There are a number of signs that your commercial roof may need to be replaced, or at the very least repaired. In this blog,  we will discuss some signs that your property requires commercial roof repair. Three of the most severe indications that your business needs a new roof include:

• Damage to the EPDM Membrane

One of the most common roofing types for commercial buildings are EPDM rubber roofs. If you notice that the rubber roof membrane has been compromised (i.e. it is clearly ripped or even blowing in the wind), then the roof is no longer sufficiently protected from potentially serious water damage or other costly issues. It is imperative to repair or replace the roof immediately to prevent water from infiltrating in undesirable areas, which can lead to dangers like mold or, even worse, weakening of the building’s integrity.

• Flashings Separated from the Roof

Roof flashings serve a vital function for both residential and commercial roofs. Flashing is installed over seams to protect the roof from water infiltration. If these protective flashings have been compromised, the seams are left vulnerable to the elements. If left untreated, damaged or separated flashings can lead to a myriad of issues– including the rotting of the entire roof.

• Issues Concerning Water

Water is a roof’s worst enemy. There are a number of ways that water can be an indication that a roof needs to be repaired or replaced, such as:

• • Pooling Water 

In order to survey your commercial roof for pooling water, you will need to make your way to the rooftop. It’s advisable to do this examination after a heavy downpour. If your roof is dotted with puddles of water, also known as pooling or ponding water, this is an indication that the built-in roof drainage system has failed. This needs to be tended to immediately in order to avoid this standing water from causing critical damage.

• • Water Spots on the Ceiling 

It is possible for water spots to be caused by air conditioner condensation and other relatively minor antecedent conditions. However, the most common reason for water spots to form is a leaking roof. If you observe any water stains on your ceiling, that is a telltale sign that your commercial roof may need to be replaced.

• • Leaks 

If you have water dripping through your ceiling after a rainstorm, then your roof is definitely damaged. As previously mentioned, this unwanted water infiltration can lead to mold, rot, and can even affect structural integrity.

If you spot any of these issues and suspect that your roof needs to be replaced, call an expert immediately. These are not issues that should be ignored. If put off, the damage will undoubtedly worsen; ultimately leading to a more expensive repair bill. It is better for your commercial building and pocketbook to repair or replace a damaged roof sooner rather than later.

As experts in both commercial and residential roofing in Boston, we will help property owners fix roofing issues before they become big problems.