Owning a commercial property is quite the balancing act. There’s a lot to manage, from the business operating inside to the particulars of the physical property itself. Gardening, repairs, rates; you’ve got plenty on your plate. But one of the most important aspects to keep an eye on often goes underserved, and today we’re here to fix that. It’s time to talk about your commercial roof.
We’ve been one of the top commercial roofing contractors Auckland businesses trust for many years, and in that time, we’ve put together a list of signs that your commercial roof is about to give up the ghost. If you’re concerned your roof is on that path, then you’re in the right place.
Here are ten signs you need a commercial roofing overhaul, stat.
1. Your Commercial Roofing is Ageing Out
Like anything, roofs have a shelf life. Most commercial roofing Auckland-wide is built to last 20 to 30 years, depending on the materials and how well it has been maintained.
If yours is creeping past that age or you’re unsure when it was last replaced, it’s worth scheduling an inspection. An ageing roof might still look okay, but the problems usually start where you can’t see them.
2. There’s Visible Rust
If you’ve got a metal roof and rust is setting in, don’t ignore it. Rust means the protective coating is breaking down, and once it spreads, it can eat right through your roof panels and fasteners. That can spell pretty bad news for your property as a whole.
Our weather is particularly well-known for causing older commercial roofing in Auckland to rust, due to our coastal air and humidity. Rust should be treated promptly, as the subtropical climate can significantly accelerate its progression.
3. Cracks, Splitting, or Missing Shingles
For roofing contractors in Auckland, one of the most important signs of impending costly repairs is the presence of small issues. Depending on the kind of roof you have installed, you might be spotting anything from cracks to missing shingles, so it’s important to keep an eye out.
These seemingly small issues go beyond being unsightly. They also allow water, pests, and cold air to enter, none of which are beneficial to your building.
4. Pooling Water
If you’ve got a flat roof – like many buildings with commercial roofing in Auckland – then you’ll want to take an extra look after the next big downpour. If you notice water hanging around in puddles rather than draining properly, that’s a red flag. Pooling water wears down materials much faster, potentially leading to sagging, leaks, or even more severe issues.
5. Damaged Flashing
Your roof is just the core part of your roofing ecosystem, but the flashing is just as important. It’s the metal that seals the joints in your roof, preventing water from entering around skylights, vents, and edges. If the flashing becomes bent, cracked, or starts to come loose, it is likely allowing water ingress, which can often remain undetected until it has caused significant damage.
Damaged flashing is one of the most common causes of leaks— and one of the easiest things to overlook. So, when in doubt, get it checked out by the expert roofing contractors Auckland business owners trust and recommend.
6. Failing Gutters or Spouts
Most roofing contractors in Auckland treat gutters and spouting, and these two features seriously inform how well your entire commercial roofing system will perform..
Overflowing gutters or sagging spouting that don’t cope well in a storm might not seem like direct roofing issues, but poor drainage can wreck your roof in short order. Keep an eye out for damp spots on your exterior walls or mould around the gutter line. If you spot either, it’s time to look into a roof-wide replacement.
7. Leaks, Leaks, Leaks
Small leaks can often be fixed with a patch, but if you’re constantly dealing with new ones or the same ones keep coming back, then it’s time to face facts: your roof isn’t holding up.
As anyone with commercial roofing in Auckland quickly learns, leaks cause significantly more damage than expected. Once moisture gets into your insulation, framing, or wiring, the costs multiply quickly.
8. Pests Are Making It In
If you’ve noticed any signs of birds or rodents in your roof cavity, this could indicate there are tiny entry points all through your roof that are letting them in. If left unchecked, your attic could quickly become a local pest haven, and that’s a sign you have roofing damage that requires urgent attention.
9. You Need Constant Repairs
If you have roofing contractors in Auckland on speed dial because of how often you need to call in the cavalry for repairs, then it’s likely you need to make a longer-term plan. Frequent repairs add up, and you might be better off putting that money toward a new roof that will last the distance and protect your valuable assets.
10. Skyrocketing Energy Bills
Finally, your energy bills. For commercial property owners, utilities are a significant monthly expense, and with energy bills accounting for approximately 70% of the financial burden, it’s noticeable when they begin to rise.
While many factors can impact your energy bills, a roof in need of replacement is certainly one of the primary causes. Upgrading your roof and insulation can have a significant long-term impact on your recurring costs, so you may want to arrange an inspection to assess the situation if you start to notice a declining bottom line.
Get your commercial roofing replacement within 24 hours.
For commercial property owners, we know that sorting out a roof replacement can be a stressful thing. That’s why we work on schedule, on brief, and budget, so you don’t have to deal with any nasty surprises while caring for your property.
Work with the number one team for commercial roofing in Auckland, your local experts in smart roofing project management. Get in touch for a free quote on your replacement within 24 hours.