Explore the Most Common Jacksonville Roofing Problems
You’re likely aware of the damage that high winds, storms, and hurricanes can cause to commercial roofs, but did you know that the sun can also cause significant damage? Keep reading to learn more about the most common Jacksonville roofing problems and how to deal with them.
A Subtropical Impact
Most days, Florida weather is wonderful. The summers are warm and bright, and the winters are mild. Although these qualities make Florida a great place to live and vacation, they can also create quite a number of problems for your roof. An unrelenting sun, frequent summer storms, and nonstop humidity can strain your roof’s integrity.
In addition, Florida is subject to the annual hurricane season, which can cause significant damage or even destroy your roof. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common roofing problems in Jacksonville.
Shrinking and Warping
Your commercial roof’s flashing, roof membrane, and shingles are the outermost layers of your roof system. They deflect rain, hail, and high winds, all while keeping the interior of your building insulated, waterproof, and safe from the elements.
But high heat and moisture can wreak havoc on your Jacksonville roof. In high heat, flashing warps, expands, and then shrinks, often transforming into a different shape than it was when it was installed. This opens up seams in your roof, which allows water to penetrate your roof system. In addition, high heat can cause shingles to curl or become brittle and crack.
Similarly, roofing membranes like TPO or EPDM are also affected by high heat. With prolonged exposure, these roofing membranes can shrink around the edges and crack under the heat of the sun. They can also experience seam failure, which exposes your roof to the elements.
If you have damaged flashing, worn-out roof shingles, cracked membranes, your building loses a layer of protection against the elements.
Sun Damage
They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing. Jacksonville boasts around 221 sunny days a year. While that may be great for your tan or for your garden, it can cause a number of problems to your Jacksonville commercial roof, including cracking and discoloration.
Discoloration is one of the first indications that your roof may be deteriorating. Just as your skin blisters and burns from excess exposure to the sun, your Jacksonville commercial roof also shows the effects of the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays.
If your commercial roof has experienced weather damage, it might need to be repaired or replaced. Our commercial roofing services can help you extend the longevity of your roof.
Roof Damage from Storms
Although general wear and tear can damage your roof, the most significant damage often comes from high winds, hail, and hurricanes.
High winds can cause serious damage to commercial roofs by uplifting or dislodging shingles or roof membranes. This gives water an opportunity to seep into the roof system where it can cause unseen structural damage and rot. Curled shingles, warped flashing, and shrunken membranes are all particularly vulnerable to wind damage since their exposed edges can catch the wind like a sail.
Hail can also cause serious damage to your Jacksonville commercial roof. Small hail pieces can dent or damage roofs, and larger chunks have the potential to penetrate your roof. Like wind damage, this exposes your roof to the effects of water.
Hurricane roof damage is the most catastrophic roofing problem. With a mixture of extremely high winds, rain, and flying debris, hurricanes can dislodge roofing materials, puncture the roof, or tear it off completely. These violent storms can cause widespread damage and put the structural integrity of your roof into question.
Water Pooling
Unlike sloped roofs, which use gravity to channel water into gutters and away from the roof, flat or low-sloped roofs often experience water pooling. Although it’s normal for water to stand on your flat roof for a short period of time after it rains, water that pools for more than a few days can damage your roof. Roofs are meant to be water resistant, but, given the opportunity, water will seep into even the smallest of pores and cracks. Pooling water increases the possibility of this happening.
Water Leaking
Leaking is one of the most common—and most frustrating—Jacksonville roofing problems. Leaking occurs when there is damage to part of your roof and water finds its way in. If your commercial building is experiencing a leak, you may notice water dripping or yellow stains on the ceilings and walls. Unfortunately, one leak is often a sign of others—they’re not usually isolated incidents.
Clogged Gutters and Drains
Summer storms, high winds, and hurricanes can all cast debris onto your roof where it can clog drains and gutters. If it’s left unattended, it can disrupt the channeling of water, leading to unnecessary pooling and possible water damage.
What To Do When You Encounter Roofing Issues
When you encounter these roofing issues on your Jacksonville commercial roof, it may be difficult to gauge the damage. You may assume that, because there aren’t any leaks or apparent structural damage, all is well and good within your roof system.
That isn’t always the case. Roof systems are complex and interconnected—one seemingly small problem can affect the entire system. For example, a clogged gutter may seem like an insignificant problem, but the resulting pooled water can break down your roof membrane or decking. This can lead to rot or even structural damage.
In order to maintain the health and longevity of your Jacksonville commercial roof, you need a roof inspection from a reputable roofing company. Professional roofing contractors have the ability to assess the extent and severity of roofing issues, and they know how to do so safely. Roofing is extremely dangerous work, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Your roofing contractor can inform you whether you need roof repair or roof replacement.
Turn to Floridian Roofing & Solar for Jacksonville Roof Repair
If your commercial roof has experienced damage from storms, the sun, or from general wear and tear, Floridian Roofing & Solar can provide you with Jacksonville roof repair. Our team has over 20 years of experience using a wide variety of roofing materials, from metal roofs to modified bitumen and TPO. Contact us today to find your Jacksonville roofing solution.
Related Postings
About Us
Floridian Roofing & Solar is a full-service provider of commercial and residential roofing services. We use our 20 years of experience to put a durable roof over your head.
Contact Us
10752 Deerwood Park Blvd. STE 100
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
License #CCC1331581