Finding the root cause of your commercial roof leak can be frustrating. Unless roofing is your field of expertise, performing DIY inspections and repairs instead of calling a professional can be counterproductive. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Roof Leaks?
Commercial roof leaks are always inconvenient and unexpected. One day, your roof may seem fine. The next thing you know, there’s water dripping from the ceiling. Is it because of the last thunderstorm? Was there damage that went unnoticed before and has gotten out of control? Anything could’ve been the last straw.
The bottom line is that commercial roof leaks are more common than some may think. Here are some of the primary causes:
Improper Drainage
All roofs, commercial flat roofs, especially, need high-functioning drainage systems. Water can’t easily slide off, since the surface isn’t sloped like roofing typically used for residential properties. Instead, it tends to pond on the surface and seep into the roofing membrane.
Water needs to trickle off the roof’s surface, into downspouts, and away from the premises to prevent it from causing damage to your property’s foundation. When your roof underlayment is soaking wet, eventually, it’ll start to leak. Because of this, an inadequate drainage system may be the main reason you need commercial roof leak repair.
Unsealed Penetrations
Roof penetrations from electric, HVAC, and plumbing system are unavoidable. However, it’s vital to ensure professionals tightly seal all openings when they’re finished installing equipment or performing maintenance. Otherwise, water could get inside your building through these penetration points and cause leaks.
Roof add-ons and industrial appliances aren’t the only things that can cause roof penetrations. If some tools and materials are dragged across the surface, they can cause damage, too. To avoid accidents like these, create a walking path for technicians and cover it with thick materials to protect against damage.
Roof Age
It’s uncommon to discover your new roof leaking. However, if your commercial roof has exceeded its service life, which is about 20-40 years on average, that could be why you’re seeing some leakage. The longevity varies depending on your roofing system’s material.
It’s crucial to keep up with ongoing maintenance to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. But holding on to an old, leaky roof does more harm than good. Don’t spend money on frequent repairs; invest in roof restoration or roof replacement if the damage is extensive.
Neglected Damage
If you suspect your roof is damaged but don’t take it seriously, all the cracks, holes, and lifts in the surface will soon lead to leaks. Water damage is the main cause of roof failure, so roofing contractors strongly recommend calling them to fix the damage as quickly as possible. Letting it linger is more dangerous than you may think.
What Should You Do If Your Roof’s Leaking?
It’s never a good time to discover problems with your roof, but you have to spring into action right away. The health of your commercial building depends on how responsive you are to ongoing roof problems. The moment you notice a puddle of water in the hallway or stains on the walls and ceilings, here’s what you should do:
Locate the Leak
The source of a roof leak is often deceiving. Water may drip from a light fixture or the corner of a wall. Keep in mind that may not be the point of entry; the water could be coming from several feet away. Roofing contractors have the tools and experience to quickly locate leaks, saving you time and trouble.
File a Roof Claim
It’s best to inform your insurance company of roofing problems as soon as possible. When you document the issue, insurance agents go over your policy with you and confirm how much financial assistance you’re eligible for. Although property owners dread the thought of filing a roof claim, it’s better to let them know so they can help cover the costs than footing the bill entirely on your own.
Implement Repairs Immediately
After discovering a commercial roof leak, call professionals to inspect your structure and fix it right away. Roofing troubles are worrisome, so it may be tempting to procrastinate with scheduling repairs. However, this makes matters worse. The longer you wait to hire professionals, the more significant damage becomes.
Why Is It Important To Address Leaks Right Away?
Commercial roof leaks result in other problems that are just as unpleasant if not more troublesome. Here are the primary reasons to schedule roof repairs with a sense of urgency:
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Roof leaks and water damage cause mold, which smells terrible and is often unsafe to inhale. Mold can cause nose and throat irritation, watery eyes, headaches, and dizziness, to name a few symptoms. It’s especially problematic for people with allergies, asthma, or pre-existing respiratory conditions. Since mold can spread to the heating and cooling system, it ruins the indoor air quality (IAQ) even more, contaminating the atmosphere and causing building occupants sickness and discomfort.
Comply With Safety Regulations
Commercial buildings must meet high levels of safety since they’re open to the public. Building owners and facility managers must ensure their building complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and local safety standards. It’s vital to prioritize associates’ and visitors’ health while in your facility by making sure you’re in good standing with building codes.
New Image Roofing Florida Specializes In Commercial Roof Leak Repair
New Image Roofing Florida is a commercial roofing contractor, unlike the rest. Free inspections, lifetime workmanship warranties, and price match guarantees are just a few advantages of partnering with us. We listen to your concerns, answer your questions with transparency, and eliminate your roofing worries. When water is dripping into your building, we find the source of the leak and confirm whether you need repairs or replacement. You’re never alone with New Image. Call us today to get started.
