaloosa Roofing Pros is a division of Pinnacle Construction. We want to make sure you recognize the signs of a roof problem so you can take care of it before it causes more expense.

For commercial buildings, the roof is simultaneously the primary defense against the natural elements as well as the most vulnerable component of the structure. The roof is consistently and regularly exposed to wind, rain, hail, snow, even fire and extreme heat, and this exposure inevitably leads to deterioration, raising the threat of damage to both the roof and the structure and contents it protects.

As per the International Building Code (IBC), the primary purpose of the roof is to “protect the building,” and in pursuit of that purpose, one must begin with design, selection of materials, and finding a time for installation – usually when a facility is first constructed or during a period of remodeling, which is itself an infrequent occurrence beyond the normal operations of most businesses. Further, roofs require regular inspections, maintenance, and repair, which necessitates proper operational planning so as to ensure the roof performs its purpose in protecting your business and assets from the elements.

 

This article, then, serves to highlight common issues with commercial roofing and how to identify and address them in a timely and efficient manner.

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF A ROOF PROBLEM

Your first priority should be to identify any problems that exist with your roof, more so if it has been some time since last the roof was inspected.

 Some serious problems can be evident from the exterior of the building, such as water stains indicating a leak, which itself could indicate a crack or other fissure in the roof. Leakage, whether large or small, can indicate major problems with the integrity of the roof, and so such signs and symptoms must be identified as soon as possible. Unexplained mold and odors within the structure also indicate internal water damage and water penetration via a roof leak, but visual inspection of the roof itself is always of paramount importance when determining the best course of action to remedy such problems.

While inspections can occasionally be performed by the owner of a structure – depending on the geography and accessibility of the roof – hiring a contractor ensures that the inspection is completed efficiently and safely. Despite hiring a professional, however, the points highlighted in this article may still inform you to the importance of what may be discovered in an inspection, and reinforce the need to address the issues.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE ROOF—SOME VISUAL CLUES – Don’t forget that the Tuscaloosa Roofing Pros will do a FREE Inspection for you. Just give us a call and we’ll set up a time right away.

Even before a structure suffers internal water damage, standing water on a roof over prolonged time can still be a threat to the structure, causing premature aging and deterioration of the roof cover, eventually leading to leaks. Undetected leaks may rot wood and rust steel, and over time break down concrete and gypsum decks, destroying their integrity. Even at a basic level, standing water is not weightless, and the weight of large amounts of water can and will eventually weaken the roof, further increasing the risk of leaks and damage.

Bubbles within the roof cover often signal to moisture trapped within, shortening the lifespan and increasing the threat of leaks, as well as reducing the cover’s ability to resist the uplift forces at play during a windstorm. The presence of bubbles does not guarantee the presence of water, however, as the bubbles could be a result of gasses emanating from insulation board that cannot escape the cover. Moisture surveys and roof cuts can be performed to definitively diagnose the problem.

Roof flashing – thin pieces of impervious material such as metal – is installed where the roof cover and wall meet, as well as around protruding objects present on the roof, and serves to divert water away from seams, joints, and other such weaker areas of the roof. Gaps in the flashing, then, greatly increases the possibility that the roof cover will fail in the face of high winds, water intrusion, or mold. Damage to the cover or ancillary components, such as tears or cracking seams, can further allow water to intrude beneath the protection. Further information on flashing, including repairs and replacement, can be found in IBHS’ documents for “Evaluating Coping and Flashing.”

ADDITIONAL AREAS FOR INSPECTION

Lightning protection systems should also be checked, primarily for looseness or detachment from its moorings. During particularly strong winds, loose lightning protection systems may tear or puncture the roof covering, to say nothing of further damage to the system itself. Without proper connection of the system’s cables and aerials, the building and its occupants are vulnerable as the system is no longer providing the intended protection. The securement of skylights should also be checked, especially around the frame’s edge. Without proper sealing and security, heavy wind may dislodge the skylight, and debris and rain may enter the building through the newly created opening. One should also be sure to check the plastic domed panels of the skylight, as they can become brittle over time and thus are vulnerable to cracking.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Regular care and preventative maintenance are the best ways to avoid problems with your roof and strengthen its resistance to the elements, as well as prolonging the lifespan of the roof, thus preventing the need for absolute replacement in favor of repairs. Depending on such factors as the roof’s age, recent weather, and degree of foot traffic on the roof, the frequency of inspection for maintenance may vary. Scheduling inspections to occur every 6 months – once during spring and again during fall – is a reliable way to ensure the inspection is not interfered with or interfering with other ongoing important business.

Some things to keep in mind:

Every inspection, whether routine or not, should develop of plan of repair for the signs and indications of problems as described above.

Repeat storms can severely reduce the strength of the roof, and so the roof should be inspected for damage after any severe windstorms or hurricanes. Though a roof may survive a storm itself, damage sustained may be enough to cause it to fail during the next weather event.

Signs of previous leaks or other problems should be noted during inspection to ensure that previous repairs were successful.

Loose objects and accumulated debris should be removed from the roof, as many materials have a tendency to hold moisture that can deteriorate the roof. Conversely, in dry areas, debris can catch fire from even embers that can then ignite the roof, and so should be removed even if moisture isn’t an issue.

Trees near the roof should be kept trimmed, as branches that rub against the roof can disperse leaves that can clog drains and gutters.

Gutters, drains, and downspouts should be inspected for leaves, twigs, and other debris that inhibit drainage. In areas prone to hurricanes, gutters should be additionally checked for gutter straps which resist wind uplift.

Rooftop vents and equipment should be well sealed, and if any gaps should be found, they should be sealed with flashing cement. If the flashing has become too badly deteriorated, replacement may be necessary.

In the event of large hail stones, your insurer should be contacted for a roof inspection, despite whether you believe there to be any damage.

If there are concerns after a maintenance review of the roof, consulting a professional contractor may be helpful in verifying the roof’s integrity, as well as determining the health of the roof, estimating its remaining lifespan, developing a plan for maintenance, and determining additional steps to take to protect the roof.

Some things to consider when hiring a roofing contractor:

Always search for professionals who are established, licensed, or bonded. The Tuscaloosa Roofing Pros have you covered there.

Verify references that include other commercial buildings in your specific area. Due to our extensive work as roofing contractors in Tuscaloosa, we have MANY high quality references that we can provide to you.

 Check for complaints against the company by contacting your local Better Business Bureau. You’ll find that Pinnacle Construction – Your Tuscaloosa Roofing Pros have a perfect record and no complaints after many years in the roofing business in West Alabama.

The bid for services should clearly define the work that will be performed, including removal of debris and cleanup of the grounds. We pride ourselves on the way we leave your property exactly as we found it or in better shape.

 If a new roof is being installed on an existing building, ensure that the deck is inspected for water soaked or decaying material, and have damaged material replaced in the course of the contract.

Properly maintained roofing is a necessity in the interests of protecting your building and the business conducted inside.

 Maintenance is always less costly than the cost of damage, whether from small leaks to catastrophic roof failure.

The Tuscaloosa Roofing Pros have seen it all and we can fix any problem you might experience.