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Sometimes, knowing when you need a new commercial roof in Hickory, NC, is obvious. Leaks, cracks, missing shingles, and a musty smell throughout your place of business are the most obvious signs that your commercial roof needs replacing. Other signs, however, may be much less obvious. If you’re wondering if it’s time to replace your roof in Hickory, NC, look for these 10 signs.
Moss is a hearty, spore-bearing land plant that propagates in cool and moist climates. In Hickory, moss grows on roofs that don’t get much sunlight. While moss on a roof may seem like a cosmetic issue that a professional can brush away, it can pose a more significant problem over time. The spores cause damage to the top of the asphalt shingles – and brushing moss away doesn’t guarantee that it won’t grow back. Additionally, moss on the roof indicates that your commercial roof is trapping moisture underneath the shingles, which will damage the wood support structure over time.
Nothing lasts forever, not even an asphalt shingle roof. A typical asphalt shingle roof lasts around 20 years. And while some roofs can last up to 30 years—if they’re correctly cared for or aren’t exposed to extreme elements—a 20-year-old asphalt shingle roof is more likely to falter than a newer roof. Experts in Hickory, NC, recommend shopping around for a new commercial roof around the 15-year mark because waiting until after the 20-year mark can result in more expensive damages and more extensive repairs.
Dark streaks on your roof aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They indicate that your roof is experiencing water damage and algae is growing beneath the shingles. Like moss, algae aren’t just a cosmetic issue solved with a pressure washer. Over time, algae — like moss — can eat away at the wood supports beneath the asphalt roof shingles, causing water leaks and other damage. If you notice an increased prevalence of dark streaks in the asphalt shingles, it’s time to consider investing in a new commercial roof in Hickory, NC.
“Flashing” is a term for the galvanized steel that professional roofers place on areas such as chimneys and vents. This steel diverts water from rain and other extreme weather away from the opening, preventing long-term water damage. Flashing is also placed around areas where the roof meets a wall or a dormer, which serves the same purpose. Flashing can be replaced separately from roofing, and damaged flashing does not necessarily indicate the necessity for a new roof. However, a damaged flashing usually indicates that roof damage is inevitable, necessitating its replacement as soon as possible.
When a large group of commercial businesses get new roofs, it’s usually a sign that a severe weather event (such as a hurricane or a tornado) has caused extensive damage in the area. It’s improbable that a severe weather event left everyone’s business except yours damaged. If you notice that more than a few of your colleagues are replacing their roofs, it’s a good sign that your commercial roof should also get repaired or replaced.
Leaks, on their own, don’t indicate a damaged roof – they can indicate a damaged window frame, clogged gutters, or even just a tiny hole in the roof that can be quickly and easily fixed. However, if significant leaks don’t go away despite your best efforts to repair them, it could be a sign that your roof needs replacing.
As previously mentioned, asphalt shingles usually last between 20 and 30 years. There is no reason these shingles should curl, buckle, or otherwise show any signs of wear and tear or damage. If, however, your asphalt shingles show signs of “buckling” (that is, sinking in the middle) or “curling” (that is, the sides and edges turning up and bunching around), it’s a sign that your asphalt shingle roof’s usefulness has worn out, and it needs to be replaced. (Your shingles can also buckle or curl due to improper ventilation, and commercial businesses are required to have adequate ventilation.)
A “sagging” roof (a roof with dips and buckles throughout its surface area) isn’t just a sign that the asphalt shingles are worn out. It’s a sign that the wood supports beneath the shingles have suffered extensive water damage and can’t support the asphalt shingles above them. In cases like these, a new commercial roof is necessary.
The weather in Hickory, NC, can be sunny and bright. But over time, extensive sun exposure can cause shingles to dry, discolor, and crack. While a few cracks in an asphalt shingle roof are just normal “wear and tear,” extensive cracks expose the wood supports underneath the shingles, necessitating a new roof.
Even if you’re a longtime commercial property owner, you may not be sure you need a new roof. That’s where the commercial roofing contractors in Hickory, NC, at Integrity Roofing NC come in. We offer free roofing inspections to determine whether you need roofing repair or replacement.
As one of the leading roofing professionals in the greater Hickory, NC, area, Integrity Roofing NC is dedicated to ensuring each customer is satisfied with our work, regardless of their roofing needs. The earlier we find the issue, the faster we can complete your roof repair or replacement and prevent future costly damages. Contact us today to schedule your free commercial roofing inspection, and let’s determine if you need a roof repair or a roof replacement today.
December 19, 2024
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