A leaky commercial roof can be a frustrating and costly problem for any business owner. Not only can it damage the interior of your building, but it can also lead to bigger issues if not addressed promptly.
The causes of roof leaks can range from simple wear and tear to more complex issues, such as poor installation or design flaws.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the common reasons why commercial roofs leak and what you can do to prevent and fix them.
Roof’s Age
Even though commercial roofs have a lifespan of several decades, the constant exposure to the elements can take a toll on the roof’s materials and overall condition, leading to leaks that can even result in a full roof replacement.
Therefore, it’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your commercial roof to extend its life and minimize the risk of leaks caused by age-related wear and tear.
Poor Installation
Regardless of your roof’s age, if an unskillful roofer provided the roof’s installation, there is a quite real possibility that the installation was not performed correctly, leading to a greater chance of leaks and other problems down the road.
An unskilled roofer may not have the knowledge or expertise needed to properly install the roof, leading to mistakes such as improper sealing, inadequate ventilation, and the use of inadequate materials. These issues can weaken the roof’s overall structure and increase the risk of leaks, even if the roof is relatively new.
Therefore, before signing any contract with your roofer regarding roof installation, be sure that you know who you are dealing with and that you have convinced yourself of his knowledge and experience.
Inadequate Drainage
One more cause of leaks in commercial roofing is poor drainage. An adequate drainage system drains water from the roof, preventing water from pooling or standing on the surface and causing damage to the roof materials.
If the drainage system is not functioning properly or is insufficient, water can accumulate on the roof, leading to leaks and potentially damaging the roof structure over time.
Therefore, it’s important to regularly check the drainage system and clear any debris or obstructions to ensure proper flow and prevent leaks caused by poor drainage.
Deteriorated Roof Flashing
Deteriorated roof flashing is another cause of commercial roof leaks. Flashing refers to the metal flashing pieces that are fitted around the joints of the roof, such as the chimney, skylight, roof edge, and inner wall. If this important part of your commercial roof is damaged, leaks can easily occur.
Damaged Membrane
A damaged membrane is one more cause of commercial roof leaks. The membrane is an essential part of the roofing system since it serves as a barrier to protect the building from outside elements. However, if the membrane is compromised by sunlight, foot traffic, or severe weather, it can lead to leaks and other forms of roof damage.
For this reason, business owners should schedule routine roof inspections to detect membrane deterioration early and repair it before it causes more costly issues.
Contact MK Roofing for Commercial Roof Leak
If you’re experiencing leakage problems with your business building, don’t hesitate to reach out to MK Roofing. We are a commercial roofing company based in New Jersey with over 30 years of experience in the field. Our expertise lies in commercial roof repair and replacement, making us one of the most reputable roofing contractors in New Jersey.
In addition to roof repair and replacement, we also offer other commercial roofing services such as roof inspections, maintenance, flat roof systems, and a variety of roof coatings, including metal roofing, spray foam coating, single-ply commercial roofing, and commercial rubber roofing.
At MK Roofing, we value our clients and aim to establish long-term relationships with them. That’s why we are their first choice for any commercial roofing needs.
So, if you have any concerns about your commercial roof, feel free to contact us. Schedule a free roof inspection by calling us at 908-323-9686 today.