February 8, 2021 | Aderhold Roofing

3 Signs You Need to Replace Your Commercial Gutters

When functioning properly, your commercial gutter system protects your business from a host of moisture-related problems by directing rainwater toward downspouts and storm drains. However, just like any other component of your building’s exterior, it doesn’t last forever. And when this system starts to fail, you’re bound to begin noticing serious consequences from improperly drained water. From the foundation to the walkways, this may end up costing your business hundreds to thousands of dollars in damage.

Fortunately, with timely inspections and repairs performed by the best commercial roofer in Tampa, these damages can be avoided. For a consultation with a roofing contractor capable of inspecting, maintaining, repairing, or replacing your commercial gutters, get in touch with Aderhold Roofing. For a brief overview of three of the most common signs that your commercial gutters may need replacing, continue reading.

Mold or Mildew Around the Foundation

Commercial gutters are designed to keep water away from the foundation of your building. Should you begin to notice mold, mildew, or other signs of water around the foundation, then your gutters are not draining properly, and something is wrong. Mold and mildew, in particular, may appear as clusters of white, green, black, or brown specks littered across the foundation of your building. If you’ve seen these types of specks on your building, be sure to schedule for a commercial roofer in Tampa to come out and examine your gutters right away to determine if they’re properly diverting water away from your property.

Sagging

It’s a good rule of thumb to ensure that your commercial gutters are securely fastened to your building at all times. They should always be straight and flush with your roof. If your commercial gutters appear to be pulling away from the rest of the building and sagging or seem heavy with water, this is a great sign that your roof inspectors may soon need to replace them. Several factors can cause sagging gutters, including debris, improper installation, age, and materials; however, most gutters only sag when they become too heavy or too full of water to remain in their correct position. So, if they’re sagging, it typically means that they’re not functioning properly and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Cracks and Splits

Cracked or splitting gutters have long been compared to a bucket with a hole on the bottom — ineffective at containing any water. And while large cracks may be plainly visible on dry, clear days, smaller cracks are prone to only reveal themselves during a bad storm. Unfortunately, even the smallest of cracks in your gutter can cause water to leak out or develop into a large fracture, creating massive problems for your building’s entire drainage system. For this reason, it’s important to have the best commercial roofer in Tampa inspect for any signs of damage to your commercial gutters regularly, and especially after bouts of severe weather. Most damage can be sealed with a patching kit but, if left for too long, your only option will be a complete gutter replacement.

To speak with a roofing professional regarding commercial re-roofing in Tampa, or to schedule a consultation, please submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional counsel.

Top Reasons Why You Should Never Delay Commercial Roof Replacement

When most people think of commercial roof replacement in Tampa, they typically think in terms of catastrophic roof damage due to hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rain showers, or other types of natural disasters. However, you may be surprised to learn that the most common type of commercial roof damage that requires a total replacement is in fact cumulative minor damage that simply adds up over time. This type of damage, otherwise known as consequential damage, significantly shortens the lifespan of your roof and gradually leads to major costs in form of property damage and extensive repairs.

If and when the need for replacement arrives, you need to answer the call as soon as possible. Why is prompt commercial roof replacement so essential? The simple answer is, by delaying making contact with roofing contractors like Aderhold Roofing for commercial roof inspection in Tampa, you’ll be taking on a number of major risks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the possible consequences of putting off commercial roof replacement for too long.

Damaged Roofs Are Perfect for Pests

As a commercial building owner or facilities manager, you know that having a pest in the roof of your commercial property can be an annoyance, health hazard, and impetus for serious structural damage. The most common pests we see here in the southern half of the United States are mice, rats, termites, bees, birds, and ants, each of which specializes in their own critical type of damage. Termites, for example, will weaken the wooden structure of your roof and loosen shingles or tiles as they develop their colonies in areas of mold or rotting materials. Mice and rats, on the other hand, may chew through a large combination of substances that hold your roof together as well as electrical wires and plumbing. Even worse is that these pests cannot be killed and removed on your own. You will always require a licensed roofing contractor in Tampa to plug up any holes made and implement various prevention methods recommended by pest control and removal experts.

What this has to do with delaying roof replacement is clear. Any perforation in your commercial roof, no matter how small, is a potential point of infiltration for pests and small animals. And once an infestation has begun, it can be difficult to put an end to it. Temporary roof repairs and pest-proofing may prevent these kinds of pests from getting in for the time being, but roof replacement is a much more permanent and effective solution.

Water Damage and Leaks Can Quickly Develop

No one ever wants to see water leaking through their roof; however, normal wear and tear on your commercial roof can easily create numerous opportunities for water to seep in. Even what seems like the most minor damage is prone to creating extensive vulnerabilities. Common causes of commercial roof leaks here in the Tampa Bay Area are ponding water, open penetrations, damaged roof flashing, an aged roof, and more. Most often, issues like ponding water or a weathered membrane are simply caused by your roof enduring normal damage over time rather than catastrophic events.

Unfortunately, commercial roof leaks are a pretty big deal for a wide variety of reasons. If nothing else, you’re bound to see damage to your building’s interior and accelerated aging of your roof. On the other hand, you may be incredibly unlucky and wind up with mold, insect infestations, and slips and falls by employees and other occupants as a result of puddles on the floor. The longer you wait to address moisture and leakages and invest in commercial roof replacement with apartment roofing contractors in Tampa, the worse the problem will become and the higher the cost will grow.

You’ll Face Severe Structural Damage or Complete Roof Collapse

Apart from the potential for leaks and pest infiltration, damage to your commercial roof that has gone unaddressed can also impact the structural stability of your entire building and, in the worst-case scenario, even lead to a complete roof collapse. One of the most devastating risks of avoiding a long-overdue commercial roof replacement, for example, is the possibility of creating a fire hazard as structural elements fail, water gets into cables and outlets, and damaged breakers and electrical appliances run the risk of sparking and igniting. It goes without saying that you’ll want to do everything in your power to avoid this type of damage.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. When you partner with a roofing contractor like Aderhold Roofing for commercial roof evaluation in Tampa, we’ll inspect your existing roof and help you gain energy and longevity for your commercial building by selecting a new, modern alternative to your old roofing material. From shingle roofs to thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes, you’re sure to find an option that brings your building solidly into the 21st century.