One of the biggest fears of any business owner that has a building with a flat roof is leakage. That’s because even the smallest commercial flat roof leaks can cause extensive damage. Especially if they are let go for long periods of time. Here are some of the main causes of commercial flat roof leaks. These are not roof leak causes that you should put off correcting for a long period of time at your business.
Ponding/Puddles
People always talk about the amount of damage that moving water can do. Don’t be fooled by the destructive power of water that stans still either. Ponding on a roof is one of the leading contributors to major roof leaks. Over time it breaks down roof coverings, seams, and other means of making a flat roof watertight. It’s easy to identify these spots even after the water has gone because as the water seeps into the roof or evaporates it leaves a ring of dirt in the area.
Displaced or Corroded Roof Flashing
Even the best commercial roof coverings will do no good if the chimneys, vent pipes and fans that come up through the bottom of them are no longer doing their jobs. This happens when flashing becomes damaged, corroded or misplaced by strong winds. The amount of roof and other structural damage that leaks around flashing can cause is staggering. That’s why it’s best to have a professional roofing company come check your commercial flat roof at least once per year.
Exposed Seams
One of the biggest areas of concern on any commercial flat roof is its seams. Even the smallest seam separation in a commercial flat roof membrane can cause a substantial leak. Checking flat roofs seams is another great reason why you should have a commercial flat roof expert periodically inspect the roof at your business.
Membrane Damage
Although most commercial flat roof coverings are tough, they can still be damaged by heavy objects being dropped on them. They are particularly susceptible to damage from falling tree limbs and general abuse from maintenance men and other people that work on AC units and other rooftop apparatus.
Age
Unfortunately, age takes its toll on commercial flat roofs just like it does everything else in life. There simply is no way to get around it. The older a commercial flat roof is the better the chance that its roof covering is worn, damaged or has simply started to deteriorate.
How to Best Handle Any Commercial Flat Roof Leak?
What’s the best way to get your commercial flat roof leak problem taken care of? It’s to call a local flat roofing expert to come to look at it and give you an estimate for fixing the problem. Commercial roofing contractors such as Evergreen Renovations & Roofing out of Beaverton, Oregon are experts at identifying and repairing commercial fat roof leaks. Professional roofing companies also tend to repair flat roof leaks in a way that the repair will hold up for a very long time.