A leaking roof is a problem that no business owner wants to deal with. Not only is it a potential hazard for your employees and customers, but it can also cause significant damage to your property. If you suspect your commercial roof leaks, you must take action immediately. Here are some steps you should take if your commercial roof is leaking.
Find the Source of the Leak
A roof leak can be a nightmare for any commercial building owner or manager. Not only can they cause significant damage to your property, but they can also be difficult and expensive to repair. The key to fixing a roof leak is finding the leak’s source and making the necessary repairs.
The first step is to identify the exact location of the leak. This may seem like an obvious first step, but it’s essential to identify the leak’s exact location before taking further action. Otherwise, you could end up addressing the symptom of the problem rather than the root cause.
Once you’ve found the leak’s source, mark it so that you can easily find it again later.
If you have a flat roof, leaks are usually caused by ponding water. Ponding water is water that accumulates on your roof and doesn’t drain properly. To find ponding water, check for low spots on your roof where water may collect. It’s also helpful to look for signs of rust or rot on your roof deck, as these can indicate leaks.
If you have a sloped roof, leaks are usually caused by ice dams. Ice dams form when the snow melts and then re-freezes at the edge of your roof, creating a dam that prevents melted snow from draining properly. To find ice dams, look for areas where snow and ice have accumulated on your roof.
If you’re still having trouble finding the leak source, you may need to hire a professional roofing contractor like us at Trojan Roofing to help you.
Repair the Damage
Once you’ve located the source of the leak, it’s time to repair the damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, this may involve:
Patching a Hole in Your Roof
To patch a hole in your roof:
- Start by cleaning out any debris from around the hole.
- Cut a piece of flashing slightly larger than the hole and place it over it.
- Apply a generous amount of tar over the flashing and press it into place.
- Cover the area with gravel or stone to keep it in place and prevent it from washing away during heavy rains.
Replacing Damaged Roofing Material
If a large section of your roof is damaged, you may need to replace some of your roofing material. To do this:
- Start by removing the damaged material around the area’s perimeter using a utility knife or other sharp tool.
- Measure and cut replacement shingles or tiles to fit into place using tin snips or another cutting tool.
- Once your replacement pieces are cut, apply asphalt adhesive around their edges and press them into place.
- Seal each piece with more adhesive or caulk to ensure they’re properly secured.
If you’re unsure how to repair the damage, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor like us at Trojan Roofing who can do the job quickly and efficiently.
Avoid Further Damage
Once you’ve repaired the initial damage caused by the leak, it’s essential to take steps to avoid further damage.
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
One of the best ways to avoid further damage to your commercial roof is to inspect it regularly. This way, you can catch any potential problems early on and have them repaired before they cause severe damage. Be sure to check for any leaks, cracks, or holes in your roof, and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Repair Any Damage Promptly
If you find any roof damage, it’s vital to repair it promptly. Ignoring leaks or other damage will only worsen them over time, eventually leading to more extensive and expensive repairs. Be sure to fix any leaks or cracks as soon as possible, so they don’t cause further damage.
Remove Wet Insulation Immediately
If you have insulation around the area of your roof that is leaking, it’s essential to remove it immediately. Allowing wet insulation to remain in place will only create the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, which can cause further damage to your roof in the long run.
Be sure to remove any wet insulation from around the perimeter of the leaky area so that it doesn’t cause any additional problems down the road.
Place a Tarp Over The Leaky Area
Once you’ve repaired the initial damage caused by the leak, it’s essential to take steps to avoid further damage. This may involve placing a tarp over the roof area where the leak occurred or removing any wet insulation from around the leaky area. Taking these precautions will help minimize the damage caused by future leaks.
A leaking roof is a serious problem that no business owner wants to deal with. But if you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to take action immediately to minimize the amount of damage caused by the leak.
Follow these steps-finding the source of the leak, repairing the damage, and avoiding further damage-and your roof will be back in tip-top shape in no time!
Trojan Roofing: Top Roofers in Indianapolis
We at Trojan Roofing specialize in commercial roof repairs and replacement. Our expert roofers will quickly and efficiently handle any problems with your commercial roof, ensuring it’s back in top shape as soon as possible. We can also provide regular roofing maintenance to help prevent future problems. Contact us today for all your commercial roofing needs in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.