Commercial Disaster Response: Roof Leaks

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Some types of roofing are more durable than others, and some types of weather may cause the material to deteriorate more quickly than others.

If you've ever been unfortunate enough to have a roof leak, you know how frustrating it can be. A roof leak can cause storm-related damage and damage to the property, but it also causes major issues with water buildup. Of course, if your roof is leaking due to an issue like heavy rain or ice accumulation, then your commercial buildings will likely collect this excess water in the form of puddles on the ground below. However, when you have a roof leak, the water will spill over the roof's edge and begin to pool beneath your commercial buildings. Usually, this means that there is too much water pressure within the structure, causing damage.

Here are some common causes of roof leaks that can lead to catastrophic water damage in your commercial buildings:

1. Leaky Gutters

Gutters are an important part of any roof system. They are designed to direct rainwater off the roof and into a gutter system. It is very common for gutters in commercial buildings to become damaged because of heavy rain. Due to heavy rain, a layer of leaves builds up on top of the gutter, and eventually, this accumulates into large clumps. To have your gutters properly cleaned out, it is best to have them inspected either by an experienced roofer or a professional roof cleaner. This will allow the gutters to be cleaned and maintained regularly not to accumulate debris that can damage them.

2. Unvented Chimneys

Several forces can damage a chimney, but even with regular cleaning and maintenance, a chimney can eventually fail. It is very common for chimney caps to develop cracks or holes due to corrosion. This can lead to water pooling inside the structure, which leads to leaks and damages caused by water. Once a chimney is damaged, the structure will need to be replaced.

3. Decaying Roofing

There are different types of roofing material for different weather conditions. Some types of roofing are more durable than others, and some types of weather may cause the material to deteriorate more quickly than others. Regardless of which type of roofing you have, it is very common to develop small cracks or leaks in the form of downed shingles or rotted areas in your building's roof. If you look at the condition of your roof during heavy rain or after the rain has stopped, you may notice that the shingles are bent and torn, or some areas appear to be older than other areas of your roof. This usually means that roofing is leaking and is causing damage to your commercial building.

4. Corroded Pipes

Pipes are very important to every structure to have running water and drainage. However, pipes can develop leaks over time due to corrosion and neglect by the property owner. One of the biggest leaks within a pipe system is from corroded faucets in sinks or showers. When pipes are corroded, they may become damaged and begin leaking contaminants through them.

Preventative Measures

There are a few ways to prevent roof leaks, but some of them may not be possible depending on the location and structure of your building. Here are preventive measures which can be taken to prevent leaking:

1. Installation of ridge vent

Roof vents are necessary to allow hot air to escape your roof during the summer season, but they can also cause issues with roof leaks. Water accumulation in the attic can cause shingles to develop cracks and leak. The water will likely pool on top of the ridge with a ridge vent instead of leaking into your building's structure.

2. Inspect your roofs regularly

If there are areas in which you notice developing leaks on your roof, schedule an appointment with your roofing contractor to have them fix these areas. A professional roofer will be able to inspect the roof and make recommendations on how to keep it from leaking again.

3. Adding a second layer of shingles

If a roof is old and has developed leaking issues, you may want to consider adding another layer of shingles to repair the roof. The first layer of shingles may have already developed some holes, causing water to leak into the roof. By adding another layer of shingles, you will increase the strength of your roof and make it less likely for water to get inside.

Conclusion

While the conditions of your roof are important, there are many ways to prevent roof leaks and water damage. If you live in an area that is prone to heavy rainfall or snowfall, you may need to inspect your commercial buildings regularly to make sure that your property is safe. An experienced professional can help you evaluate the condition of your commercial buildings and make recommendations on how best to repair or replace any damaged areas.