Commercial Roof Leak Risks and Action Plans
In Texas (and most other parts of the South), alternating episodes of relentless heat and torrential rains can be a highly destructive force against your commercial roofing system and by extension, the occupants, equipment and inventory that are inside your building. In a previous blog post, we dealt with signs of a rooftop leak; in this article, we’ll discuss consequences, maintenance and action plans.
The facility management budget is an ongoing concern for commercial building owner and managers. But as the roof is your facility’s first line of defense against Mother Nature, roof maintenance and repairs should be at the top of your priority list. Finding room in the budget for routine inspections and repairs is more cost-effective than leaving those “minor” issues to become big expensive ones later on. Here are some examples:
Increased Risk of Liability. Unwanted water inside your facility from roof leaks can be a hazard to workers and visitors in at least two ways. Obviously, floors can become slippery; vinyl and tile can be particularly dangerous. Also, moisture within in walls and ceilings creates an ideal environment for mold to develop – especially in hot, humid climates. Both of these conditions can result in worker compensation claims and/or liability lawsuits.
Equipment Exposure. You’ve probably made a considerable investment in office furniture and computers; possibly manufacturing or food service equipment or product inventory. Water damage to any of those things could be very costly in terms of repair or replacement. When there’s a roof leak, the penetrating water can flow anywhere within the structure before it actually appears, putting your assets throughout the building at risk.
Worker Productivity and Tenant Retention. Your staff, tenants and visitors want and need a clean and safe environment. An uncomfortable or even hazardous (water on the floor, mold in the walls) setting can cause employees to be less satisfied and productive, and tenants to find a different location. A serious or long-term roof leak may force you to relocate staff or equipment – impacting your bottom line.
Create and Implement a Leak Action Plan
As a responsible building owner or manager, it’s in your best interest to have an action plan in place in the event of roof leaks. It should include items related to safety and mitigation, including (for example):
Place bright cones and/or signs around the affected area to keep foot traffic away.
Clean the water from the floor. Tools like mops, squeegees, wet/dry vacs should be on-hand and easily accessible.
Move furniture and equipment out of the way if necessary; items that can’t be moved should be protected with waterproof coverings.
Take photos and make a detailed list of affected areas and contents for insurance purposes.
If the water is indeed from a roof leak (as opposed to – for example – a burst pipe) it’s clear that you should immediately contact a commercial roofing contractor like UNITED, who has the tools and expertise to find the source of the leak and repair it.
The key to preventing leaks is performing regular maintenance on your rooftop. At a minimum, you should visually inspect your roof for any signs of compromise: membrane gaps, ruptured flashings, missing components and the like. Beyond that, it’s in your best interest to have a maintenance program designed and managed by a professional contractor such as UNITED. We will inspect all aspects of the roof, especially critical areas; make sure there’s good water flow into drainage systems; and report to you damage or other issues that need to be addressed.
Your investment in a preventative maintenance program from UNITED will pay off for you in the long run with fewer headaches and more confidence that your roofing system will protect your assets from leaks.