Improving Your Business

Commercial Roofing: 3 Causes Of Commercial Roof Leaks

25 October 2022 by Leslie Turner

A leaking and damaged roof can be a nuisance and inconvenience to your business. And if it's left unchecked, a leaking roof can cause major structural damage to a commercial building.

Therefore, you should investigate and identify possible causes of roof leaks to protect your building.

Here are three common reasons your commercial roof may be leaking.

1. Damage to The Roof Membrane

Roof membranes help seal the interior of the commercial roof and weatherproof them. However, the membrane material is prone to damage over time by excess water build-up, snowfall, strong winds, or exposure to the sun. Damaged roof membranes render a weatherproofed roof ineffective, thus exposing your commercial roof to the elements.

You will start to notice shrinkage, cracks, blistering, or holes that affect your roof's insulation. If your roof's membrane incurs such damage, contact commercial roofing experts to repair or replace it. Also, schedule regular roof inspections to avoid prolonged damage to your roof.

2. Aged Roof 

Most commercial roofs boast a lifespan between 10 to 20 years before you can replace them. However, the lifespan varies depending on the commercial roof you install. Even though regular inspections and maintenance can prolong your roof's lifespan, it will give out at some point.

The durability and resilience of your roof decrease with time and prompt the need for a replacement or repair. This weakness that your roof incurs due to aging will cause the roofing material to thin. Thus it will not withstand the weather elements and start to leak.  

Keep a note of maintenance and repair records to help commercial roofing contractors assess the state of your roof for an accurate estimate. 

3. Pooling Water/Inefficient Drainage

Most commercial buildings have flat roofs. If the roof contractors design or install these roofs poorly, there could be dips in the commercial roof that collect water over time. Continuous pooling of water weighs your roof down and weakens the roofing material. Weak roof materials will create deeper grooves that collect more water. 

Eventually, these dips will collect enough water that infiltrates the roof and the ceiling below. When water breaks through, it will cause tremendous damage to your business.

Poorly constructed drainages will also result in the same outcome. When installing commercial roofs ensure draining any excess water is put into consideration. Poor drainage will lead to water build-ups which weigh down your roof and cause leakages.

Further, clean gutters and drains regularly to ensure no water stagnation on your roof.

To have your roof inspected, contact a local commercial roofing service.

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