The Age Old Question, When Is The Best Time.
If you’re responsible for commercial building maintenance, it can feel a bit like Whack-a-Mole. No sooner do you solve one problem than you see another one pop up.
This is especially true for your roofing.
Replacing your commercial roofing can help you get out in front of many problems. But how do you know when it’s time?
Read on to learn more about replacing your commercial roofing in Cleveland, Ohio!
The Lifespan of a Commercial Roof
Commercial vs. Residential
The lifespan of commercial roofing is almost always shorter than that of a single-family home.
Why is that?
Commercial roofs are generally flat. This makes them cheaper and more flexible, but it also means that water and snow are more likely to pool and cause damage.
If you have a tar roof, the top of your building will catch a lot of sun and heat, especially in the summer. This can age your roofing materials quite quickly.
This problem can also affect a dark-colored membrane roof.
Common Types of Roofing
A commercial roof’s lifespan is mainly determined by the commercial roof coatings used.
- Bitumen (or tar) roofing is made by laying down liquid or semi-solid bitumen. They generally last 10-20 years and are generally smelly and messy to install.
- Foam roofing is a system that uses spray foam. Foam roofing can last forever if cared for properly, but in practice generally lasts 20-40 years.
- Single-ply membrane roofing is designed to form an unbroken seal along the top of your roofing system. You have a choice of material (PVC, TPO, or EDPM) – depending on what it is, you can expect your membrane roof to last 25-40 years with proper maintenance.
Signs of Wear and Tear
- Water damage – it can be hard to tell when commercial roof coatings have a leak, so keep an eye out for water damage and mold inside.
- Blistering – if your roofing has blisters or air pockets, it’s a sign that your roofing is separating from the underlayment.
- Puddles – if water pools on your roof following a rain storm, it could be a sign that your drainage system has failed.
- Severe weather/age – periodic roof inspections, especially following a heavy storm, can help you spot problems before you notice other signs.
Risks of Delaying Commercial Roof Replacement
Damaged and aging roofs put you at risk for water damage, mold, and pest invasions. That can shut your business down, especially if you do food service or caring work.
The risks are even greater if you own your building – a damaged roof can cause further structural damage. You may also find insurance claims rejected if an adjuster thinks you were negligent in maintaining your building with regular Cleveland commercial roof repair.
Even if nothing really bad happens, a damaged roof is energy inefficient. You can see your profit margin slip as your HVAC costs increase.
Need Commercial Roofing in Cleveland, Ohio?
Don’t wait until disaster strikes to take care of your roof. Regular roofing maintenance is the best way to protect your inventory and livelihood from severe weather.
Talking to a Cleveland commercial roof repair company such as Gold Star Roofing can save you money and hassle down the line.
