The roof on any commercial building is crucial as it protects the entire building from external elements, but it can be hard to determine when it’s time to repair or replace its roof. Since replacing and renewing a roof is an investment, it’s important to know the signs to look for so that you can save money in the long run, not only on your roof but your commercial building as a whole.
Having a commercial building in Nashville, TN can also mean that your commercial roof has most likely weathered some severe weather. In previous years, Nashville has experienced some severe weather conditions, like tornadoes, straight line winds, and hail storms, that can cause damage to homes, cars, and roofing, seen or unseen.
Let’s look into some practical ways of knowing if you should renew or replace your commercial roof with the help of the roofing at Austermiller Roofing.
What is Commercial Roofing?
Commercial roofing is roofing used in non-residential buildings such as:
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Office buildings
- Malls
- Hotels
Even though commercial buildings are non-residential, they still are places where people work, shop, and even stay the night, like a hotel. Because of this, it’s important that the roofs on commercial buildings are in good condition for the safety of those inside.
Signs of a Damaged Commercial Roof
While it’s always best to seek expert advice when gauging if your commercial roof is damaged, there are some basic ways to know that it needs repair or replacement. Some basic signs include:
- Water Leaks: If you notice inside your commercial building that there are water spots on the ceilings or literal leaks, that is a common sign there is an issue on top.
- Mold Spots: In the same way water spots can be an indication of a damaged roof, mold growth on the ceiling (or on the roof) usually means water damage has occurred causing mold growth. Mold can lead to serious health issues when exposed for long periods of time.
- Cracks: If you can safely access your commercial roofing and notice any cracks or tears on the roof this is another sign of damage.
- Water Puddles: Ponding water on a roof is another sign your commercial roof is damaged, as this built-in roof drainage system has most likely failed.
Most of these damages can be noticed inside, such as water or mold spots. While other signs like cracks, tears, and water puddles are normally viewed on top of the roof. It is always suggested that you do not access your roof, if it is unsafe to do so, but rather connect with a professional roofer who can assess your commercial roof.
Signs to Repair a Commercial Roof
A damaged roof does not always warrant a complete roof overhaul but may mean it needs some repairs and renewals. We do recommend that if you do see damage connect with a roofer at Austermiller who can help you understand if you need a complete replacement or just repairs. But, there are some common signs that your commercial roof needs renewal, such as:
- Rip or Tear: It’s normal for commercial roofs to have wear and tear from weather and other external elements. If you notice a rip or tear, be sure to check in with a roofer as it could reveal a deeper issue. If not repaired appropriately or timely it can lead to more money and time spent on repairing or eventually replacing the roof.
- Minor Roof Leak: Small brown spots on a ceiling can be a sign of leakage, but may only require a small portion of the roof to be repaired.
- Storm Damage (minor): Small-sized hail or strong winds can lead to damage to commercial roofing, especially with Nashville’s common summer thunderstorms. After a storm, it can be beneficial to safely check your commercial roof for any major damage, and talk with your roofer. Sometimes hail damage can be minor and will only require replacing a small portion of the roof.
If these small damages are not repaired timely or appropriately, your commercial roof may be prone to further damages, meaning more money spent in the long haul. This is another reason why it’s important to keep up with the required maintenance on your commercial roof. This allows your roofers to catch any issues before they become bigger, and to determine if your commercial roof only needs a repair or a full replacement.
Signs to Replace a Commercial Roof
- Energy Bill: Noticing an increase in your energy bill? This is a common telltale sign that there is damage to your roof as air is escaping through it. Most often it means the roof needs to be replaced, or sometimes repaired. Again, a skilled roofer will be able to determine how severe the damage is and what steps need to be taken to ensure air is no longer escaping.
- Age: The age of your commercial roof does play a factor in determining if you should invest in a full replacement. If you have purchased a commercial building, have no knowledge of the age of the roof, but have seen serious damage, chances are it is older and may need replacing. Most commercial roofs last anywhere from 10 – 30 years depending on maintenance and material.
- Storm Damage (major): Tornados, large-sized hail, and severe winds are all serious threats to commercial roofing. If your commercial building and roof have received serious damage from severe weather in any form, with visible damage on the roof it may need an entire replacement. Roof damages from storms must be taken seriously, as they can cause further damage and issues down the road if not properly managed.
- Major Roof Leaks: While minor leaks that cause water spots can be normal, seeing leaking that trickle down the side of walls is not. This is usually an indicator of damage in the drywall coming from a major roof leak.
If you find that your commercial roof has any of these signs, don’t ignore them as it can lead to more issues for you and your commercial buildings. Especially if your commercial building is one that is a business, a damaged and non-functional roof can impact your employees and patrons, which can result in a loss of business and employees. It’s better to connect with your roofer to see what needs to be done to replace your roof to ensure your commercial property is thriving under a quality roof!
Tips and Considerations When Evaluating The Roof
Never evaluate a commercial roof by yourself or when it is unsafe. If it is too unsafe or risky for you to evaluate your roof, contact a local roofer to better assist you. While a roofer checks out your commercial roof, they can share with you what they’re seeing, possible risks, and any certain damage.
Another aspect to consider when evaluating your roof is to understand its aesthetics. For some commercial building owners, they may want a roof overhaul for the sake of a better aesthetic to fight with their competition. A roofer would be your best guide in determining which materials fit not only your aesthetics but roofing needs of your specific building.
Existing Commercial Damages and Concerns
If you are looking to buy a new (to you) commercial building, and are unsure about the quality of the roof, be sure to get an inspection first from a roofer. If you were to buy a commercial building, and not know about any existing damages or concerns on your roof, you may end up paying more than the payment of the building! That can create more frustration and a headache for a property owner.
Here at Austermiller, we offer free roof inspections to provide better clarity and certainty as to what you can expect with your commercial roof. Be sure to connect with us when you do purchase your commercial building.
Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
Each insurance agency is different with different packages included. Check-in with your insurance provider to get a better idea of what is and is not covered. If you do experience damage to your property and are unsure if you should repair or fully replace it, an Austermiller roofer can help you determine this. From here you will be able to determine which next steps you should take with your insurance provider such as filing or claim for damage if covered.
Commercial Roofing Renewal and Replacement with Austermiller Roofing
In the same way you have a contractor or plumber in mind for your commercial property needs, you should have a roofer in mind too, and that roofer should be an Austermiller roofer. Our goal is to provide quality service to each property owner who entrusts us to serve them and their business or warehouses. With roofers rooted in honesty, credibility, and skill you can rest assured that we can meet any roofing need you may have from small repairs to complete roof overhauls.
We have been proudly serving the greater Nashville area for over 30 years and would be honored to serve you too. So, contact us today for a free roof inspection and estimate. We look forward to working with you.