With the right maintenance and occasional repairs, well-installed commercial roofing will protect your business for decades. Eventually, though, even the most durable roofing material will need to be replaced. Knowing the signs that your roof is coming to the end of its useful life will help you get a replacement before your building suffers serious damage.

5 Signs Your Commercial Roof Should Be Replaced

1. Leaks

Minor leaks caused by falling tree branches or severe storms can sometimes be repaired, especially in newer commercial roofing. However, if your roof is already more than 15 years old and you notice peeling paint or other signs of water infiltration, it’s usually more cost-effective to invest in a replacement.

2. Rising Utility Bills

Commercial roofing does much more than simply keep the rain out of your building. It also serves as a powerful insulator, keeping cool air inside in the summer and out of the building during the winter. Age, sun damage, and wear eventually make it less effective, which driving your utility expenses up.

3. Uneven Surfaces

Flat roofs should be inspected on a regular basis for signs of damage and dips, dimples, or low spots where water gathers after a storm. These may be signs that the joists, insulation, and other structural elements supporting the roof may have been damaged.

4. Bubbles on the Surface

Water that infiltrates a flat roof will usually gather underneath the surface before running down inside the building. Widespread bubbling or rippling of the roof surface often means the roofing membrane is compromised in several areas and may need to be replaced.

5. Seam Gaps

Most commercial roofing membranes come in large sheets, which are attached using a combination of screws, nails, or waterproof adhesives. When the material ages, the seams often go first, allowing water underneath the membrane and into your building.

If your commercial roofing is showing its age, the professionals at ChemTech Roof & Insulation Systems Inc have the experience and cutting-edge materials to keep your business dry. They’ve been serving businesses throughout North Carolina’s Triad area for over 35 years, offering proven results and a 20-year guarantee on every job. Visit their website for an in-depth look at their commercial roofing services, follow their Twitter for more tips and advice, or call (336) 767-4500 to request a free estimate on your project.