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Signs Your Commercial Roof is About to Collapse

FLOYD MASON • May 28, 2021

A collapsed commercial roof can lead to significant financial loss and even indefinite business closure. To help prevent catastrophic loss, it is important to know the signs of a roof collapse and actions you can take to help prevent a commercial roof collapse.

Here are some common signs you may experience a commercial roof collapse soon:

Misaligned sprinkler heads and ceiling tiles

If the sprinkler heads or ceiling tiles are misaligned in your ceiling, then this is a sign that your ceiling has shifted. It is crucial to determine why the ceiling has shifted and get it repaired immediately before a collapse can happen.

Leaking or signs of water damage on the ceiling

If your roof is leaking, it is never a good sign for the structural integrity of the roof. If water has made its way inside of the building, it is an indication that the water has begun to potentially affect the support structure of the roof, which can lead to a collapse.
As soon as you spot a leak, have a commercial roofer identify the source of the leak and evaluate your roof for any structural damage. Leaking is an issue that needs to be fixed fast as the damage it causes can progress quickly.

Cracks in exterior walls

Cracks in the exterior of your building are a sign of a serious structural problem. While there are several reasons for these cracks, one of them is that your roof is unstable and is close to collapsing. It is crucial that building engineers inspect your property along with a commercial roofer who should inspect the integrity of the roof.
Windows and doors are difficult to open and close

If you are having difficulty opening and closing your windows or doors, this is a sign that you are experiencing structural shifting. This structural shifting can lead to your roof’s support system buckling and failing. If you have detected an issue like this, it is crucial to contact your roofer immediately.

Weather-related damage

Some regions experience severe weather that can cause extensive damage to a commercial roof and can cause the roof to fail. Severe weather such as hurricanes, windstorms, snow accumulation, temperature fluctuations, hailstorms, and more can severely damage your roof.
If you experience an extreme weather event, it is crucial to have your roof professionally inspected for damage.

Standing water

A clogged drain system, poorly maintained roof or a roof that wasn’t properly installed can cause ponding water. As water accumulates and remains on the roof, it adds extra weight and can cause your roof’s load to be exceeded, causing a collapse.

Shifting of the building

If the flooring in your building has become uneven, the building feels titled, or the support columns and vertical installations seem to be angled, then this could indicate that your building has shifted at the structural level and it is at risk of collapse.

What to Do If Your Commercial Roof Collapses

If you experience a commercial roof collapse or you are experiencing these signs that a collapse may be imminent, contact the commercial roof contractors at ACR1 immediately to have your roof inspected and evaluated for repairs.

Signs Your Commercial Roof is About to Collapse

ACR1 Commercial Roofing

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Author: Floyd Mason

Born and raised in farming in Iowa

Worked in and around construction since 1977

BS in Corporate Finance and Financial & Estate Planning from Brigham Young University. Involved in Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years, Scoutmaster 15 years Estimator, Project Manager, Sales Representative, Crew Leader, Laborer, Territory Manager, District Manager, Regional Manager, National Sales Manager,

ACR1.COM Sales & Marketing Manager since 2013.

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