Commercial Roofers MN

Where there is high humidity and a warm environment, floating mold spores too tiny to see with the naked eye land and take root. It thrives on materials containing cellulose such as paper, wood and drywall. This covers most of the materials that went into the construction of any building. Walls are not exempt from the effect of a leaky roof – moisture from the top of the building can find its way into the deep interior of a building. Left unattended, the mold attacks the fibers of the wood structures that hold up the building, weakening them with rot.

Don’t Let Hidden Roof Leaks Destroy Your Building

Hidden roof leaks are notorious for allowing enough moisture into your home to wreak considerable havoc. The keyword here is “hidden.” Water can slowly drip through the roof for years and soak into the structural components of the house without your knowledge.

Study Finds Poor Roof Maintenance Causes Sick Buildings

Sick building syndrome is a moisture-related problem that can develop in a commercial building if the roofing system is not well maintained, according to a recent study by the Georgia Institute of Technology.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indoor mold growth can be controlled by managing moisture that enters facilities. In addition to disrupting building operations, commercial roof leaks can also contribute to the occurrence of severe internal Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems.

Highlights of the Georgia Tech study, Roof Maintenance Record Analysis Toward Proactive Maintenance Policies, include:

The Nature of Building Moisture Problems

  • Moisture problems in building envelopes are common and universal. They affect all building types and geographical regions.
  • Moisture accumulation causing bio-contamination in buildings has been associated with numerous mold-induced personal health problems.
  • Litigation related to water damages is on the rise; a triple digit increase of lawsuits in commercial buildings has been observed.
  • Damages caused by moisture include component disfiguration, dimensional changes, rotting, decay, mold, and corrosion. Unexpected deterioration can result in a shorter functional service life of building parts leading to a premature failure of the structure.

Roof Maintenance Is the Solution

  • Compared to other portions of building envelopes, commercial roofing systems are much less durable, less energy-efficient, and more trouble-prone.
  • One of the well-accepted causes of roof leaks is the lack of roof maintenance.
  • Many building owners do not have commercial roof management in place. Due to this, roofing-related decisions are typically made with incomplete information, and, therefore, approximately 85% of roofs are replaced unnecessarily.
  • Deferred roof maintenance is also a typical problem resulting from lack of a roof management plan which leads to a reduction of building performance.

The study concluded an increase in minor roof repair and inspection frequencies (maintenance) reduces the odds of roof leaks. The notion is similar to the practice suggested by the roofing industry that roofs should be inspected at least bi-annually. The study also confirms the drastic impact that age has on roof’s performance, and the need for different maintenance regimes based on age.

Commercial Roofing Requires a Professional

Minor problems can be detected at their initial stages and corrected before they become severe, extensive problems. It is important to address any concerns you may have with a reliable Minnesota Commercial Roofing Contractor for a roof inspection of your roof, especially when it comes to something as critical as a commercial roof system. The longer the damage persists, the more it will effect your home or building, potentially causing a larger repair costing you more money. The key is to catch any roof damage before it becomes problematic.

Damage that goes unrepaired is a nightmare waiting to happen. Building owners should view roof maintenance operations similar to the way they view mortgage insurance. A manageable yearly expense could provide the dividends of a roof system that meets or exceeds its anticipated service life. For instance, a 20-year roof system that protects the building beyond 20 years could be considered free money to the owner.