It’s unlikely you’ll know you have commercial roof leaks until you are in the middle of heavy rainfall and you hear the drip, see the puddle, or arrive at your business to find a huge flooded mess. A roof leak can be devastating to a business if it is much more than a drip. Consequently, this is especially true if you don’t catch it right away.
Water damage to your building is one problem. However, product damage and the risk to your equipment and electronics can leave you with extremely costly repairs and replacements on your hands.
So, how do commercial roof leaks happen? And, what can you do if the worst happens? Keep reading for the details.
What Causes a Leak in Your Business’s Roof?
A roof leak can happen for several different reasons. Here are some of the possibilities:
- Poor-quality roof installation
- Faulty or damaged shingles
- Damaged or punctured roof valley
- Buildup of water or debris on the roof
- Roof punctures from hail, falling tree limbs, or other objects
- An aged roof that requires replacement; a roof will typically last 20-30 years
Furthermore, when any of these issues compromise the roof’s integrity, it can leak water into your business if there is precipitation or inclement weather.
How to Detect a Leak in Your Commercial Roof
Catching a leak right away is crucial to minimizing damage to your business building and the contents. It’s far better to identify a leak before the next rainfall than to wait until water is pouring from the roof. However, the truth is you may have a roof leak and not even know it. Water may be causing damage to your property that you can’t see.
In addition to more obvious signs of a roof leak, such as water puddles and drips, other signs include:
- A foul, musty odor in your business building
- Mold growth
- Discolored stains on walls or ceiling
- Curling or buckling shingles
- Open seams on the roof
- Standing water on the roof
- Damaged or loose metal flashing on the roof
- Holes or tears in the roofing membrane
- Roof bubbles
- Damp roofing insulation
What to Do If Your Commercial Roof Springs a Leak
If you have an emergency and water is flowing into your building through a leak, it’s a good idea to cover electronics and equipment with protective plastic and get any employees or customers out of the building. And, in the case of a drip from the ceiling, place a large bucket underneath to catch the water.
The next important step is to call on a trusted local roofing team that can help you stop and repair the leak as quickly as possible. The pros at Capital Roofing will be there right away to diagnose your roof’s problem and provide the best repair solution to get you back in business. Our licensed professional roofers are dedicated to returning your commercial roof to optimal condition quickly, so your business can thrive.
So, get in touch with our trusted team at Capital Roofing today for a free inspection and estimate for commercial roof leaks.