You might expect that a damaged commercial roof may only become a problem over time and you might even think that you have plenty of time to have your commercial roof repaired. However, a roof that might start off only needing minor repairs can become a much bigger problem after a major event such as a storm.
How a Storm Can Tear a Hole in Your Roof
During a powerful storm, a roof that is in bad condition might collapse completely. The strain of a storm can cause thermal shock. After the roof collapses, a large amount of water will likely enter your building and cause a substantial amount of damage. This is an emergency and you will need to immediately contact a commercial roof repair contractor.
Emergency Repairs
The insulation will probably be buckled and need to be cut. The contractors will then need to reattach the structural deck so that there is a flat substrate that can be used to make repairs. Then, the proper materials are added so that the roof will stop leaking for the time being.
After the roof has stopped leaking, the next step is to have the entire roof replaced. If a roof receives repairs in time, it can last for a long time. But if the roof is neglected and becomes damaged to this extent, it will need to be replaced in its entirety. The insulation that has become wet must also always be replaced. When insulation is encapsulated, it will be protected from the elements.
Why Your Roof Became Damaged
One of the most common reasons why a roof becomes damaged is because a flat roof often has drainage problems. A flat roof needs to have a slope so that the water will travel to the drain. Also, the drain must not become clogged. If the roof does experience ponding, the water will slowly erode the roof and cause water damage.
Wind can also cause a lot of damage if you have a metal roof because this is considered a lightweight material. If your roof becomes severely damaged, you may want to consider replacing the metal roof with a different type of material if your building is located in a windy area.
When the weather alternates between winter and summer, the roof might become damaged due to thermal expansion. For this reason, it's especially important to make sure that your roof is inspected regularly so it is properly repaired.
If you're on the hunt for a roofing contractor, make sure to check out some commercial roofing companies in your area.