A leaking roof is a headache for anyone and can lead to a number of issues (and often expensive ones!) if it isn’t addressed quickly. A leaky roof can not only cause damage to the property but can also pose a safety risk if not handled correctly with professional roof repair.
Signs of a leaking commercial roof
Firstly, how do you know your roof is leaking? Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Strong odour or signs of mould – mould will thrive in damp environments and water coming through the roof is a common reason for damp walls.
- Water dripping – any drips or moisture internally should be checked out.
- Stains on walls or ceilings – these will often be a light brown colour
- Roof damage – A leak can often cause damage to both the roof and any objects underneath.
Once you have determined that there is definitely a leak in your roof, it’s important to take quick action, so here are some steps to take if your roof is leaking.
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Identify the source of the leak
This may have of course been established when looking for the signs of the leak, but identifying the source of the leak is a good first step to managing the problem. If it is an obvious source, then this is useful information when speaking with a commercial roofer
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Call a commercial roofer
Commercial roofs are often more complex than residential roofs as they have additional layers, insulation and ventilation systems. It’s therefore necessary that an experienced commercial roofer handles the leak. Attempting to fix the problem yourself could risk the safety of your employees and customers. Call a commercial roof repairs expert as soon as possible to come and repair the leak.
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Evacuate if necessary
Depending on the severity of the leak, it may be necessary to evacuate the premises until a roofer arrives. Besides the leaking water being an obvious slipping hazard, there may be internal damage done to the roof’s structure that is not immediately obvious.
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Protect your equipment
Even if an evacuation isn’t necessary, be sure to protect any inventory and equipment that may be exposed to the leak. This includes unplugging any electronic equipment or machinery and moving it away from the water.
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Conduct regular inspections
Prevention is key when it comes to commercial roof leaks. Conducting regular inspections and maintenance of your roof is not just your best chance to extend the roof’s lifespan but will also limit the risk of leaks. For example, you may notice missing shingles, roof tiles or other roofing material, this can often be the start of a roof leak. Extreme weather conditions will also have a potentially damaging impact on your roof and increase the chance of a leak. However, if you are maintaining your roof sufficiently and a leak does occur due to uncontrollable weather, you will be in a much better position in terms of the level of damage and handling of the leak.
Do you have an ageing roof?
An important point to consider in relation to the maintenance of your commercial roof is the age of the roof. You may have maintained the roof well over its lifespan but if it is starting to require continuous patches and repairs, it may make more economical sense to replace the roof itself. Check out our guide on spotting the signs of a roof in need of repair.
Emergency call-out for roof leak repair
It’s important that if you building has leaky roofs that you have a roofing contractor that can fix the issue. If you find a leak in your commercial roof, whether from weather damage or an internal issue, call us and we will attend the site to rectify the issue as soon as we possibly can.