Roof repairs can cost your business time and money. From delays in business to loss in profit, no one wants to think about the effects of a leaky roof. It can be extremely frustrating. However, with the right company, your problem can be fixed in no time. Yutzy Roofing Service is here to help you determine the cause of your flat roof leak and your repair options. We can have your business up and running in no time.
Why Detecting a Flat Roof Leak Is Not as Easy as You Think
Metal roofs are beneficial to commercial building owners because they offer a low life cycle cost. The initial installation cost is lower than traditional roofing materials, and metal roofs can often last two to three times longer than other standard materials like asphalt or fiberglass. This ensures that your maintenance costs over time will be kept to a minimum. Furthermore, metal roofs come with energy-efficiency benefits, as they are highly reflective and can help to reduce air conditioning costs.
Locating the primary source of a flat roof leak can be challenging. Not only are there a lot of areas to cover, but water can travel in any direction on a flat roof. Let us dive a little deeper into why detecting a flat roof leak is not as simple as it may seem.
Surface Area
Leaks can develop from the smallest cracks. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of a leak when there are no obvious signs. While some roofs may have visible sagging or ponding water, others may not. Sometimes, you may notice water stains on the interior of your building. However, that does not mean that the water is coming from that spot directly. There is a possibility that the water traveled from any direction and found a spot with a weakness to infiltrate.
There May Be More Than One Source
On flat roofs, it is challenging to pinpoint the source of a leak because there may be multiple sources. Leaks can be a result of cracks, holes, adhesive failures, or all of these things at once. It takes patience, attention to detail, and experience to find out where a leak is coming from. As mentioned before, water can travel in any direction on a flat roof. Experienced commercial roofers have a trained eye that can detect minor issues that may be the cause of your current leak. They can also determine if these problems may lead to larger damage in the future.
Weather
It is recommended that you search for flat roof leaks in dry weather. This can be a difficult task if you have discovered the leak in the middle of a storm. To locate the definite point of trouble, your roofing company may have to take a deeper look both inside and outside of the building. This may be a bit harder when there is pouring rain, adding to the problem.
Potential Causes of Your Flat Roof Leak
There are various reasons why your flat roof may be experiencing a leak. While the reasons for the leak may not seem as important as the immediate repair, this information is still useful to know. It is helpful to know the cause of your flat roof leak because you will know the signs to check for in the future. Here are some reasons why your flat roof may be leaking.
Natural Disasters
A common reason for any type of roof damage is natural disasters. If your area has recently experienced a heavy storm, this may very well be the cause of the roofing damage. These disasters include:
- Hurricanes,
- Snow storms,
- Tornados,
- Hail storms
It is essential to inspect your roof after these storms. You might be able to spot and repair damage before it is too late. Although natural disasters are unpredictable, it is expected that they will leave behind some destruction in their aftermath.
Natural disasters can leave behind a number of roof damages that can lead to leaking. For example, snow storms can cause pooling water when the snow melts. Heavy snow can also cause ice dams when temperatures begin to fluctuate.
On the other hand, while hurricanes can also cause an excessive amount of water on your roof, high winds can also throw around tree branches and other debris that can puncture your roof.
Damaged Roofing Materials
Another reason you might be experiencing a flat roof leak is damaged roofing materials. This includes the flashing on the roof. It is generally installed around the roof edges or around pipes. If the flashing develops peeling, holes, or cracks, it may leave your roof vulnerable to leaking.
Additionally, during extreme heat, roofing materials can begin to blister and crack. This makes it easier for water to get through the crevices.
Poor Drainage
The most common factor in flat roof leaks is poor drainage and pooled water. This might come as no surprise as it does not matter what type of roof you have. Poor drainage and pooled water will damage any roofing material on any slope if left unaddressed for long enough.
Pooling does not always immediately result in leaks. However, it is a sign that there is underlying damage to your flat roof. If given the opportunity, pooled water will find or create a crack that allows it to penetrate the surface.
Although the roof is called a “flat roof,” a professional commercial roofing company knows that it should not be completely level. Even a flat roof should be on a small slope to allow for proper drainage. If your roof was installed incorrectly, you might experience leaking and premature roof damage.
When to Call a Professional Roofing Company
Everyone loves a good Do-it-yourself (DIY) project. However, to best protect the business that you have worked so hard for, you should call in a professional roofing company for your flat roof leak troubles.
Not only are they experienced in these issues, but they will be able to perform a thorough inspection that will prevent further damage in the future. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Water Spots in Your Building
Water spots in your building are a definite sign that water has penetrated your roof and has gotten into the building. While it may not be a leak yet, it only takes one heavy rain for water to start coming through.
Water spots that are extremely large or discolored signify that your roof is in distress. Many people do not make it a habit to regularly inspect the top of their building. Water spots would be a reason to be concerned about something happening up there.
When you notice water stains on your ceiling or walls, it is time to call the professionals. They will be able to thoroughly investigate where the leak is coming from and remedy the issue before it worsens. It may be difficult to do this on your own if you are unsure what to look for. Also, the water can be coming from anywhere. Even the smallest cracks on the top of your building can allow water inside.
Visible Exterior Damage
A flat roof does not generally have the same materials as a traditional house. While a house may use asphalt shingles or tile roofing, flat roofing generally has a sprayed-on membrane. For this reason, it is not always possible to spot damage. There are no shingles to be curled, so finding exterior damage can feel like a guessing game.
If you notice issues like ripped seams or cracks in the coating, it is time to call a roofing company. If you do not already have a leaky roof, it is a problem that will develop if these issues are not addressed as soon as possible.
Your roofing company can dictate how bad the damage is and how easy of a fix it will be.
Cracked or Blistered Membrane
As mentioned earlier, flat roofs generally use a sprayed-on membrane. While these membranes are built to protect against water damage, they are not indestructible. If installed correctly, these membranes will last for many years with no signs of leaking. If you notice a cracked or blistered membrane, you should evaluate the age of your flat roof.
A flat roof that needs a new membrane can begin to crack, blister, and split. This can lead to water damage and leaking as water has a space to accumulate under the membrane. This will result in problems with your insulation and the structure of your building.
You can avoid these problems by getting frequent inspections on your roof and keeping up with the health of the roof. If you notice any signs of blistering, cracking, or splitting on your flat roof, call a roofing professional as soon as possible.
Let the Pros at Yutzy Roofing Service Repair Your Flat Roof Leak Today!
Yutzy Roofing Service is your top choice for commercial roof repairs in Madison, WI. For many years, we have provided exceptional service to business owners throughout Wisconsin. Whether you need to repair your leaky roof or perform a metal roof restoration, we are the right choice.
Call or leave a message today to find out how we can help restore your commercial roof to brand new. Our roofing professionals can inspect your roof, give you a free estimate, and provide you with information regarding which option may be best.
Reach out to our team now to get started!
