With leaks on your commercial roof, it’s beneficial to know how to prevent and repair them to better maintain your facility. Here are 12 frequently asked questions about leaks on commercial roofs:

1. What causes commercial roofs to leak?

Commercial roofs may leak for a variety of reasons, like pooling water, poor drainage abilities, failed sealing or flashing, and severe weather that might add moisture to the surface of the roof. 

2. How do I know if my commercial roof is leaking?

Some common signs you can look for to help you identify and know if your commercial roof is leaking include:

• Mold (combinations of moisture and rot)
• Water rivulets or droplets
• Puddles of water sitting on your roof
• Water spots inside your building
• Penetrations in your roofing system. 

3. How do I find a leak on my commercial roof?

While there is no definitive way to find a leak on a commercial roof, because each roof is unique, there are some tips you can use to help you locate leaks. Here are some that you can use:

• Check the condition of the seams and flashing on your roof to make sure they aren’t loose and that they’re tightly fastened
• Evaluate the condition of any patching your roof has previously had to make sure it’s still adhering to the surface
• Look for suspicious spots where water might be present, specifically examine any low or lower spaces on your roof

4. Are there things I can do to prevent leaks on my commercial roof?

There are actionable things you can do to prevent leaks on your commercial roof and be proactive about potential water or moisture damages. Some of these include removing debris from your roof’s surface, making sure your drains stay clear, or having your roof routinely inspected for damages. 

5. What are the most common causes of leaks on commercial roofs?

One of the most common causes of leaks on commercial roofs is weather conditions, especially if moisture or rain becomes heavy where your building is located. Other common causes of leaks may be cracks or penetrations in your roofing system or poor drainage that leads to pooling water sitting on the surface of your roof.

6. How often should I have my commercial roof inspected or checked for potential leaks?

If you’re wanting to be proactive about protecting your commercial roof, you might want to consider having a professional perform an inspection and check for potential leaks once or twice a year. The number of times you choose to have your roof looked at may vary depending on your building’s location and the conditions of that area. 

7. What does it take to repair a leaky commercial roof?

The specific repair techniques your roof needs will usually vary, based on the type of commercial roof on your property. Our team will come out and assess the best White Hat Roofing System that will fit your needs. Each roof is unique, so we don't follow a one size fits all approach. 

8. Can I repair the leaks on my commercial roof or do I need a professional to make the repairs?

While there are things you can do to help prevent leaks on your commercial roof, it’s usually better to work with a trusted roofing contractor to make repairs. By doing this, you can better ensure that your roof is repaired properly according to commercial roofing best practices.

9. Is it expensive to repair a leaky commercial roof?

The costs involved in repairing a leaky commercial roof often depend on the severity of damages there are and the specific type of work that is needed. For example, if your roof needs patching, it may cost less than a roof that needs more extensive repairs.

10. If there is a severe leak on my commercial roof, what can I do?

If there is a severe leak on your commercial roof, you can try to minimize the damage with the resources you have available. However, it’s critical to contact a trusted professional roofing partner immediately and have them come visit your facility’s site to ensure you can reduce the severity of leak damages. 

11. Are commercial roof leaks covered in contractor warranties?

Your contractor warranty can cover commercial roof leaks, but they may only cover the costs under circumstances. To know whether leaks on your roof are covered, it’s important to read over the details of your unique warranty. 

12. Can fluid-applied roof restoration help protect my commercial roof against water damage?

Fluid-applied roof restoration is a great way to protect your commercial roof against water damage because of its weatherproof surface. When fluid-applied roofing systems are implemented, commercial buildings can gain a strong leak-proof seal on their surface that protects against any potential water damage. This benefit is just one of the many reasons fluid-applied roof restoration can be so valuable in the commercial facility management industry.

Have more questions?

If you have more questions about leaks and your commercial roof or want to schedule your free roofing estimation, our team is always here to help you find the best solutions and get high-quality recommendations. 

Call us at 937.909.9030 x1 or contact us via email, today! You can also follow us on social media to learn more about us and the work we do.