When it comes to the equipment stored inside your airplane hangar or the people passing through your airport, safety is of the utmost importance. There’s nothing safe about a roof in dire need of repairs.
If it’s been a while since your last roof inspection, IRC can help you determine if it’s time for a new roof. These are four signs of a damaged airport roof:
Water stains and leaks
A visible sign of water is the number one way to tell if your roof is failing you. Leaks into your hangars or terminals are dangerous indicators of moisture in your building and a damaged roof, but dripping water isn’t the only warning sign.
Take a look at the color of your roof. If you notice dark spots and streaks or signs of algae growth, these could also indicate moisture. Leaks and other signs of moisture merit a closer inspection and may lead to you needing a full airport roof repair or replacement.
Blistering or bubbles on the roof
If you start to notice bubbles on your roof’s membrane, it’s time to schedule an inspection and repairs. Blistering happens when air and moisture get trapped underneath the outer layers of your roofing system. They are also usually more prevalent in a roof that is not properly installed, which is why it’s so important to use the best contractors when replacing your roof.
As the sun heats the airport roof, the air pockets expand and stretch the membrane. In some cases, the membrane will actually crack when the pressure becomes too great. While a few bubbles may not seem like a big deal at first, they create more opportunities for water to leak inside your building, which would require repairs anyway. It’s better to address a problem like roof blistering early on.
Sagging roof
Ponding water can lead to a sagging roof. If you notice that your roof is already starting to look a little sunken or you see standing water on your roof, it’s time for an inspection. Not all roofing materials are completely waterproof, and most flat roofs require good drainage to make sure they’re not carrying extra weight when it rains.
The combination of the deterioration of the roofing structure and the extra weight of the water is what causes a roof to sag. This is potentially very dangerous if not addressed, as your roof could collapse if not repaired in time.
Even if moisture isn’t making it all the way through to your hangar, you should never have standing water on your roof for very long. Water should evaporate or drain off of a roof system within a day or two of the last rain. Ponding water can not only lead to a sagging roof, but also leaks inside your building and mold growth.
Musty smell
Moisture inside your ceiling can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can result in a damp, musty smell in your hangar. If you notice a continuous bad smell, especially when it rains, this is a good indicator that your roof needs repair.
Even without seeing evidence of leaks—dripping water, stains on the ceiling, streaks down the wall—a damp smell is evidence of a moisture problem and you should have your roof inspected as soon as possible.
It is important to address damage to your airport roof, no matter the severity. Even small airplane hangar repairs can help keep your roof in great working condition, but eventually, those small repairs start to add up. If you think it’s time to replace your roof, then our team at IRC can help.