Building owners often put off roof repairs and neglect their roofing system because they think they are saving money, time, and effort. The problem is they are only considering the short term while ignoring the long-term consequences of damaged roof neglect. Being a commercial roofing company in Omaha, we’ve seen a lot of costly commercial roof damage that could have been prevented by using the proper commercial roofing solutions.

What are the Short-Term Effects of Roof Neglect?

In the short-term, neglecting the roof of your building can have major adverse effects on your building. These problems can intensify over time and become costly problems. 

Roof Leaks

The first negative effect of commercial roof neglect is a leak. Once a leak starts, it only gets worse. Small blemishes on the roof that are noticed but ignored can lead to eventual leaks. Leaks never plug themselves, they only expand. If you have a multi-layered roof, you do not see the water entering the building unless you get on the roof and inspect it. If you suspect a leak, get it repaired immediately, and avoid internal building damage.

Other Short-Term Effects Include 

• Increased energy bills 
• Mold 
• Animals and Pests 
• Damage to ceiling tiles, drywall, paint, and more

Long-Term Effects of Commercial Roof Neglect

When you ignore small problems, they eventually become big problems. If you ignore roof issues long enough costly problems will ensue.

Severe Water Damage

Remember the leaks you were ignoring? They’ve now led to complete destruction of the insulation, and significant mold growth has taken over. The ceiling has begun to sag and workers are getting headaches from breathing mold all day. Now you’re looking at shutting down operations for two weeks for repairs.

Other Long-Term Effects Include 

• Decreased worker safety 
• Decreased property value 
• Increased repair costs 
• Structural damage
• Ruined insulation

Conclusion 

When you wait too long, you always end up paying more. Slightly damaged roofs that need repair can be affordably fully restored with liquid roofing systems that add decades of life. These systems can be easily re-applied at the end of their lifespan. Building owners that wait too long have to pay for a costly complete roof replacement. The old roof will need to be removed, interior damaged repaired, and a new roof will need to be built. It might even be needed to replace decking and structural beams.

Contact us if you can’t remember the last time you had your commercial roof inspected. We’ll do a thorough inspection and let you know where your roof stands. You may only need a few minor repairs to fix your commercial roofing problems. Better to get them taken care of today than to pay for costly complete roof replacement tomorrow. Call us at 402.289.7869.