Do you think your commercial building could have a roof leak? Water damage is usually the top suspect (and enemy number one), whether you have a commercial flat roof, low pitch roof, or steep slope roof.
What makes these situations even tougher is the fact that leaks can be tricky to spot (and may extend beyond what you can see in plain sight). If an emergency situation arises and is left unaddressed, a commercial roof leak can cause significant damage and cost thousands of dollars.
Understand When to Repair vs. When to Replace
Just because you have a suspected (or confirmed) leak, it doesn’t mean you need an entire roof overhaul. When the section of damaged roof is a small area and the overall roof is in good condition, commercial roof leak repairs are the way to go.
Small punctures/penetrations, minor membrane tears, or damaged flashing are all instances when a repair makes sense. When the damage is larger, extensive, or the roof is already toward the end of its lifespan, it’s time for a roof replacement.
Roof replacement is obviously an expensive endeavor. Preventative roof maintenance and roof inspections (aka prolonging your roof’s lifespan while protecting it from structural damage) are key components to not having to install an entirely new roof .
What’s Restoration?
There’s also the option for commercial roof restoration, which are roof repair services that span your entire roof. Restoration can be a cost-effective way to fix a handful of repairs at once, especially if your roof is in overall good shape. If there’s severe damage to your roof, however, you’ll need a new roof.
Step 1: Look for These Issues
There are some easily identifiable signs that tell you there’s a roof leak somewhere within your building’s roof.
Skyrocketing Energy Bills
If your energy bills climb drastically for no known reason, you need to look up! When water makes its way through your commercial roofing system, it compromises the insulation that protects your building from the elements. This, in turn, can cause major fluctuations in heating and cooling costs.
Water Stains on Ceilings and/or Walls
If you see water stains on your building’s interior walls, you have a leaky roof. And, if a major storm has just come through, there is no good way to tell whether that leak is big or small unless you investigate further. (We recommend calling in the professionals at this point to assess the severity of the situation.)
Blistered Roof Membrane
If you made it up on your commercial roof for one reason or another and noticed bubbles or blisters, a major issue could be on the horizon. In single ply roofing membranes (like TPO, PVC etc), blisters can form from ponding water, damaged flashing, or tears in your roofing membrane. That trapped water can then cause mold growth and weaken the roof itself.
Moldy/Mildew Odor
A moldy, musty, or mildew smell that cannot be explained is an indication of mold growing in the roof, likely through a roof leak. This scenario should be taken very seriously, because mold can have a drastic effect on air quality safety within the building itself.
Step 2: Mark the Spot
Once you identify the source of the leak or notice water stains/drips inside the building, move everything within the structure that could get damaged. If you can’t move large items, protect them with a plastic covering.
If employees are in the vicinity of the leak inside, move them, too. It’s better to be safe rather than sorry, especially if the damage compromises the integrity of the roofing structure without you knowing. Having employees leave the area also decreases their exposure to possible harmful mold.
Step 3: Call Roofing Services Professionals
There’s no way around it. In an emergency commercial roof leak situation, you have to start making phone calls. But, the good news is that the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time. When you work with a company like TEMA Roofing Services, you can rest easy knowing that we take on the burden of dealing with documentation, warranties and insurance companies so that your roof problems don’t lead to a halt in operations.
Why Does a Commercial Roofing Contractor Make a Difference?
Professional roofing contractors have the skillset and equipment needed to fix roof leaks, no matter the roof type or roofing materials that are affected. It might also be stipulated in your warranty that repairs need to be done by a professional, as well. Even if you suspect you have a leak but can’t access the roof, a call to a professional, experienced roofer means a quality roof inspection that gives you the answers you’re looking for.
Contractors can also help to work with your insurance company, starting the process of creating a claim if it’s covered under your commercial policy. They’ll also help guide you through what types of roof damage repairs your warranty covers.
Common Causes of Commercial Roof Leaks
There are a number of causes when it comes to commercial roof leaks. It’s important to be cognizant of different ways your roof can be susceptible to leaks, which will ultimately helps with your commercial roof leak repair.
Severe Weather
High winds that push around debris, torrential rain, consistent and heavy snow, and even excessive U.V. rays can all impact your commercial roof. If you notice changes inside your building following severe weather, contact a trusted commercial roofing company right away.
Punctures
When high winds or tree limbs hanging over your commercial roof puncture the roofing membrane, water can make its way inside. If you notice limbs on the roof or have experienced extreme weather that included high winds, reach out to a roofing expert.
Compromised Roof Flashing
Flashing is designed to create a watertight barrier along seams and joints (for example, where the roof meets a wall, or around HVAC units and skylights). When roof flashing is compromised or not properly installed, water can trickle into the structure, causing further damage.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
When drainage slows or comes to a halt, water collects in gutters, downspouts, and scuppers. That ponding water results in additional weight to the structure, which can easily weaken the roof. It’s extremely important to maintain drainage systems so that water continues to flow away from your roof and building.
Poor Installation
When components of a commercial roof aren’t installed properly, it leads to poor sealing and alignment. These are issues that allow water to infiltrate the roof system. Always find a reputable commercial roofing company. Ask for references and check out what reviews say online.
Call for Help – Address Your Commercial Roof Leak
Identifying and successfully fixing a roof leak should be of the highest priority. You can certainly try to locate the source of the leak yourself, but if you don’t feel comfortable or confident, that’s why the experts at TEMA Roofing Services are here to help.
We have more than 50 years (and multiple generations) of experience with commercial roofing…so we’ve seen, installed, and handled it all (including commercial roof leak repair)! Don’t wait any longer – call TEMA today.
