An industrial roof is designed to protect your building against water damage and rain, providing a safe and comfortable environment for staff and visitors.
However, being exposed to inclement weather and elements every day, you must maintain it and carry out the necessary repairs to prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious problems.
Spotting potential issues and determining whether your industrial roof needs repairing or replacing can be difficult – especially if you don’t know what to look out for.
To help, here’s a list of the warning signs that indicate you need a new industrial roof:
Ageing
When was the roof at your industrial premises originally installed? Has it ever been replaced? If so, how long ago was it?
Industrial roofing systems usually last around 25 years, depending on the quality of the materials used and how well they’re installed. The location of your building and the level of exposure to weather damage can also affect its lifespan.
If your roof is older or has started to show signs of wear and tear, it’s worth contacting industrial roofing contractors. They’ll be able to tell you whether it will hold up through the winter or if you should consider a replacement.
Sagging
Has your roofline started to cave inwards or bend in the middle?
Whilst industrial roofing typically follows a straight line across the pitch, there are several reasons your roof might be sagging – including prolonged exposure to water, poor installation or low-quality building materials.
A sagging roof can compromise the structural integrity of your industrial building. If ignored, it could cause the roof to collapse, so it’s worth replacing your industrial roof if it’s started to sag.
Damaged flashing
Industrial roofs have a weatherproof material (also known as flashing) placed around the chimneys, joints and vents to prevent water from entering your property.
Exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause harm to the flashing. And when flashing becomes loose, water can enter between the gaps and cause leaks in your ceilings and walls, which also increases the risk of mould, rot and dampness.
If your flashing is deteriorating or damaged, a replacement roof will ensure that your building is protected from water.
Missing tiles
Have you noticed some of your roof tiles are cracked, rotted or missing?
Such defects may not seem like a big deal, but they can make your property more vulnerable to the elements, as well as nesting birds and vermin.
Rain, wind and heat can compromise the internal structure of your roofing and weaken it when there are large gaps. Therefore, if you have lots of tiles missing on your industrial roof, it will be more cost-effective to replace the entire roof.
Light from outside
Unless you have windows on your roof, it shouldn’t let any light in from outside. If you can see sunlight entering, take this as your tell-tale sign that there are holes or cracks in your roof.
It might only be a minor issue, but it’s worth getting it looked at by a professional roofer in case the holes are a result of decaying flashing or missing tiles.
Mould or moss growth
If your building is in a shaded area, it’s not uncommon for moss, mould and algae to form on your roof – but it can pose numerous problems if left untreated.
For example, moss can prise tiles apart and create gaps in your roof. Bacteria and fungi can eat away at your tiles and cause structural weaknesses.
Moss and mould indicate moisture damage and can eventually lead to rot. Depending on the severity of moss growth, you may need to replace your entire industrial roofing system.
Standing water
Standing water is particularly common on flat industrial roofs.
When rainwater is unable to flow or drain away properly, it’s likely to become stagnant over time.
Poor or inadequate drainage can lead to sagging and mould, which weakens and compromises the structure of your industrial roofing. When this happens, your roof is at serious risk of collapsing.
Arrange to have your industrial roof inspected
Experienced industrial roofing contractors, like Roofing Consultants Group, can conduct a roof survey to assess the condition of your roof and spot any potential issues.
They’ll provide a detailed report to outline their findings and, if any problems are identified, they can advise on the best course of action – whether it be repairs or replacement.