Commercial buildings are often quite large in size and thus have large roofs that can develop problems. If you own or manage a commercial building, it is very important to pay attention to the roof so issues can be identified promptly and repaired in a timely manner before extensive damage occurs. One of the most common problems with commercial roofs are leaks that develop. The last thing that you want is for the roof of a commercial building to leak for an extended period of time before repairs are made. Some of the most common causes of commercial roof leaks include:
Roofing Membrane Is Damaged
The majority of commercial buildings have flat roofs, and the surface of the roof is covered with a membrane that keeps water out. While roof membranes typically do a great job of waterproofing a roof, they can become damaged over time due to constant exposure to the sun and other weather. As a roof membrane ages, it can develop cracks and blisters or begin warping. When this happens, the roof becomes more at risk of leaking. This is one of the reasons that regular roof inspections are so important — a roofing contractor can examine your building's roof membrane and let you know if it is time to replace it.
Water Begins Pooling
Flat roofs make sense for large commercial buildings, but because the roofs don't have slopes, pooling water can be a concern. When water begins pooling on a flat roof, it can damage the roofing material; once the roofing material is damaged beyond repair, water can penetrate the building and start leaking into the interior. Luckily, issues that cause pooling water on a flat roof can typically be repaired. Common fixes for this issue include either leveling the surface of the roof or making improvements to the drainage system so water flows off the roof.
Roof Needs To Be Replaced
Just like any other type of roof, a roof on a commercial building will not last forever. A quality roof on a commercial building will usually last for a couple of decades before the roofing material wears down and the entire roof needs to be replaced. Leaks are a common sign that a commercial roof has reached the end of its lifespan. If the roof on your commercial building is leaking, it is a good idea to contact an experienced commercial roofing contractor to inspect the roof and let you know if it needs to be replaced.
For more information, speak with a professional who provides commercial roof repair.