Causes of Commercial Roofing Leaks

If you have a leak in your commercial roof, the best course of action is to contact an experienced roofing contractor before significant damage occurs to the roofing structure and the building’s contents. Many roof leaks come from common causes that you might expect. But knowing where the leak is coming from will allow you to protect your building and prevent it from getting worse.

Taking action early on will help reduce the likelihood of leaks happening in the first place. Here’s what to know:

Low slope commercial roofs are at risk for water to coalesce on them. This could lead to extra weight and stress on the roof, leading to a number of problems such as damage and leaks. To prevent standing water on the roof, surface design needs to be well-executed. You should have a proper draining system with clear drains, gutters, and downspouts. This will redirect water away from the roof itself and prevent pooling.

To ensure that there are no leaks over time, sealing any pipes and ductwork with a quality sealant is also important. Roof penetrations from gas lines, vents, HVAC units, and pipes can all lead to leaks if not sealed properly with a high-quality sealant. Without giving these places special attention during installation, the outlets will become open holes in the roof membrane.

Getting regular roof inspections is crucial to the health of your roof. Commercial roofs are designed for a significant amount of weight and pressure, but there will always be a chance for wear and tear over time. Commercial roofs should have annual inspections to identify potential problems early on when repairs can be made quickly and easily before any damage occurs.

Just as regular roof inspections are important to detecting damage and signs of wear before becoming an immediate issue, performing regular roof maintenance is also helpful. By cleaning out your gutters, repairing minor damages, and addressing mold or moss growth you can tackle minor problems before they become significant.

If your roof is starting to leak, but there are no visible signs of damage on the surface, it could be due to a damaged membrane. The roof membrane is a waterproof layer that seals off the interior of your building, effectively preventing water from leaking through. Commercial roofs need to stay waterproof and prevent water from damaging underlying surfaces. Factors such as foot traffic, harsh weather, mechanical damage, and wear and tear can compromise the structural integrity of the roof membrane.

Finally, while it may seem obvious that an old roof is more at risk for damage and leaks than a new one, wear and tear over time can be significant. Commercial roofing is designed to withstand the elements and heavy loads, but they do become weaker with time. Constant exposure to the elements will damage the structure of the roof and increase the chances of leaks. Flat commercial roofs will reach the end of their useful life in between 15 and 20 years. If your leaking roof has served its useful life, it’s best to have it replaced altogether.

At Crossover Roofing , our HAAG-certified roofing experts can handle your commercial or residential project. Contact us today for a free estimate.