The typical lifespan of a commercial roof is 10 to 20 years. However, that does not mean you will never have to deal with fixing problems along the way. It is common during those years that you may experience a leak or two.
Leaks in your commercial roof can happen for various reasons. The main reason your roof could have a leak is because of improper roof installation. This includes incorrect installation of roof structures such as roof flashing, roof membrane, and roof vents or chimneys. Other culprits that can cause major damage to a roof and result in water leakage are falling trees, hail, and other objects, along with poor or no drainage, open penetrations, incorrect sealing, or an aging roof.
Signs of a Commercial Roof Leak
As a commercial building owner, it is important that you recognize the signs of a leak. The following are the most common signs you might see.
- Stained ceilings or walls
- Visible damage to the roof flashings
- Odor and mold issues in your building
- Puddles forming and water dripping inside your facility
- High energy bills
What to Do If Your Commercial Roof is Leaking
When you first notice a leak, it is important to stay calm and not panic. Just because your roof has a leak does not mean that a major, expensive repair is in store. As soon as you notice a leak, clear the area of people, supplies, and equipment so you can lessen the risk of damage. Place a bucket to collect the water so it does not create puddles on the floor. If there are heavy objects that are in the path of the dripping water and are too heavy to move, cover them with plastic to prevent water damage. After ensuring that everything and everyone is safe, try to identify the exact point of where the leak is and mark it. If possible, do this while it is raining because it would be hard to mark these areas when the roof dries up. Finally, contact a professional roof repairer to gage how much damage there is and have your roof fixed as soon as possible.
PolyArmor: The Alternative to Commercial Flat Roof Replacement
If your commercial roof is severely leaking, it is better to repair it rather than replace the roof completely. PolyArmor provides not only long-term roof repair and maintenance, but also extends your roof’s life by an additional 15 to 20 years. It saves business owners money, aggravation, and avoids time consuming tear-offs. Instead of replacing your roof entirely or continuously fixing leaks time after time, one application of PolyArmor’s seamless liquid coating will give your roof a smooth monolithic membrane that allows for a complete restoration and is guaranteed to last.
Final Thoughts
Leaking roofs are a hassle that bring on lots of frustration and headaches. As a business owner, you already have other business-related stressors, so adding roof problems to that list can only make you want to lose your mind. To help ease your worries, contact PolyArmor today. Our professional roofers will provide their expertise and answer any questions you might have regarding your commercial roof. We take pride in helping our customers, making sure their needs are met and problems are fixed the first time.
