Commercial Roof Leaks: What to Look for on the Rooftop
As the owner or manager of a commercial building, you have a lot on your plate. Much of your focus is probably on the internal materials and systems of your facility, but it’s important to not neglect the roof because it’s your number one defense against the forces of Mother Nature. Small roof leaks can easily turn into big problems so, as part of your facility’s routine maintenance plan, make it a priority to inspect your rooftop to make sure that it’s holding up against the weather. Here are some things to look for.
Ponding water. After a rain, it’s common for there to be areas of the roof where water collects. But if it doesn’t drain or evaporate relatively quickly, leaks could develop. That’s because the weight of standing water can push it through tiny holes in the surface and into your building, plus make those holes bigger. Also, standing water can lead to mold growth on the surface, which can shorten the life of some roofing systems. If drainage is an ongoing problem, your roof has a slope issue and it needs to be addressed. It’s also important to note that, while many roof system manufacturers exclude ponding water from coverage in their product warranties, Duro-Last – UNITED’s preferred roofing system – does not.
Flashings that are damaged or otherwise compromised. Roof flashings provide a “bridge” between surfaces of different angles (such as transitions between vertical and horizontal roofing sections). These components, which can be made from metal, membrane or a combination of materials, are critical to ensuring the watertight integrity of your roof. If they are worn, damaged or missing, you can assume that water will be able to find its way inside.
Cracks, tears or breaks in the surface. Over time, especially after a season of harsh summer or winter weather, you may see tears or other weaknesses in the surface of your commercial roof system. These could have been caused by falling branches or other blown debris, expansion and contraction from temperature extremes, foot traffic, or dropped tools from maintenance projects. Obviously, any glaring flaws must be addressed immediately. Even if nothing is visible, your roof membrane can be weakened by some of these events.
Bubbles or blisters in the membrane. These are signs that there could be moisture trapped underneath, which could come from condensation (a potential insulation problem) or from water that has penetrated from outside via a leak. In addition, blisters and bubbles create more surface area on the roof membrane for wind to “grab hold of” and pull apart, producing more leak opportunities.
Although they can appear to be minor, any of these problems should be addressed and repaired immediately, whether by your own maintenance staff (if they have the appropriate know-how) or a professional commercial contractor who has the tools and expertise to do the job properly. Or, if you find yourself and your maintenance team in a constant struggle with leak problems, it may be a better financial choice to invest in a completely new roof.
Regardless of your commercial roofing needs, the pros at UNITED stand ready to help. We have full-time crews dedicated to repair work on all types of roofing systems: asphalt/built-up, single-ply, metal, shingle and tile. They are experts at diagnosing and repairing problems of all kinds, even in situations where other roofing contractors have been unsuccessful. If we can be of service, please contact us at your convenience.