Roof rot can happen with any roof, but it is more common with commercial roofing. Commercial roofing tends to have less of a slope than residential roofing, which contributes to this roof problem. Unless you have previously experienced roof rot on your commercial building, you may be unfamiliar with the term. Read on to learn the basics of roof rot.   

What the Signs of Roof Rot Are

Knowing what the signs of roof rot are can help you determine when to call in a commercial roofing professional. The signs of roof rot can vary based on how rotted your roof is. In its early stages, you may see wet spots or discoloration on the roof. As the roof is left unattended, water stains and cracks can begin to emerge. In its worst form, your roof may start sagging or folding inward in certain spots. It is important to note that roof rot may affect only certain spots on your roof. It does not always affect your entire roof.

The Causes of Roof Rot

Roof rot is caused by sitting water. While many people refer to commercial roofs as flat roofs, they actually do have a slight slope to them. This slope is created to help drain water from the roof. However, if your roof has debris on it or has dings or dents, water may not flow off of the roof as it should. Water can sit in certain spots, degrading the roofing materials. Eventually, water may damage the roofing materials to such an extent that moisture seeps through your entire roofing system, leading to roof rot. 

The Problems Associated With Roof Rot

Roof rot can be a major problem for commercial roofing because roof rot only worsens over time. As roof rot worsens, your roof can start to leak, causing damage to items you have stored inside of your commercial building. If the rot continues, your roof can cave or collapse inward as your structural roofing materials weaken and can no longer support the weight of the roof. 

How to Prevent Roof Rot

The best way to prevent roof rot on commercial roofing is to have routine roofing inspections. During a roofing inspection, commercial roofers will look for signs of moisture damage. This allows them to catch and repair the damage before roof rot happens.

Roof rot is a sign that major problems are occurring within your commercial roofing system and that repairs are needed. If you ignore roof rot, the problem will continue to worsen, and you may experience roof leaks or even a collapsed roof. If you notice signs that your roof may have roof rot, you need to call in roofers quickly. They can inspect your roof and make any repairs that are needed. Reach out to a commercial roofing company to get started.