Improving Your Business

How To Get Your Roof Ready For The Rainy Season

28 November 2020 by Leslie Turner

A roof leak may not become obvious until the rainy season arrives. A little water coming in can dry before you notice a problem, but days of rainy weather can lead to major water leaks and problems in your building. Perform the following task before rain arrives so you can avoid leaks.

Address Low Spots

Low spots are one of the most damaging things to a flat commercial roof. A low spot allows water to pond. The extra weight of the water increases the chances of a leak, or worse, a roof collapse. The standing water also stresses the roof membrane, weakening it until a leak forms.

A flat roof is typically designed to slope slightly toward the drains located around the roof perimeter or near the center of a roof section. If water is ponding and there is no drain in the area, a roofer needs to repair the sloping issues. They will usually build up the low area to the proper slope, but in some cases, they may recommend installing a drain in the low spot.

Unblock the Drains

Most flat commercial roofs have drains integrated into the design. The most common location for the drains is around the perimeter of the roof, where they simply empty out into a standard downspout system. Some roofs may also have central drains that empty into the building's internal sewer line.

Always check the drains to make sure they aren't blocked by leaves or other debris. The drains should flow smoothly. Downspouts and internal drains may need to be flushed twice a year to ensure they empty easily.

Seal Seam Gaps

Membrane-style roofs are one of the most common materials for a flat commercial roof. These roofs consist of a waterproof membrane that is installed over the roof surface, and then coatings are applied to further strengthen the membrane.

On larger roofs, multiple pieces of the membrane are needed, which results in seams where the two membranes meet. Over time, aging and weathering can cause the seams to shrink apart, resulting in a gap that allows water to leak through. The seams will need to be patched and resealed in order to prevent a major leak.

Patch Potential Leaks

Flat roof leaks are often the result of damage to the membrane, typically in the form of punctures. Causes of punctures include trauma from blowing debris, weathering, acid weakness from bird droppings or pollutants, and damage from walking on the roof.

An annual inspection before the rainy season allows you to find possible punctures and weak areas of the roof so they can be patched and resealed.

Contact a commercial roof repair service for more help. 

Share  

Search