Roofers have a tough job. They work at heights, carrying heavy shingles and nailing them to the roof's surface. In addition to working hard, roofers are also very knowledgeable. They can recommend the best roofing material to fit your budget and preferences, and they can make repairs, as needed, to ensure your roof continues to keep your home safe. There's a lot to learn about roofing. We are not professionals, but we consider ourselves to be well-informed, and we share the information we know on this website. As you read, you will learn more about roofing as a profession, and you may also pick up some roofing tips you can use on your own home.
An effective and reliable roof is essential to your business because it shelters your employees, clients, and business assets from the weather elements. Conversely, having a leaking roof would get the office occupants and customers questioning the standards and credibility of your business.
Worse, such a roof is likely to have mold and other biological growth. You do not want to expose your customers and staff to health hazards as a business owner. Accordingly, it helps to know the probable causes of leaks to help prevent them from happening in the first place. Below are some common causes of leaks for commercial roofing.
Poor Drainage
Water will settle on your commercial roof rather than flow off if it lacks proper drainage. The longer it remains, the more your roof becomes vulnerable to water damage. Whether from rainwater or melted ice, the water will penetrate your office through cracks or holes.
This likely indicates that your roof's drainage components are faulty or were incorrectly installed by a non-professional. The first step in resolving this issue is to have an expert conduct a thorough assessment. Your roofing contractor will ensure that drainage components like gutters, scuppers, and waterspouts are in optimal shape.
Faulty Roof Substrate
The substrate is an essential component on which the roofing system lies. It comprises the deck, insulation, and other elements that support your roof. If even one of these parts is faulty, water can seep through to the interior of your premises, damaging your products and equipment. Your roof substrate may be damaged due to various reasons, but the main one is if it's holding excess weight.
Additionally, if you reside in regions that experience strong winds, the debris they blow onto your roof may also damage the substrate. As such, you should invest in regular roof inspections to catch and resolve such damage.
Defective Seals
Roof sealants play a critical role in preventing leaks on roofs. Thus, they are excellent additions that help preserve your roof's lifespan. But since they bear most of the pressure from weather elements, they inevitably deteriorate over time. The weak seals then lead to splits and cracks on the roof, and this brings about leakage. If you observe this and the roof is old, it may be time to replace it entirely.
However, if the roof is effective, it could be that a sub-par DIY installation of the sealants is the culprit. In this case, you'll need a reputable contractor to replace the sealants before the issue escalates.
You can experience commercial roof leaks due to various factors, but the condition to usually due to inexpert installation or neglect. Observing regular maintenance to prevent this is wise.
Contact a company like C Cougill Roofing Co Inc to learn more.