The worst time to realize that you need a roof repair is during a rain storm…but it happens. In the morning, everything will be fine but that afternoon shower could bring a stream of water into your commercial or industrial facility.
Don’t Panic!
Over the past 40 years, our team of roofing experts has seen this happen more than we can count. But if you are prepared and maintain the leak, you can prevent further damage to your facility and the property inside.
That’s why we put together this action plan for when you find a leak in your commercial, industrial or manufacturing facility.
Signs of A Leaking Commercial Roof
Stained Ceiling/Walls
Whether you have ceiling tiles or other types of ceiling systems in your facility, extended exposure to water will create a discolored area of your ceiling. If the leak is near a wall, the water stains could run down the corresponding wall, if this is the case, there could also be water damage within the wall.
Odor/ Mold
Warehouse Roof Leak
A foul smell in your facility could be a red flag for hidden mold. Mold grows in moist environments, so if water is constantly entering your building, there is a high chance that mold could grow and spread. A mold problem in your commercial facility should not be taken lightly as it could cause illness.
Water Dripping/Puddles Inside
The most sure fire sign of a commercial roof leak is when you can visibly see water entering your building, whether it is a puddle on the floor or dripping above your head. This type of leak could cause damage to not only your roof and building structure, but it could damage equipment and other items inside the building as well.
What to Do When Your Commercial Roof Is Leaking
Minimize Interior Damage
When you see water flowing into your building, clear the area of people, equipment, and supplies to reduce damage. When the area is clear, collect the water in a bucket or similar receptacle to keep it from collecting on your floor.
If you have items that you can’t relocate, cover them with plastic to protect them from water damage.
Mark the Point of Entry
Make sure you mark where your leak is located. Marking the visible leaks is important for when you talk to your contractors and insurance agents. All you have to do is simply mark with tape on the ceiling or the floor where the water was entering your building.
It’s best to do this while the leak is occurring, because it may be difficult to locate the leak after the area has dried.
Look for More Problem Areas
Roof Leak in Office Building
Hopefully, your leak is only limited to one area, but chances are there are other leaks in your building. Look around your facility for more problem areas.
Keep in mind, that once the weather clears and the water dries, it may be difficult to find other leaks, so it’s best to search your facility while it is still raining.
If you have a leak while there is no rain in your area, investigate other causes. Some examples include plumbing or air conditioning.
Free Download: Roofing Contractor Quote Checklist
Call a Commercial Roofing Contractor
After you maintain the situation…you have to get that leak fixed! Reach out to area contractors to have them assess your roof and provide a project quote. They will ask to see where the internal leaks are along with examining the roof system.
When dealing with a leaking roof, you usually have three options to fix the problem:
- Repair the immediate area
- Restore the top coating
- Replace the entire system
Your roofing contractor will recommend which solution is available to you based on the severity of the damage.
Call Your Insurance Agent
If your facility has received internal or roof damage, make sure you let your insurance agent know. If your insurance policy covers interior damage from roof leaks and the cost of repairing your roof, inform your agent so that you are adequately compensated.
Review Your Warranty
Look back in your files to review you current roofing system’s warranty. Your roof may be under warranty from the contractor or manufacturer, and it may be covered depending on what the damage is from.
If you have recently installed a new roofing system, make sure to contact your contractor to see if they can help fix the problem, but it’s smart to get quotes from other contractors in your area.
Read More: Best Commercial Roofing Contractors in Cleveland, Ohio
No matter how you treat a commercial roof leak, it’s important to remedy the problem before it grows. Even the smallest leak can cause serious problems if not treated. Water getting through your roofing system can cause considerable damage to your building from mold to structural damage.
If you are looking for maintenance, repair or replacement for your facilities roof, fill out our quote form for your free no-obligation commercial roof quote from our team of experts.
