There is a lot of maintenance associated with owning a commercial building. Out of the many details you need to be concerned with, the roof is certainly one of them. Knowing the condition of your commercial roof and when a commercial roof replacement is necessary may be difficult.

Without a healthy commercial roof, building occupants may experience mold growth, water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and electrical shortages. These issues drive away potential business and reduce the value of the property. So, we compiled a handful of signs to tell you when the right time is for a commercial roof replacement.

1. Age

old commercial roof needing replaced

The average lifespan of a commercial roof is between 20 to 40 years. This span is a large one but is highly dependent on a handful of factors. The types of materials, maintenance, weather conditions, and type of roof are all going to affect how long your commercial roof lasts.

Maintenance is a critical part of a commercial roof’s life. Without regular inspections and repairs, you’ll need a commercial roof replacement sooner rather than later. If you aren’t sure of your commercial roof’s age, you can call Golden City Remodeling for an inspection. We can assist you in determining when a commercial roof replacement is right for your building.

2. Water Leaks

water pooling on commercial roof replacement

Water leaks are a common sign for all buildings that a roof replacement is necessary. Many building materials are not waterproof, making a water leak problematic. Drywall, plaster, wood, and insulation may suffer from prolonged water exposure. Water will expand and swell these types of materials, creating unsightly blemishes within your building.

In addition to damaging building materials, water also draws mold and mildew. Mold poses a health risk to those within the building as it decreases the indoor air quality. Plus, mold never looks good in a building conducting business. Customers, employees, and tenants will see it as a sign of uncleanliness.

If these issues plague your building, call Golden City Remodeling for a commercial roof replacement.

3. Bubbling or Blisters

blistering commercial roof replacement

Membrane-style roofing like TPO, EPDM, and PVC experience blistering or bubbling. The cause of this issue is due to moisture finding its way underneath the membrane. When the moisture is heated underneath, it evaporates and expands. Eventually, the membrane fails to hold it in, and it pops like a blister. This problem also occurs with asphalt shingle roofs on residential buildings.

The primary reason blistering occurs is due to poor installation and ventilation. Climates with varying temperature fluctuations see this problem more often, but it isn’t always a sign of needing a commercial roof replacement. In many cases, the problem can be rectified with proper maintenance and repairs.

4. Exposed Seams

commercial roof replacement membrane

Membrane-style roofs are applied using a chemical adhesive or fastener. When this adhesive fails, it exposes seams in the roofing. As a result, you may experience roof leaks or water damage. Many factors may cause exposed seams, such as age, weather, and poor installation.

Regardless of the cause, it should be dressed right away. The longer the seams are exposed, the greater chance it has of rotting and sustaining water damage. Golden City Remodeling can perform commercial roof replacements without any installation problems.

5. Sagging Roof

sagging commercial roof replacement

A sagging commercial roof may be caused by three different problems: water damage, HVAC load, and damage to the load-bearing columns or beams. Water damage is the most common issue of these three because of how often your roof is exposed. Exposed seams to the membrane or old materials can allow water to pool on the roof. In turn, the roofing material begins to sag.

Damage to the columns and beams is caused by water damage. Water will tear away at the structural integrity of the support structure. This is the rarest of the three causes but should still be considered. As for the HVAC load, an engineer must solve that problem as it is their duty to determine if the roof structure can support the HVAC system.

When it comes to water damage, Golden City Remodeling can help you repair the damage and perform a commercial roof replacement.

Do you need a commercial roof replacement?

If your commercial roof has any of the signs mentioned above, contact a commercial roofing contractor. Golden City Remodeling has extensive knowledge and experience with commercial roofing replacements. Contact our team today at (310) 361-3271 for a free estimate. You can also learn more on our commercial roofing services page. There, you’ll find details about our process, the materials we use, and more.