Apartment complexes vary in size, but there’s no doubt that when a roofing problem arises, the whole community is affected. This can be a hassle for commercial property owners and investors, who must rectify the issue quickly. It’s also quite worrisome for residents who have to live through the repairs.
Apartment buildings come in all shapes and sizes. Shamrock Roofing and Construction has over 40 years in the commercial roofing business, and many of our customers consider us one of the best roofing contractors in Des Moines. If you run into a roofing issue with one of your apartment buildings, we can help. Give us a call to schedule an inspection, and we’ll get you booked ASAP.
In the meantime, here are five of the more common roofing challenges you might encounter. Remember that any time water is allowed to get where it’s not supposed to be, you increase your chance of trouble down the road.
#1. Structural Damage
Apartment buildings are much larger than your typical residential home or duplex. They often contain multiple layers, making the proper structural combination of utmost importance. The wrong roofing contractor in Des Moines could leave you in a tight spot if they cut corners with the initial engineering or installation process. Even slight structural irregularities can create issues with the roof later on.
#2. Shingle Disarray
Missing or broken shingles can happen to any roofing structure, but the damage is more severe and widespread when it happens to an apartment complex. Many apartment buildings sit several stories high, making it difficult to spot damage from ground level. With that in mind, hiring an expert on roofing in Des Moines to annually assess your building for damage is highly recommended.
#3. Flashing Issues
The flashing of your roof is critically important. It helps shield the perimeter of the roofing structure from leaks. However, on many residential properties (including apartment buildings), the flashing sometimes rusts or bends, making your roof susceptible to leaks that could lead to more extreme water damage.
#4. Storm Destruction
The Midwest often experiences extreme weather conditions, especially during the transition between seasons, so it’s no surprise that storm damage is a common problem for commercial property owners in Des Moines. That said, apartment complexes usually have a large footprint, which means any damage that comes as a result of storms is multiplied exponentially.
#5. Poor Skylight or Other Installations
Many apartment buildings have skylights, especially in common areas. While these windows add lots of natural light and beauty to the space, they also compound your opportunities for leaks and water damage.
We should note that anytime you mount something on the roof or punch a hole in it — even to install a skylight — you’re increasing the chance that the roof will leak. Before doing anything of this nature, including mounting satellite antennas or HVAC systems on the roof, consult with an experienced roofing contractor in Des Moines. They’ll be able to offer guidance on the best installation methods for avoiding water intrusion.
Does Your Apartment Building Need Roof Repair?
If your apartment building needs roof repair in Des Moines, it’s time to get in touch with our team at Shamrock Roofing and Construction. We’ve honed our systems and processes to a fine art, and we can get in and out as quickly as possible with a minimum of disruption to the building’s tenants. Contact us today for more information on our commercial roofing services. We look forward to partnering with you to protect this significant investment!