6 Signs of Commercial Roof Storm Damage

Here in the Chicago area, we are no strangers to heavy storms. From explosive summer thunderstorms to our 2011 “Snowmageddon,” our city and its surrounding areas can take a serious beating!

Of course, that ability to withstand tough weather is only as good as the protection our roofs can offer. After a severe weather event, a bit of commercial roof storm damage is not uncommon, but it’s important to get it fixed fast.

If you are not sure whether your building has sustained damage, you will want to watch for a few warning signs. Here are six red flags to look for:

1. Water Stains

One of the most obvious signs of commercial roofing damage is staining. If you notice visible stains in your building’s interior, it’s a sign that water may be coming through your roof. Water stains often leave behind brown rings that grow slowly over time, and they may appear on the ceiling or walls of your building.

2. Damaged Roofing Materials

Another obvious sign is damage to the materials of your commercial roof.

If your building has shingles, for example, you may notice missing or broken shingles as well as stray shingle granules in your gutters. A quick visual roof inspection may reveal damaged or missing flashing, which can let water infiltrate your roof seams.

You should also be on the lookout for cracks and tears anywhere on your roof. Depending on the structure of your roof, this might also include rips in your protective rubber roof membrane. This membrane might also appear loose or unattached.

3. Bubbles and Blisters

With certain types of multi-layer roofs, you may see bubbles or blisters after your roof has taken damage. These bubbles may indicate that water is trapped between the layers of your roof. While you might be tempted to try pushing down the bubbles on your own, it is important to reach out to a pro for expert roof repair to address the damage.

4. Pooling Water

Pooling water, also called “ponding,” is a term we use when water sits on the top of your EPDM roof for over 48 hours after the last rainfall or precipitation. This can happen when the insulation at the top of a multi-layer roof gets compressed. Ponding may seem trivial, but the added weight can impact the structural integrity of your roof.

5. Gutter Damage

Hailstones, strong winds, heavy snow, and other types of storm damage can impact your building’s gutters. While gutter problems aren’t always a sign that your roof has taken damage as well, they’re often a strong indicator that the weather was severe enough to do a full roof inspection as well.

6. Mold Growth

Even if your roof appears intact, mold growth within the property may be a sign that you need commercial roof maintenance. Mold thrives in high-moisture environments, and its spread may be a red flag that water is seeping into your building. Left unchecked, mold can cause further damage to a commercial roof and property, and it can also become a health risk, so it’s important to call an expert for help.

Fix Your Commercial Roof Storm Damage

When it comes to damage after a severe storm, it is important to inspect your roof as soon as possible and to call a professional if you notice any of the signs above. These red flags can be a sign of major issues with your roof, so it is crucial to fix them fast!

Ready to address your commercial roof storm damage? Our professionally trained and certified crew is proud to help businesses throughout the Chicago area protect their properties. Contact us today for a free on-site inspection and evaluation of your commercial roof.

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