Hiring the right commercial contractor is crucial whether you need roofing repair or a new roof. Ask the contractor for the names of previous customers and call them.
In addition to experience, you should also look at customer service ratings and how they handle complaints. Also, find out if the contractor carries liability insurance in case of an onsite accident.
Your roof is old.
While avoiding all commercial roof repairs and replacements is impossible, recognizing when your commercial roof is nearing the end of its lifespan can help you budget for an eventual repair or replacement. Whether you are experiencing leaks or noticing moss and patchy areas on your roof, or even high humidity in the building and increasing insect or rodent populations, these are all signs that it is time to call for a professional commercial roofing company in Baton Rouge and possible roofing solution.
Depending on your location and roofing materials, commercial roofs can last about 20-25 years. If your roof is close to that age, it is a good idea to talk to a roofing contractor and get an estimate for a repair or replacement.
One way to find out the age of your roof is by speaking with previous homeowners. Getting in touch with them can be done through a real estate agent or other methods, but they should tell you when the roof was replaced and which company did the work.
You leak.
When a roof leak occurs, you should never ignore it. The longer you leave it unchecked, the more damage it can cause to your ceilings, walls, and belongings. It can also become a breeding ground for pests and insects. The first thing you should do is locate the source of the leak. This is important because it can prevent the leak from causing further damage and may help you avoid a costly ceiling collapse. You should also move items that could get wet or damaged by a leak, such as furniture, carpeting, and personal belongings.
If you are still determining where the leak comes from, look in easy-to-access areas. Look for water spots, dark stains, and the ceiling or wall discoloration. Also, check near roof features such as chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these can often cause leaks. You should also check the exterior of your home for damp or moldy areas. These spots can indicate a problem with your step flashing, which is a material that covers joints in the roof near these features.
You have a shingle roof.
The shingles on your roof are designed to help block water damage from entering your home. The shingle color you choose can also impact how long your roof lasts. Lighter colors reflect sunlight and are more likely to last longer, while darker shingles absorb more heat and may need to be replaced sooner.
If you’ve noticed a significant amount of shed shingle granules collecting in your gutters or downspouts, it’s time to take action. While some granule loss is expected with any shingle roof, losing too many shingles becomes problematic.
It’s a good idea to prune back any tree limbs that hang over your roof. Not only does this make walking safer on your top, but it can also significantly decrease the amount of lost shingle granules. If a lot of granules are lost, it could lead to progressive leak damage and shorten the lifespan of your shingle roof.
You have a metal roof.
Metal roofs are known for their durability and longevity but can still be subject to damage and repair problems. Whether it’s a leak or denting, these issues can affect your building’s functionality and cause a hazard to occupants.
A metal roof can be more prone to dents than shingle roofs. This may be due to the thickness of the material, foot traffic during installation or maintenance, and even extreme temperature fluctuations. If the dents don’t interfere with your roof’s structure, they can be repaired easily by a professional roofing contractor.
While a metal roof offers advantages over traditional asphalt shingles, such as lower cooling costs and a more natural white noise sound that helps lull you to sleep at night, it also requires more regular maintenance than a shingle roof. A reputable roofing company will be able to handle all of your maintenance needs, and they can guarantee that any replacements or repairs are made correctly to avert further damage. They can even work with your insurance adjuster to get the most out of your claim.
You have a flat roof.
Flat roofs are an excellent choice for arid climates, and they’re also ideal if you want to use rooftop space for entertaining or gardening. They’re handy for narrow-block homes with limited backyard space.
However, their low pitch isn’t suitable for heavy rainfall and snowfall areas, as they’re less effective at draining water or shedding snow. As a result, they can leak or flood if not appropriately maintained.
Regular cleaning, inspections, and recoating are essential to the longevity of a flat roof. A professional roofing company can inspect your flat roof for problems and catch issues early before they become costly repairs or replacements.
Ensure your roofing contractor has general liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This way, you won’t be liable for any damage caused during a roof repair or replacement project. Hiring a contractor with years of experience in the industry is also best. They’ll know how to identify a problem, what steps to take, and how long each repair will last. This will prevent your home or business from experiencing prolonged water damage and costly repair bills.
