Commercial buildings are intricate and complex structures that require regular maintenance to function correctly. Unfortunately, structural damage can occur for various reasons, including age, natural elements like heavy snowfall or high winds, or even poor maintenance. Learn about common signs of structural damage in your commercial building and how to fix them.
Sagging Roof
A sagging roof is an obvious sign that something is wrong with the structure of your commercial building. Several factors, such as wear and weather-related damage, can cause a sagging roof. It can also occur due to a lack of maintenance. For example, if you don’t have a well-maintained gutter system, water will pool on the roof and put excessive weight on it.
A sagging roof is a serious issue because it can significantly impact the structural integrity of the building. If left unchecked, the roof could eventually collapse, leading to other expensive repairs or renovations.
How To Address It
Contact a local commercial roofing repair company if your roof appears to sag. These professionals know what to look for in a structurally sound roof and can make the appropriate repairs.
Worn-Looking Concrete
Concrete is one of the most important materials in a commercial building, and you should regularly inspect for signs of structural damage. Concrete wear can appear as cracks, uneven areas, or other irregularities that make the surface look less than perfect. These imperfections not only look unappealing but also lead to various hazards. For instance, water can settle into cracks, harboring ideal conditions for mold. Likewise, uneven areas create trip risks. Moreover, if that water freezes, the crack could grow even larger.
How To Address It
If there are deep cracks in your building’s concrete, examine the area first to ensure there’s no mold. Many use concrete floor grinders to repair uneven spots, stains, or small cracks. When using one of these machines for the first time, talk with the company you buy from to ensure you understand how to use it.
Spike in Utility Bills
A spike in your utility bills is the final common sign of structural damage in your commercial building. If your utility bills start to spike without any obvious explanation, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the structure of your building. From plumbing and heating to cooling and ventilation systems, there may be an issue causing your energy costs to go up.
How To Address It
If you notice a spike in your utility bills, reach out to a professional immediately. A licensed plumber or HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and advise the best action for repairs. Never ignore issues within your buildings; while repairs can be pricy, they’re cheaper than a complete replacement.
