What Causes Roof Leaks?
Exposure to the elements is known to be an underlying factor in many instances of roof leaks. Heavy rain, snow, hail, and strong winds can damage even the newest roof systems, causing unfortunate and costly leaks. Physical damage caused by foot traffic or other debris from weather events can cause degradation and ultimately lead to commercial roof repairs. How much ponding is acceptable on a flat roof? Conditions that lead to leaks are often caused by:
- Tears, punctures, and holes in the roof: From a branch falling onto a TPO roof membrane to a section of roof pulled up by a windstorm, holes in the roof are one of the most obvious sources of roof leaks. They will almost certainly result in the need for emergency roof leak repair if the damage occurs during a rainy season.
- Flashing failure: Sometimes roof flashings are not installed properly or become damaged throughout the life of a roof, therefore opening an opportunity for rainwater to get in between the roof membrane and a vertical protrusion. This creates a consistent avenue for water to seep in and cause roof leaks. Although they are harder for the untrained eye to spot, these can be caught by regularly scheduled commercial roof inspections!
- Poor drainage: Drainage is critical to keeping a roof dry and preventing emergency roof leak repair. Clogged gutters and downspouts can result in ponding water in low areas of a flat roof system. When water ponds on a specific area of the roof for too long, it can cause the roof to prematurely age, as well as work to open any seams leading to leaks.
- Improper seals: Failing sealant on commercial roofs can occur either during installation when a less-than-reputable contractor performs the installation or over time as the roofing materials expand and contract, causing the seals to deteriorate. Weak seals at pipe penetrations, pourable sealer pockets, exposed termination bars, etc., are notorious for allowing water to penetrate the roof system.
Signs that you may be having issues
Sometimes, when your property needs commercial roof repairs, the writing is on the wall (or even the ceiling!) When you notice visible signs of leaks and other damage, it’s time to schedule an inspection and begin the process of repairs. Telltale signs that your roof needs repairs include, but are not limited to:
- Water stains on the ceiling indoors: From a branch falling onto a TPO roof membrane to a section of roof pulled up by a windstorm, holes in the roof are one of the most obvious sources of roof leaks. They will almost certainly result in the need for emergency roof leak repair if the damage occurs during a rainy season.
- Sagging or dipping roof: Sometimes roof flashings are not installed properly or become damaged throughout the life of a roof, therefore opening an opportunity for rainwater to get in between the roof membrane and a vertical protrusion. This creates a consistent avenue for water to seep in and cause roof leaks. Although they are harder for the untrained eye to spot, these can be caught by regularly scheduled commercial roof inspections!
- Cracks, holes, and punctures in your roof: Drainage is critical to keeping a roof dry and preventing emergency roof leak repair. Clogged gutters and downspouts can result in ponding water in low areas of a flat roof system. When water ponds on a specific area of the roof for too long, it can cause the roof to prematurely age, as well as work to open any seams leading to leaks.
- Damaged or missing shingles: Failing sealant on commercial roofs can occur either during installation when a less-than-reputable contractor performs the installation or over time as the roofing materials expand and contract, causing the seals to deteriorate. Weak seals at pipe penetrations, pourable sealer pockets, exposed termination bars, etc., are notorious for allowing water to penetrate the roof system.
- Increased energy bills: Some damage creates holes and penetrations in the roof can be difficult to see and may not necessarily show signs of leaks right away. What you may find, though, is that air can freely transfer in and out of the building, causing the efforts of HVAC systems to be greatly diminished. Harder working HVAC systems result in steeper energy bills, so when you notice your bill is increasing while the settings remain constant, it’s high time you have a professional commercial roofer perform a roof inspection. maintenance budget!
Here at PCR Commercial Roofing, we believe in doing what’s in the best interest of our client and their property — and not what will turn in the highest profit in short order. We work closely with our clients, offering a consultative approach to roof repairs so that the customer is armed with all the information they need to help make the best decision for their business and their budget.
Sometimes old, damaged roofs need to be replaced, and sometimes they simply need expert repairs and a schedule of preventative maintenance. We follow a tried-and-true process that satisfies property managers and building owners as well as maximizes the value of their budget.
Our first order of business, once we’re scheduled for a roof repair, is the following comprehensive commercial roof inspection:
- Schedule and perform a visual inspection complete with photo documentation.
- Check the interior of the building to determine the source of possible leaks.
- Inspect flashings around the edges of the roof and at protrusions.
- Inspect vents for damage.
- Check the entire roof surface for punctures and open seams.
- Test drainage systems for clogging and ponding water by performing a flush (if applicable)
- Clear gutters and downspouts (if applicable)
- Perform core cuts to confirm what the existing roof assembly is and to check for wet areas.
- Develop and present findings as well as professional recommendations for clients.
Once all damage is documented and a commercial roof repair plan is agreed upon, we’ll get to work as soon as possible to get our clients in the dry and back to their regularly scheduled operations.
We understand that our customers’ time is money. That’s why we work hard to avoid unnecessary operational disruptions and costly delays. When you choose PCR, you choose thoughtful, professional, and experienced commercial roofer
Thank You!
We understand that your roof is a crucial part of your home, and we're here to help keep it in top shape. If you have any concerns or need a professional inspection, don’t wait—call us now! Our experienced team is ready to give you the peace of mind you deserve.