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When to Replace the Commercial Flat Roof

Flat roofs are a big investment for business owners that will typically last for at least 25 years if you properly maintain them and have them installed professionally. Still, there are many reasons why you may need to replace your flat roof over the years. 

Do you want to learn more about the signs that you need to hire a commercial roofing contractor to replace your commercial roof? 

Keep reading this guide to understand the top signs that your flat roofing needs to be replaced!

Water Pooling

Pooling water is one of the most common signs that your flat roof needs to be replaced by a professional roofing service. This is a serious issue with many flat roofs that can lead to structural damage if left unrepaired. 

Over time, you may find that your flat roof will shift and create dips in certain areas of the roof. When these dips fill with water, the water may end up seeping into other layers of your roof. This is also known as ponding. 

The longer you leave the pooled water, the more your roof may sag and the more leaks may develop. It can also lead to weakened roof membranes and deterioration of the materials that are submerged in the ponding. 

If this ponding is left for too long and your roof has structural damage, you will need to get it replaced.

Frequent Leaks

Another sign that it is time to replace your flat roof is if it has frequent leaks and needs to be repaired regularly. Flat roofs may be more prone to leaking. This is because the water doesn’t have anywhere to go but down, and gravity may cause the water to seep between layers of roofing material. 

If the leaks are not addressed, they can lead to problems with moisture in your commercial building and can even result in mold and fungus growth. 

Roof repairs can become expensive, so it may be smarter financially to get your roof replaced instead of paying for multiple repairs. 

Damage to Materials

If you notice serious damage to your roofing materials, it may be another sign that you need to hire a commercial roofing company to replace your roof. This is one of the easiest problems to spot, as it will be visible to an untrained eye. 

The most common types of damage you will see with flat roofing materials are cracks, splits, and tears in the material. 

If you leave these splits in the material and do not get them repaired, it leaves the decking of the roof unprotected. This may result in the plywood absorbing the water and causing serious structural damage to your roof. 

While you can repair minor cracks and splits in your roofing material, you will need to replace your roof if the splits get too large or if they spread across the entire surface of your flat roof. 

Mold and Algae Growth

Organic growth is another sign that you may need to get your roof replaced. While these may not seem like serious issues with your flat roof, things like mold, algae, and moss can be signs of deeper problems. 

The primary problem with these types of organic growth is that it shows you that your roof retains water. This can happen due to ponding, damage to the roofing materials, and even seams that have opened up over time. 

Not only is this unsightly on your roof, but it can also lead to a worse problem within your building. 

Adhesion Failure

Adhesion failure is another common sign that you need to replace your commercial flat roof. This can be caused by poor installation, roofs without enough ventilation, and even age. 

As the adhesion of your roofing seams fails, it makes it easier for air and water to get trapped between the layers of roofing materials. This leads to something known as blistering and bubbling of your roofing materials. 

While slight blistering and adhesion failure can be repaired without having to replace your roof, they will only grow if they are not repaired quickly. Blisters can even pop over time, which will lead to open holes in your roofing that can lead to worse damage. 

This is why it is necessary to get regular roof inspections to check for these types of damage!

Age

Finally, you may need to get a new roof simply due to the age of your current commercial roof. As was mentioned before, flat roofs will typically last for about 25 years, as long as it is maintained correctly. 

If you experience any of these other common roofing issues and do not get them repaired quickly, this can cut several years off of the lifespan of your flat roof. 

Still, your roof will gradually wear down with age, even without these issues. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it may not make financial sense to repair it. Although a roof replacement is a big investment, it will last much longer and may save you money in the long run. 

Need a New Flat Roof? Find a Commercial Roofer 

When you are dealing with a commercial roof, it is best to turn to a professional roofing company instead of attempting a DIY roof repair or replacement. If you have noticed any of these signs on your commercial property, it’s time to contact a commercial roofing company. 

Do you need help with your flat roof installation or roof maintenance? HP Roofing Pro can help! Our team specializes in commercial roofing in California and can help with cool roof repair, replacement, maintenance, and more. 

Contact us today for a free roofing estimate!