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Protecting Your Commercial Roof: Spotting Roof Damage

commercial roof

commercial roof

Commercial roofs require continuous maintenance and repairs. Unfortunately, many times roof damage is far worse than it would have been if repairs were made months or even days in advance. The longer you put off routine maintenance, the more likely it is that your roof will see issues that far exceed normal wear and tear.

Whether you own a retail, medical, government, or educational building, there are steps you can take to keep your building’s roof protected. In many cases, looking for trouble spots goes a long way.

Here are a couple of things to watch out for:

Interior Water Stains

water stains

Water stains coming from the ceiling or walls often reveal a problem with commercial roofs. Some of the most common causes include a leaking pipe and a leaking roof. Finding the source of the problem is the first step. Once the source has been identified as a leaking roof, it’s imperative that the leak is fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk dealing with mold and rotting of other construction materials.    

Unusual Odors and Stains

Once water from leaks has set into the ceiling, you may start noticing odors within the building. Generally, if it is a leak and you haven’t had any repairs made, the water will seep in and create stains. Avoiding this scenario is your ultimate goal! So it’s best to contact a professional as soon as you begin noticing foul smells.

Missing Shingles or Curling Shingles

missing shingles

If your commercial roof has shingles, following a wind storm you may notice that some have been blown off or are curling, which means the edges are lifted. Sometimes all it takes is a 50 mph gust of wind to wreak havoc on your roof within seconds. Replacing and repairing shingles is imperative for avoiding leaks. Since it’s not always possible to spot missing shingles, you should consider having your roof professionally inspected following a major storm.

Standing Water on Flat Roofs

Flat commercial roofs come with their own set of issues such as water remaining for days or even weeks after a big rainstorm. If your roof doesn’t have a proper slope for the water to drain, it could cause damage. Thankfully, here in El Paso, the sun will peak out shortly after a rainstorm but when we get those back-to-back rainy days without any sun, that’s when you need to take caution. Also, following a hail storm, you’ll want to have your business’ roof professional inspected to have clarity knowing whether any damage was caused.  

Lariat Builders Offers Full-Service Commercial Roofing

The importance of a safe commercial roof should never be undermined. Your building depends on it. For that reason, we’re committed to ensuring your commercial roof is given the level of attention it requires to meet building codes and structural requirements.

To have your commercial roof professionally serviced, give Lariat Builders Group in El Paso a call today!

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The Best Way to Deal With Residential Water Damage and Why Timing Matters

water damage restoration service

From pipes bursting to cracks in your sewer line or the dreadful overflow of a toilet, these scenarios are never anticipated. But the reality is water damage is one of the most common causes of damage in homes. Generally, they tend to be a result of plumbing or appliance failures but can also result from natural disasters like a severe rainstorm. Since not all water damage is covered in your home’s insurance plan, taking action on your own is a must!

In this post, we’re going to focus on one of the most common problems in homes that results in water damage and why timing can make a difference in the severity of water damage.

A Common Problem: Water Heater Failures

There are a couple of signs to look out for when it comes to water heater failures. For one, you may notice that it takes longer than usual for your water to heat up or there’s a complete lack of hot water. Over time, the sediment (mineral deposits in the tank that create a barrier between the burner and water) in your water tank will build up causing the heater to work harder and eventually fail. This creates the potential for a water leak.

Another sign to look out for is cloudy water. If you happen to notice that your tap water looks cloudy or murky, it could be a sign of a water heater failure. Since the mineral deposits in your water will eventually build up and create a blockage, it will affect the flow of water and with enough time, damage your pipes. Pipes with corrosion tend to result in a leak.

Why Timing is Important

Every minute matters when it comes to a leak or overflow of water. Unfortunately, we’re not being dramatic! The important thing to realize is that when toxic water sits on a surface, such as your carpet or hardwood floor, it will eventually begin to evaporate. This is known as secondary water damage. Secondary water damage happens when the moisture from the leak, flood, or however the water got there, begins to evaporate into the air. With time, that moisture will make its way into your carpet, hardwood floors, cabinets, or any other area it can reach. Then comes the worst. The moisture will sit and turn into mold. By this time, the water damage has gone from bad to worse. That’s why calling in a professional as soon you notice a leak or overflow is detrimental.

Contact Lariat Builders Group, Inc. in El Paso

If you find yourself with a broken water heater, pipe burst, leaking sewer line, or dealing with the aftermath of a clogged toilet or sink, give us a call! At Lariat Builders, we understand the importance of providing swift service when it comes to water damage to your home. Our goal is to help you eliminate the risk of costly damage. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can help ensure that your personal belongings and the rest of your residence is safe. Please connect with us today to learn more.