If your commercial or industrial flat roof has started leaking, you probably have questions like, “Why is my new roof leaking in my commercial facility?” and “Why does my roof only leak sometimes?” Let’s go over the common causes of commercial roof leaks. Then, we’ll look at how commercial and industrial roof leak repair protects your roof in the long run.
Common Commercial Roof Leak Causes
When your commercial or industrial flat roof leaks, you need to find the source quickly to reduce roof damage and interior damage. Fortunately, most roof leaks have one of the following causes:
- Poor roof drainage: All roofs, both flat and sloped, have to drain water off to prevent water damage. Gutters, flashings, and other roof components help the roof drain effectively. However, if the gutters clog or the flashings break, they contribute to poor drainage, which results in leaky roofs.
- Damaged roof membrane: Even if the roof drains well, it may leak because the membrane is damaged after being exposed to the elements without regular maintenance. Lots of foot traffic can also wear down the membrane. Flat roof membrane damage often includes tears, worn seams, ponding water, and blistered sections.
- Unsealed roof penetrations: Commercial flat roofs often have penetrations such as HVAC units, utility lines, pipes, or vents. If a roofing contractor doesn’t seal them during installation, they can lead to leaks.
- Poor roof sealing: Sometimes, your contractor doesn’t just fail to seal the roof’s penetrations—they may fail to seal the roof itself. Without proper roofing sealant in place, your roof sits exposed to water damage and many other types of weather damage.
Each of these create roof leaks that lead to major water damage to your entire facility. Spotting these problems quickly helps effectively mitigate roof damage.
How to Spot Commercial Roof Leaks
If you believe your flat roof has leaks, look for the following signs:
- Dripping sounds on your building’s top floor
- Water stains on ceilings and walls
- Clogged gutters and roof vents
- Puddles of ponding water
Once you notice these signs, contact a qualified roofing contractor such as Kirberg Company to perform a roof inspection. We’ll verify the signs of damage you’re noting and identify the source of the leaks.
How to Decrease the Chances of Roof Leaks
While it’s good to spot signs of leaks and schedule roof repairs to fix them, it’s even better to avoid leaks completely. Take the following steps to prevent your roof from developing conditions that create leaks:
- Limit foot traffic on your roof. Foot traffic can damage your membrane, which contributes to leaks.
- Schedule annual maintenance visits from your roofing contractor. During each visit, your contractor checks your roof for damage, clears gutters and vents, and performs other tasks that stop leaks from occurring.
Both these steps go a long way to preventing commercial and industrial roof leaks.
How Do Roof Leak Repairs Benefit Your Roof in the Long Run?
When you schedule repairs for your commercial roof leaks, you prevent the damage from growing work. If you pay attention to roof damage and have it fixed quickly, you prevent different types of damage from piling on top of each other and wearing your roof membrane down. Scheduling leak repairs quickly helps maximize your roof’s lifespan. When leaks and other damage don’t sit unrepaired on your commercial roof, the roof system operates efficiently and lasts longer.
Why Partner With Kirberg for Commercial Roof Leak Repairs?
Partner with Kirberg if you want a commercial roofing contractor that can fix leaks in a variety of roofing materials. We work with commercial EPDM and TPO roofs, and we recognize damage in these membranes immediately. We’ve performed roofing repairs in the St. Louis area for over a century, and we use that extensive knowledge and experience to provide the right repair solutions for your commercial flat roof.
Reach out to us today to repair your commercial roof leaks. We have the knowledge and experience to complete the job properly.
