Commercial buildings are large and require a lot of space. When inspecting a business structure, you will discover that the roof is the most prevalent source of concern. Because the roof is generally the first thing, outsiders see when they enter your business, it is critical to maintain it for your building to appear as professional as possible.
If you own a small coffee shop or a central hotel business, commercial roofing is one of the essential expenditures you can make. Unfortunately, most commercial roofs eventually leak in some way. Commercial roofing leaks are a common issue for businesses and must often be repaired immediately. Whether modest or significant, commercial roofs require great care as well as maintenance. The following are perhaps the most common reasons for commercial rooftop spills.
Commercial Roof Leak Indication
A roof leak can be a huge problem. If it is left untreated, a roof leak can damage your home and even lead to the destruction of your property. Here are several indicators that your roof may be leaking.
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Stained ceilings or walls
A stained ceiling or walls signifies a leak coming from the roof. It is essential to contact the roofing company as soon as you notice the stains to avoid any damage to the building. If you are unsure if the stains are from a roof leak, call your local property management office and ask if they have any complaints about water stains on the ceilings of their buildings. If they have no complaints, then it’s likely that it’s not a roof leak.
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Roof or flashings with visible damage
Any apparent damage to your roof or flashings could indicate a commercial roof leak. This could result in extra damage to your home as well as safety danger. You should hire a professional roofer or contractor to analyze the situation.
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Open Penetrations
There are signs of roof leaks that you can see and some that you cannot. A sign that you may have a roof leak is when there are open penetrations in the roof. These open penetrations can be seen as small holes or openings in the roof where water can leak into your home. If you find these openings in your roof, you must get them fixed before it worsens and causes more problems.
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Inside Your Building: Dripping or Puddles of Water
As you walk into your building, you notice a puddle on the ground and a stream of water running down the wall. This indicates a commercial roof leak, and your building is likely at risk for water damage. If you do not notice any other signs of water damage, it is unlikely that the roof leak is causing any structural damage to your building. To help identify if your roof leaks, you can place a bucket under it or listen for a dripping sound.
The causes of commercial roofing leaks
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Drainage system issues
A drainage system issue can cause a commercial roof leak. If not enough water comes down from the roof, the roof can become saturated and cause the roof to leak. To avoid this issue, ensure that your roof is adequately drained and that you have a sound drainage system to prevent any water from pooling on the roof.
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Weather
A commercial roof leak is often caused by weather conditions like high winds, rain, hail, snow, or a combination of these. If you’re experiencing a leak in your commercial building, it’s essential to know the signs of a roof leak to fix the issue quickly and prevent further damage.
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Damaged roof membrane or substrate.
Damage to the roof membrane or substructure is one of the most prevalent causes of roof leaks. This roof leak is caused by poor workmanship, poor installation, or poor materials. A common cause of this type of roof leak is improper installation of flashing or sealant. Another cause of roof leaks is a damaged membrane or substrate due to poor workmanship or installation.
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Aged Materials
Commercial roofs are built to be long-lasting and sturdy. However, the roof may become damaged after years of wear and tear. If the membrane becomes damaged, it can lead to a leak. As commercial roofs age, their natural lifespan is reduced, so it is crucial to monitor them for leaks to avoid costly repairs or, even worse, water damage.
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Improper Seals
The roof seal on a commercial building is an essential component of the overall building design. The seal must keep water out of the building and allow it to escape when needed. If the seal is not correctly placed, it can generate a leak that can cause extensive damage. Ensure that you install your seal correctly so you don’t have to worry about a leak in the future.
How to Prevent Commercial Roofing Leaks
Commercial roofing leaks are a massive problem for many businesses and homeowners. If you’re wondering how to prevent commercial roofing leaks, there are a few simple ways.
- First, make sure that your roof is well-ventilated. This will prevent the roof from becoming too hot and causing the tar to melt.
- Second, be sure that you have an adequate drainage system in place. This will allow water to quickly exit the roof and prevent the accumulation of water on the roof.
- Lastly, ensure you have a professional contractor experienced with commercial roofing work. These contractors have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your commercial roof is well-ventilated and secure.
An excellent example of a professional contractor is The Roofpro, based in Nanaimo. Since 1989, we have been in the roofing sector.
Roofpro has the expertise to complete any roofing project, from installs to inspections, thanks to a close-knit, qualified workforce.
Click here to contact us for your commercial roof issues today!