A commercial roof leak is aggravating to deal with. It also poses a risk to the structural integrity of the building, the safety of occupants, and the building’s finishes, fixtures, and contents. Depending on the location and severity of the leak, you could have a big problem on your hands. While you may feel a roof leak would be obvious to spot, it’s not always as easy as noticing stains on ceiling tiles or as puddle on the floor. Some leaks are sneakier. But, if you know why they happen and what to look for, you can potentially nip them in the bud before they create costly and disruptive problems.
1. Penetrations
Most roof leaks occur at transition points of the roofing system, like an edge detail or roof penetration. And, most roofs have a bunch of penetrations poking through them including; HVAC equipment, roof hatches, plumbing pipes and vents, skylights, etc. Each of these penetrations is a weak spot in the roof and, if not properly detailed and maintained, can be source of failure and a leak. Special attention should be paid to the quality of workmanship of the details to ensure a watertight transition.
2. Poor Drainage
The design and construction of your roof should ensure proper drainage. This means water should flow to drains, scuppers, gutters and downspouts and should not pond on the roof. If any of these are obstructed, clogged, damaged, improperly installed, or incorrectly designed, you could experience a leak. Or worse, if excessive ponding water is allowed to accumulate on the roof it could result in a dead load greater than the roof can accommodate creating a structural and occupant safety risk. This can be easily avoided with frequent inspections and maintenance of your roof, drains, gutters, and downspouts.
3. Age
A properly designed and well installed commercial roof can last beyond 20 years. The lifespan does depend on a variety of things, but if your roof has reached 15 years of age it’s important that you regularly have it inspected by trained roofing professionals. Old roofing materials can grow brittle and crack. or lose their elasticity and tear, eventually allowing moisture to infiltrate the roof system and possibly the building. Preventive maintenance and planned repairs of areas of a roof showing stress or with signs of deterioration can dramatically lengthen a roof’s lifespan and help to avoid annoying and expensive leaks.
Getting Your Roof Repaired
Innovative Roofing Group is your expert in all things roof-related. Whether you suspect there is already a leak or you just want to take preventative measures, we can help. Call 404-594-6038 or email us today for more information!