Interior Signs of a Roof Problem
By the time you spot evidence of an interior roof problem, you could already be facing costly roofing and structural repairs. Because most roof problems start small and gradually get bigger, moisture and water damage to your facility can reach critical levels before the problem makes its presence known inside your building. The best insurance against expensive repairs and premature roof replacement is periodic and frequent roof inspections and maintenance.
The RoofGuard Preventative Maintenance Program, our exclusive inspection and roof care program, offers facility owners peace of mind. By enrolling your facility in our program, you’re making a money-saving investment in your roof and in everything of value beneath the roof.
While the following issues can also result from mechanical or structural problems, it’s wise to schedule a professional roof inspection if you notice any of them.
Increased Energy Costs
Have your heating and cooling bills been on the rise, despite adapting energy-efficient measures? An insulated roof acts as a protective shield in a climate-controlled building because it reduces thermal transfer between the interior and the exterior of the building. Saturated roof insulation, unfortunately, loses its original R-value, and as the hot sun bakes the surface of the roof, your HVAC units must work double-time just to keep the building cool enough for workers, customers or perishable inventory.
Visible Water
Water dripping from the ceiling is an obvious sign that there is a roof problem, but roof leaks can be tricky. The puddle you see emerging from beneath a wall can also be the result of a leaky roof. Water from a roof leak can travel along a truss or rafter until it reaches a sidewall before running down along the structural framing. When the leak appears on the floor, you might assume the problem is one of exterior window flashing or faulty plumbing. Any water – anywhere – should prompt a call to a professional roofing company – just to be on the safe side.
Sagging or Stained Acoustical Tiles
Dropped ceilings are common in commercial buildings because they provide easy access to ducting and mechanical elements installed beneath the roof. Trapped heat and moisture in the space between the acoustical ceiling tiles and the roof can result in yellowed or sagging tiles. While this can be a sign of a leak, it can also indicate poor roof ventilation. Without adequate ventilation, roof life is reduced and you could end up replacing the roof prematurely.
Moldy or Musty Odors
Wet drywall, damp framing and even metal that’s exposed to constant moisture creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive. Even a small roof leak can provide sufficient moisture for mold to get a foothold. Musty and moldy smells indicate a moisture problem somewhere and if a roof leak is involved, the problem will reoccur until the roof is repaired.
Prevention is the Key to Saving Money
Your roof is an investment in your building and in its contents. Because roof problems are not always visible to the untrained eye, you can save money and increase the life of your roof through professional inspections and regular maintenance.
North American Roofing specialists use state-of-the-art equipment to detect roofing problems before they can cause damage to the interior of your building. You’ve invested too much in your building and your operations to gamble with the condition of your roof. Let North American Roofing identify and fix your interior roof problem before you’re left with a much bigger problem.