As a commercial building owner, it can be stressful and overwhelming to deal with a leaking roof repair. Whether your roof has missing shingles or holes, small leaks can lead to big problems.
Fortunately, there are some issues you can easily fix yourself. In this article, we’ll take a look at the hazards of a leaking roof and provide you with a list of steps for achieving your leaking roof repair.
Common Causes of a Commercial Roof Leak
The Age of Your Roof
Most commercial roofs last 15 to 20 years. While this lifespan can vary depending on the type of roof you install, you’ll eventually have to replace your roofing system.
Commercial facility codes allow up to two roof systems to be installed on your building. Then, you’ll be required to tear them off before installing another system.
Damaged Membrane
The membrane is the waterproof layer of your commercial roof. When the membrane is damaged, it can crack, split, or shrink. Water can also leak through the membrane and saturate the underlying insulation.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing protects the membrane’s edges. It’s common for flashing to expand and contract as the temperature changes, which can cause gapping and leakage. By repairing the flashing on your roof, you can prevent potential leaks from forming.
Insufficient Drainage
Insufficient damage can cause pooling water on your roof. To prevent pooling, you should clean your drains and gutters frequently.
Odor and Mold
If you notice a foul smell, there’s a high chance of mold growing and spreading in your building. Mold can cause serious health issues such as respiratory diseases, asthma attacks, pneumonia, allergic reactions, and more.
First Steps When Your Roof is Leaking
Look for the First Signs of a Roof Leak
Generally, the first signs of a roof leak are the sight and sound of dripping water. However, there are other signs that can indicate a leaking roof:
- Musty odors in certain rooms
- Water stains on your ceiling
- Spots on exterior walls
- Bulging patches on interior walls
- Missing or warped shingles
Once you locate the signs, you should clear out any equipment or supplies, and ask people to leave. If you have items that you can’t move, you can cover them with plastic.
Mark the Point of Entry
Next, you should mark where your leak is located. By doing this, you can help contractors and insurance agents when they come to inspect the damage.
Look for Other Problem Areas
Unfortunately, if there’s one leak, there may be other leaks in your building too. Before you tackle any repairs or contact a roofing professional, you should check for other problem areas.
Start Your Roof Repair
Once you pinpoint the leak location, you consider calling a commercial roofing contractor. They will be able to assess your roof and provide a project quote for repairs.
Contact the Leaking Roof Repair Experts
In need of a commercial roof replacement? T&G Roofing is here to help you. With more than 30 years of experience, we offer a 10-year no-leak guarantee. To learn more, schedule a consultation today!