3 Common Reasons for Commercial Roof Leaks

When you hear about leaky roofs, people often think about homes on a rainy day. They don’t think about commercial buildings, which can also suffer damage and allow for moisture to enter. There are many ways for commercial facilities to spring leaks. In this blog, we’ll be going over some of the most common reasons for breaches in commercial roofs.

1. Old Roofs

While they may seem like a constant, roofs do have a lifespan. The average flat roof has about 15 to 20 years until it needs to be replaced. While your roof can certainly be repaired and waterproofed, you may notice that the endless repairs and maintenance just may not be worth it anymore. If you’re finding that you call on a roofing professional every other month, it may be time to consider a full replacement of your commercial roof. 

2. Pooling Water

One of the most common sources of leaks comes from pooling water. If your roof has areas that aren’t totally level, water can collect in puddles. Roofs are large structures, and water can weigh about five pounds per square inch. This can put great strain on your roof, causing cracks that water can travel through. 

To fix your pooling water problem, you’ll need a roofing expert to level the roof and/or fix the drainage system. Being able to disperse water and prevent heavy puddles from forming is the key to decreasing the likelihood of leaks. 

3. Flashing Damage

If you aren’t already familiar, flashing is the term for the protective layer around your roof membrane’s edges. It also seals the area around things that pass through your roof, like chimneys and vents. From inclement weather to changing temperatures, flashing can experience wear and tear. At a certain point, this wear and tear results in a source for leaks. 

Without quality, maintained flashing, your commercial roof is ripe for leaks with multiple access points for water. This what makes roofing maintenance so important. If you aren’t getting your roof checked at least once a year, you may be suffering from damaged flashing and not know it. The best defense against roof leaks is a good offense!

While there are many other causes for potential leaks, one thing remains true: having a certified home inspector check your roof annually is the best way to spot small problems before they turn into big ones. Matrix Roofing Systems is the Mid-Atlantic region’s top roofing expert. To protect your commercial roof from leaks, give us a call today!

What To Do When You Notice Your Commercial Roof Leaking

Anyone that manages a facility knows how unsettling a roof leak can be. This is an all-too-common experience for those in the Mid-Atlantic area; the humid climate and frequent rainstorms are not friends of commercial roofs! It is important to know how to respond when you notice a leak, and not to fear or stress out. The right response can mean the difference between a quick fix or thousands of dollars in repairs.

Noticing the Leak
The first step in fixing any problem is knowing that it exists in the first place. While one may feel that noticing a leak is a no-brainer, not every commercial roof leak looks the same. For example, you may not notice water drops or puddles, however stains in the ceiling may appear. Water creates areas of discoloration in ceilings during leaks, so be sure to watch out for these signs of damage. Another sign of a leak may be through smell. An unpleasant smell may be signs of hidden mold; mold thrives in moist environments, so you roof may have a leak if you start to notice the odor.

Quickly Respond
Once you notice a leak in your facility, you must respond quickly in order to minimize damage. First, remove any people, equipment, and inventory from the affected area. If there are objects that cannot be moved, cover them in plastic to prevent water damage. Once the area is cleared and/or the equipment is protected, place buckets or any other type of receptacle under the droplets to prevent puddles from forming.

Place a Marker
One thing that will be very helpful when you speak with your roofing contractor and insurance agents is to mark the point of entry for the leak. While it may be a no-brainer while the leak is actively occurring, it is likely that the leaking will cease after the storm has passed or time has gone on. Simply take a piece of tape and stick it to the area of the ceiling where the water entered your building.

Scan for More Damage
While we certainly hope your commercial roof only has one area of water damage, you should still check for more in case the problem is spreading. The best time would be when the rain is still pouring outside, as leaks are tough to find when the affected areas dry.

Call a Professional
Now that you have covered all your bases, it is time to call a roofing expert! While they can certainly handle the above tasks on their own, you will be well-suited to minimize damage at your facility if you can provide a professional with all the details as soon as possible. A roofing contractor will be able to assess the damage, determine how to fix the leak, and give you any tips about how future leaks can be prevented.

To learn more about commercial roof leaks, call Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc.!

A Leaking Ceiling Doesn't Always Mean a Leaking Roof

Water damage to your ceiling can be a very stressful problem for commercial property owners. Not only does it pose a couple of different problems, but finding the source and fixing the issue can be a strenuous task. The earlier you take action after noticing a leak in your ceiling, or a water stain, the better.

There are a couple of different reasons why a leaking ceiling should concern property owners. The first, while definitely the least important issue, is one that can help people identify and prevent larger issues. Leaking ceilings are often accompanied by water stains. They most often look like coffee colored circles around the leak.

While a water stain on your ceiling does not always indicate an active leak, they should not be taken likely. Finding and fixing the leak as soon as you notice a water stain could help prevent more serious damage. While water stains may not bother all property owners, the more serious issues they can present should not be overlooked. One issue that leaks in the ceiling are often accompanied by is mold. Mold can potentially contaminate the air and be harmful to tenants and visitors.

However, the biggest threat that a leaking ceiling presents to a property owner is affecting the structural integrity of the ceiling. Over time, as water continues to leak and build up in the drywall of the ceiling, the extra weight added by the moisture can cause the ceiling to collapse. The possibility of something this dangerous should alarm owners to take action against leaking ceilings.

A very common cause of a leaking ceiling is a leaking roof. However a leaking ceiling doesn't always mean a leaking roof. The leak can be caused by a variety of different sources. It is important to look into all of the potential sources when looking for the cause of a leak. Here are a few things to keep in mind when determining if a leak is stemming from the roof.

1. Does the ceiling only leak while it is raining? If leaks from your ceiling correspond with rainy weather, it is likely that the leaking ceiling is caused by a leak in the roof. However, if the ceiling leaks no matter the weather, it is likely caused by another issue.

2. Take a close look at the water. If the water appears dirty or leaves a colored stain on your ceiling, it is likely coming from a leak in the roof. If the water seems clean, there is a good chance it is coming from the plumbing.

If you have determined that the leak in the ceiling isn't caused by a leaking roof, the next step is investigating the internal source of the water.

One of the most common causes of ceiling leaks is faulty plumbing. A professional should look at the area surrounding the leak for issues with the plumbing. A moisture meter can be used to determine if there is an active leak or if the water damage is from a past issue. Common problems with plumbing include old pipes or pipes that are no longer sealed correctly.

While not as common, there are other potential causes of the leak worth looking into. If the leak is in a bathroom, the source of water could be an exhaust fan. If the vent is not properly insulated, the moisture collected by the exhaust fan can condense and start to leak. Another potential cause of a leaking ceiling is a buildup of frost in attics or surrounding exterior walls.

No matter where the water is coming from, it is important to deal with the issue as early as possible. The most important step in fixing a leak is finding and correcting the source of the water. Repairing or replacing the ceiling will not help very much if the leak is not dealt with.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (267) 327-4680. We’re a commercial roofing company in New Jersey, and we’re more than happy to help you explore your options and identify the best solution for your commercial buildings.