Commercial Roof Leak: Considerations

Commercial roofs are durable


These types of roofs are known to last for decades, especially when they are taken care of. However, they do not last forever and they will need some tender loving care eventually.


Since you put a lot of money into building the roof, it is a wise decision to look after it. A commercial roof is a big investment you do not want to lose too soon. To keep it in good shape, there are some considerations you have to think about.


These considerations help you decide where you should start in maintaining and repairing your expensive roof.


The questions you need to ask


The following questions will help you determine if your roof needs to be repaired and where you should start repairing it. They will also help you decide when you should start those repairs.


#1. How old is your roof?


On average and depending on what your commercial roof is made from, the roof should last somewhere between 25 and 45 years. This longevity also depends on many factors.


The older your roof gets the more likely it will start to wear out and leaks will begin to show themselves.


#2. How is your roof constructed?


This question takes into account the different roofing materials and how well they stand up to the elements. Some roofing materials withstand rain, UV rays, snow, wind, and more a lot better than others.


In some cases, it is financially better to upgrade your roof before the high maintenance costs ruin your bottom line.


#3. What was the date of your last roof repair?


The trouble with small leaks is that they can cause some big-time damage if you let them go. The date of your last roof repair should help you schedule regular roof inspections to keep track of all repairs and to make sure your roof is still in top condition.


These inspections and roof repair dates should help you create a preventive maintenance schedule that will help your roof last a lot longer.


#4. Is there visible damage on your roof?


The visible damage includes damaged flashing, blistering or bubbles, pools of standing water, punctures, tears or cracks, and damaged seals. If you see any one of these or a combination of them, then it is time to repair your damaged roof.


If you leave them alone, then they can only get worse, not better. When they get worse, you are looking at paying a lot more money to repair the damage.


#5. Can you see water leaks inside your building?


The signs for these leaks are- dark spots on the ceiling or walls, sagging in the ceiling or water stains, mold growth or an unusual odor inside your building, and finally, the presence of plants or grass on your roof.


All of these signs are evidence that you have a commercial roof problem that needs immediate attention.


Roof repair considerations


#1. Have you conducted regular preventive medicine? Remember an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.


#2. Paying for quality materials- when you repaired your roof did you buy the cheapest materials or did you plan for the future? By spending a little more on top-quality materials you can save money in the long run and your roof will last longer.


#3. Prepare for the future- your repair records will tell you if your current roof is ideal for your location and weather patterns. If they indicate otherwise, then it may be a wise move to change your roof to one that is ideal for your location.


#4. With every passing year your roof’s ability to withstand damage deteriorates. Consider the age and make sure to have regular roof inspections to watch out for any possible damage.


Remember, leaks do more than just damage the roof. The water and moisture will get inside and cause hundreds if not thousands of more dollars in damage if you do not keep an eye on your roof and make timely repairs.


Criteria to consider when hiring a roofing contractor


Having a solid set of criteria to base your hiring practices on can save you a lot of trouble and money. These criteria can filter out the not-so-good contractors and guide you to employing the best one.


#1. Look for a trusted and professional contractor- you can test them out on the smaller repairs and see how they work before hiring them for bigger jobs


#2. How are their communication skills? If they do not communicate with you in a professional and timely way, then it is time to find someone who will. You will want a contractor that will communicate with you before and during the project.


#3. The lowest bid is not always the best bid- while you want to save money, sometimes the lowest bid is an indicator that the contractor does not know what they are doing.


Or they may do a poor job using inferior materials. Read their estimate to make sure the work is clearly defined and make sure this definition goes from start up to clean up. Know what you are paying for and inspect the roof to make sure the work is being done correctly.


#4. Check their references- while some good contractors may suffer from those customers who vindictively give bad reviews, it is still a good idea to check references and check more than one.


You want to get a full picture of their character as well as the quality of their work


Some additional words


When you pay a lot of money for a commercial roof, it only makes sense to maintain it through preventive maintenance. While roofs can last for 2 to 4 decades, if not longer, they can also break down fairly easily if they are not regularly and well maintained.


The above considerations will help guide your roof maintenance program and ensure that you get a longer lifespan out of your roof. When you do this, you will get a roof worth what you paid for it.