Key Takeaways:
-Poor installation can cause the roof to leak and allow water damage to the building.
-It can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
-Improperly installed flashing and sealing can allow heat and air to escape.
-Loose and mismatched shingles on your commercial roof seem inadequate, and they are.
You’ve just saved a lot of money for a commercial roofing job. But there are leaks everywhere, and the roof is already falling apart. What went wrong?
It’s likely that you fell victim to a bad roof job. Poor installation is a common problem in the commercial roofing industry and can seriously affect your business.
At Standard Roofing Company, we’ve seen firsthand how damaging poor roof installation can be. Let’s look at some signs of a bad roof job and how to avoid them.
Signs of A Bad Roof Job
The Roofline is Sagging
If you notice that the roofline is sagging, this is a sign of a bad roof job. If a commercial roof is not installed correctly, the weight of the materials can cause the roof to sag over time.
Where reasons such as leaks, moisture damage, and lack of protective covering can lead to a sagging roofline, the point stands that a job not done well leads to probable commercial roofing repair down the line.
Gaps in the Sealing
Do you see light peeping in or feel a draft coming from your commercial roof? If so, there are probably gaps in the sealing. This means that when your roofing contractor conducted their duties, the sealing (an integral part of the roofing process) wasn’t performed with much vigor.Â
Gaps or any form of inconsistency in the sealing can cause water to seep in when it pours outside. The freezing winters of Moore, OK, can exacerbate the problem when the snow piled up on rooftops starts to melt and seep through these tiny gaps.
Mismatched Shingles
One of the signs of poor roof installation is if the contractor used mismatched shingles. This can be easily spotted because the shingles will not be of the same color or size. How does this affect your property? It makes your home look unkempt and can decrease curb appeal. Additionally, mismatched shingles are more likely to come off in high winds, which can leave your roof vulnerable to damage.
Missing or Damaged Flashing
The roofing contractor must install the flashing correctly. The purpose of flashing is to seal any gaps or joints in the roof.
Flashing is not the same as sealing since it is not intended to be a water-resistant barrier. However, keeping the commercial roofing system watertight and your roof last for as long as possible is vital.
Moisture and Water Leakage
One of the most apparent indications of poor commercial roofing installation is moisture and water leakage. There can be many signs pointing out that you have a “water” problem.
Some obvious ones are mold formation, a musty smell, rotting wood, or even peeling paint. Having made sure that your previous roofing contractor did a not-so-good job in sealing and flashing your commercial roof, you now need the assistance of a team with which you can entrust your roof.
Missing Drip Edge
It is seemingly not a significant problem, yet it can lead to more problems. A drip edge is a small metal strip placed at the edge of your commercial roof. And its purpose is to help in the prevention of water infiltration. When there is no drip edge, rainwater and melted snow can quickly enter your building and cause serious roofing problems.
Poor Ventilation
In any roofing system, proper ventilation is key to ensuring its longevity. Lack of adequate ventilation can lead to many problems, such as the formation of ice dams, condensation, and mold growth. When not done correctly, air circulation can cause your commercial roofing system to deteriorate prematurely.
How To Care for Commercial Roofing
1. Maintain Your Roof
A commercial roof can last for many years if it is properly maintained. Inspect your roof regularly for deterioration, and make repairs as soon as possible. It would help if you also had your roof cleaned and inspected by a professional at least once a year.Â
2. Know When to Replace Your Roof
Even with proper maintenance, there will be a time when you need to replace your commercial roof. On average, a commercial roof stays intact for about 20 to 30 years, but this can vary depending on which roof you have and the climate where it is located. If you are unsure whether it is time to replace your roof, consult with a trusted roofing contractor.
3. Choose the Right Roofing Material
Repairs cannot do much, and it is time for a complete roof overhaul. When the time comes, be sure to choose a material that is suited to your climate and the type of building in which it will be installed.
For example, in Moore, OK, commercial roofing systems are required to withstand high wind speeds and hail. As such, choosing a roofing material that can withstand these is important.
4. Install Your Roof Properly
To avoid a bad roof job, hire a qualified roofing contractor with experience installing commercial roofs. Ask around for references and check them thoroughly before hiring anyone.
5. Use the Right Tools and Equipment
Use the right tools and equipment when installing or repairing your commercial roof. Using the wrong tools can damage your roof or lead to injury. If you are unsure about the tools you need, consult with a professional contractor.
6. Be Careful During Storms
Storms can cause severe damage to commercial roofs, so it is essential to take precautions before they occur. Remove loose debris from your rooftop that could be blown around during high winds. You should also secure any open items on your property that could become projectiles during a storm.
End Note:
A correctly installed roof protects your business and saves money in the long run. Make sure you hire a qualified and experienced commercial roofing contractor for the job, such as Standard Roofing Company, serving Moore, OK. Our company is well-versed in roof restoration and repair/maintenance tasks. We can rejuvenate your poorly done roof and help you avoid any commercial roofing problems in the future.
