Signs That Your Built-Up Roofing System May Be In Need Of Repairs
One of the most common signs that your built-up roofing system is in need of repairs is a roof that is leaking. However, before your roof reaches this point, it will often give many other signs that something is not right and repairs are needed. Having routine roofing inspections can help to catch these issues and get them repaired before a major problem, such as leaking, occurs. Here are a few of the signs that a professional roofer is looking for that are indicative of roof problems with your built-up roofing system.
There is Bubbling or Blistering
Built-up roofing systems have many different layers to them. One of the layers is a membrane. If water or air is seeping underneath the membrane layer, bubbling or blistering can start to occur. This is a tell-tale sign that water and air are entering places they should not be able to go, and if this problem is not corrected, you can encounter energy loss and roof leaks. Repairing the damaged area of the membrane can help to prevent this problem and extend the life of your roof.
Alligator Cracks Are Present
Another problem that can occur with built-up roofing systems is alligator cracking. Think about the skin of an alligator. It has multiple squares and lines, and it looks scaly. As your built-up roofing begins to age and is exposed to the sun, alligator cracking can begin to form. A built-up roof can have many layers to it, and the outer most layer can be layered multiple times. If alligator cracking is present, a new layer of the build-up roofing material may need to be installed to help protect your roof.
Ridges or Tents Are Forming
The final sign that your built-up roofing may be in need of repairs is ridges or tents that are forming. A blister or bubble is round in shape. A ridge or tent is triangular. A ridge or tent is caused by the expansion and contraction of your built-up roofing materials caused by heat and cold exposure. The roofing materials must be removed in the area ridges or tents are forming, and new materials must be laid.
It is recommended that built-up roofing contractors complete a roof inspection on your commercial built-up roof at least two times per year. They will be looking for the above signs to determine the condition of your roof and whether any repairs are needed. If repairs are needed, they can make these repairs to not only help to extend the life of your roof, but also to help ensure major roof problems, such as leaking, do not occur.
To learn more about built-up roofing systems, contact a company in your area like Berwald Roofing Inc.
