Are you familiar with the many causes of commercial roofing damage in Jacksonville? While some are obvious, others are often overlooked. Either kind can result in destruction that extends well beyond your roof to your entire property.
In order to prevent costly damage, it’s important to conduct regular roof inspections and familiarize yourself with some of the problematic issues you can expect to encounter.
Read on for details about the most common causes of roof damage in this part of Florida.
Sunlight
You likely avoid leaving certain objects out in the hot Florida sun for too long. Depending on what they’re made of, they’ll either fade, warp, or become brittle and prone to breakage. However, you’ve probably never given much thought to how the sun affects your roof.
While roofing materials do hold up to sunlight better than other less hardy materials, your roof certainly isn’t impervious to the sun. Constant exposure to extreme heat and UV rays over time can lead to cracking, warping, and distortion that opens the door to a whole host of other problems. If any of these types of deterioration are present on your roof, it’s likely time for repair or replacement.
Storms
Jacksonville is no stranger to severe weather, including hurricanes. Strong storm winds can cause roofing materials to break off or be blown away entirely, leaving your building vulnerable to the elements. The heavy rains that come with severe storms are also an issue, as they can result in water seepage that weakens the underlying structure of your roof.
The combination of these two factors during a storm often results in the need for emergency repair. After any type of severe weather, have a professional thoroughly check your roof for water damage and areas with broken or missing roofing materials.
Tree Branches, Limbs, and Leaves
Trees are one of the leading causes of commercial roofing damage in Jacksonville. Branches can fall on your roof when they aren’t properly trimmed back, as can dying trees that haven’t been cared for. Branches and limbs can also be carried by strong storm winds to produce a major impact.
Keep all tree branches and limbs several feet away from the edge of your roof to lower the chances of contact. Taking this precaution will also cut off access for any animals prone to wandering on top of your building. In addition, keeping trees at a safe distance will limit the buildup of leaves that could otherwise clog your gutter system and facilitate the accumulation of rainwater.
Algae
As algae is an aquatic organism, you may be surprised to hear it can end up on your roof. Since algae thrives in hot, humid conditions, most roofs in Jacksonville are actually a prime location for algae growth. The main problem with algae is that it loosens the roof’s internal structure, making it weaker and more prone to all types of damage.
Moss
When you notice moss on your roof, you may think it’s more of an aesthetic problem than a structural one. Unfortunately, that green, slimy stuff doesn’t just look unappealing. Because it retains moisture, it can cause significant roof damage and potentially contribute to a dangerous collapse.
Moss spreads very quickly, so it’s best to take immediate action whenever it comes to your attention. In addition to having a roofing contractor remedy any damage that’s already occurred, you’ll also want to take steps to inhibit future moss growth. This can be done using chemical treatments or even metal strips made of zinc or copper, which are poisonous for moss.
Commercial Roofing Damage Solutions in Jacksonville
Are you dealing with commercial roofing damage in Jacksonville as a result of one of these common nuisances? Whether you require emergency roof repair, preventative maintenance, or a thorough inspection, call AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 to get started with our commercial roofing services.