The annual maintenance and repair cost for an office building in the US is between $1.6 per square foot and $2.8 per square foot on the higher end.
It\’s safe to say that a large chunk of a company\’s maintenance and repair budget goes to the roof. That\’s because, while you can ignore roof leaks in your home, it\’s impossible to do so for your commercial roof.
If your commercial roof in Green Bay, WI, is leaking, it\’s important to take prompt action before it spirals out of control. If left unchecked, a roof leak can cause extensive damage to your commercial property. This naturally begs the question, what should I do if I find a leak in my commercial roof?
An excellent question and we have all the answers you need right here. In today\’s post, we\’ll be showing you what to do if you find a leak in your commercial roof.
Find the Source of the Leak
First things first, you need to identify the source of the leak. This means pinpointing the exact point of entry. This could be a tad tricky for large commercial roofs, but not impossible.
Contrary to popular thought, punctures aren\’t the only reason roofs leak. Some other common causes of roof leaks include:
- Clogged gutters
- Plumbing issues
- Disjointed flashing
- Pest infestation
The only way to establish the cause of your roof leak is by climbing on the roof and visually inspecting it. In severe cases, water puddles will show you the exact source of the leak. Alternatively, you can check the drywall for any signs of water damage.
Other signs of roof leaks include discoloration and stains on the walls and ceilings. A foul, musty odor is also a sign that you could have a roof leak and could indicate the presence of mold. Note that certain mold species like black mold can be incredibly detrimental to you and your employees’ health.
Clear the Affected Area
Once you determine the source of the problem, the next step is to clear the affected area. As mentioned earlier, water damage could cause extensive damage to your business property. This is especially true if you have electronics or perishable goods.
Clear the area of any electronics and furniture that may become a breeding ground for mold. If you can\’t move the said items, consider covering them with a waterproof cover and dehumidifying the room. Also, remove any artwork you might have in the room.
If you have perishable goods in the room, consider moving them to a different location. If that\’s not possible, put them in plastic bags and seal them tightly.
Mark the Entry Point of the Leak
Marking the entry point will help you determine how big the problem is and what needs to be done to fix it. Use a pencil or chalk to mark the entry point of the leak. Once you\’ve done that, use a tape measure to determine the size of the affected area.
It\’s also a good idea to fence off any water puddles to prevent employees from slipping and falling. Slip and fall accidents could cost your company a bundle in compensation fees.
Call Your Insurance Agent
Once the situation is fairly under control, it\’s now time to call your insurance agent. In most cases, commercial roof leaks are covered by insurance. The agent will determine whether your insurance policy covers roof leaks and water damage.
Your insurance agent will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the cause of the leak. Once that\’s been established, they\’ll give you an estimate of how much it\’ll cost to fix the problem.
Keep in mind that some insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you\’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in.
Call a Reputable Roofing Contractor
At this stage, all that\’s left for you to do is address the source of the leak. To do so, you\’ll need the help of a reputable roofing company in Green Bay or Appleton, WI
When looking for a roofing contractor, be sure to check their licensing and insurance. Also, ask for referrals from friends or family members who have used the services of a roofing contractor in the past. Get at least three quotes from different contractors before making your final decision.
Be sure to compare not only the price but also the quality of the materials and workmanship to get the best roofing contractor.
How to Prevent Your Commercial Roof From Leaking
Fixing the roof leak doesn\’t mean you can kick your feet up and relax. You also have to take steps to prevent future roof leaks. Here are a few ways you can prevent leaks on your commercial roofs.
Look Out for Damaged Flashing
As mentioned above, damaged flashing is one of the most common reasons for roof leaks in both residential and commercial properties. That\’s why you need to keep your eyes peeled for any damaged flashing and replace it ASAP. The earlier you do it, the better it is for your roof.
Removing Debris From the Rooftop
Leaves, twigs, and other debris can cause substantial damage to your roof and cause leaks. So, be sure to clear the debris on your roof as soon as it falls on the roof.
You should also trim any trees or shrubs that are near your commercial property. Overhanging branches could scrape the roof and damage it.
Inspect the Gutters and Downspouts
The gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in preventing commercial roof leaks. That\’s why you need to ensure they\’re always clean and free of any debris to prevent blockages.
If you don\’t have the time to do it yourself, consider hiring a professional gutter cleaning company. They have the necessary tools and equipment to get the job done in a jiffy.
Schedule Regular Roof Maintenance
As a rule of thumb, schedule roof inspections and maintenance at least once every year. That way, you can ensure your roof remains in tip-top shape and keep roof leaks at bay.
Leaking Commercial Roof? Worry Not
Follow the above tips the next time you have a leaking commercial roof and take care of the problem with a finger\’s snap. Remember, if you have a leaking roof, leave the repairs to the professionals. Doing it by yourself may only exacerbate the problem.
Contact us today if you have a leaking roof in Wisconsin, and we\’ll take care of it so you can get back to your usual business operations.
