The roof on your building acts as a shield that protects you and your employees from Mother Nature. However, that shield is not perfect and leaks can start to form over time. When that happens, you need to get in contact with a professional roofing specialist, like C.I. Services, to maintain the integrity of your roof system. But what causes roof leaks to appear on commercial buildings?
Common Causes of Water Leakage in Buildings
Just like with owning a home, it’s necessary to pay attention to the condition of your roof. Commercial structures are just as susceptible to moisture as residential roofs, and no one wants to go running for a drip bucket every time it rains. Tell-tale signs of a leak include water spots, bubbling of the paint, mildew, a mysterious bad odor, and puddling on the floor. If you see warning signs like these, commercial or industrial roof leak repair can fix the problem.
Leaks aren’t something that happen spontaneously—there is normally a reason behind them. Knowing the cause of the leak can provide helpful information on how to fix the issue, as well as tell you the severity of the problem. Here are a few of the most common reasons why commercial and industrial roofs leak.
Poor Drainage
Flat roofs are one of the most popular styles of roofs used for commercial buildings. When a commercial roofing contractor installs a roof, they must take drainage into account in its design. Without proper drainage, water can form puddles in the uneven areas of your roof. These puddles can create cracks and roof sag.
Damaged Membrane
Roofing membranes are materials that help to seal flat roofs and make them waterproof. Unfortunately, they don’t last forever. These materials can be damaged by sun and weather over time. When you see cracks, shrinking, blistering, or holes, it can result in roof membrane leaking.
Damaged Flashing
Similar to membranes, flashing is used to help waterproof your roof. However, instead of directly guarding the structure, its job is to protect the exterior edges of the roof membrane. It also creates seals around vents and other protrusions. Fluctuating temperatures or wear and tear can cause flashing to expand or contract and become loose. Without the seal the flashing provides, water can seep underneath the membrane.
Old Age
Nothing lasts forever, including your roof. The average service life for a commercial roof can range anywhere between 10 to 40 years. For flat roofs, the life expectancy is closer to 15 to 20 years. As your roof ages, the more wear and tear it accumulates. As a result, it becomes more susceptible to roof damage that can result in leaks.
Prevent Leaks With C.I. Services
If you’re having issues with your commercial or industrial roof, the experts at C.I. Services can help. From waterproofing to full roof replacement, we offer a range of services to address all your roof problems. As a premier roofing contractor, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional results that leave our clients feeling satisfied.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.