Reinforcing our Supply Chain with Innovation

The global supply chain is a complex and codependent network that has caused ripple effects throughout the course of the last two years. Back in February, we reported 2022 commercial construction trends and the shortages and inflated prices of basic materials that have disrupted the industry.

The harsh reality of global uncertainty places immense pressure on companies to meet their customers’ demands with unique, alternative solutions. Without quick-thinking and flexibility, customer demand for goods and services will simply decline alongside their expectations and perceptions of certain companies.

“We used to occasionally have black swan events,” says Richard Wilding, professor of supply chain strategy at Cranfield University in the UK, referring to rare and hard-to-predict occurrences that have major impacts. ​“The problem at the moment is we have a whole flock of black swans coming at us.” Wired

We provided some updates from around the world below that are contributing to the supply chain crisis, and how PB Roofing is adjusting its sails to continuously create a positive customer experience.

China is Back on Lockdown

Current quarantine restrictions in China are at their worst point since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.  Lockdowns at some factories and major port cities such as Shenzhen, Tianjin and Ningbo have disrupted the flows of goods from China to the U.S. CNBC “Twenty-five million people in Shanghai have been sequestered for 18 days. Chinese authorities this week slightly eased the restrictions, dividing the city into three categories based on previous screenings and risk levels.” American Shipper Experts believe that China will continue with its Zero COVID lockdowns into the summer. The effect is an astounding stagnation of processing that has created a global backlog of accumulated cargo shipments that cannot reach their destination.

Russian Sanctions

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in a wide array of sanctions that have compounded with China’s pandemic policy to cause major logistical disruptions throughout the world. “All ocean freights were suspended in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, and most air freight was suspended when dozens of countries closed their airspace to Russian aircraft.” Newsweek

According to Forbes, Russia and Ukraine produce a significant amount of aluminum, steel, and platinum, so with this new and ongoing global conflict, we can expect to experience another delay in the supply chain with these commodities.

PB Roofing: Meeting Demands with Flexible Solutions

In response to the continued supply chain crisis, PB Roofing has invested in expanding our team, bringing greater unity and clarity in developing strategies against these persistent difficulties. One such strategy is the introduction of our exclusive THREATCheck Assessment Program. Our expert field team performs an extensive visual inspection of the property, providing our customers with issue, severity, and service options. The goal of THREATCheck is to identify and mend critical roof deficiencies while key materials for larger-scale projects become more readily available. Despite the challenges of material sourcing, 2022 promises to offer more opportunities for growth if we continue to evolve and adapt to the changing supply chain.

Working with Our Distribution Partners

Many manufacturers were hoping supply chain disruptions would start winding down by now, but we are facing sourcing issues well into this year, and when things will get back to normal is really a guessing game at this point. The logistical backlog can be relatively healthy in many cases. But we do realize that we have a long-term problem. Here at PB Roofing, we work closely with our suppliers and organizations to strategically source critical materials in a timely and cost-effective manner. It is the strength of these partnerships, as well as the diligent work by our team that allows us to continue to provide concierge-level commercial roofing services. We have been able to nimbly identify and acquire exact-specification substitutes from various manufacturers to ensure our work maintains the same quality our customers are accustomed to.

Healing the US Supply Chain

Given China’s current reduced exporting power, as well as its immobile logistical network due to COVID restrictions, US ports can use this time to de-congest and move shipments towards their intended destination. “Logistics experts say the breather is likely to be followed by a tsunami of deferred cargo once lockdowns are lifted.” American Shipper

Delta Air Lines President, Glen Hausenstein stated that “once the Shanghai restrictions are lifted, the airlines expect a boom in cargo bookings that more than offsets the current export lag.” American Shipper

China will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in those global supply chains. For regional supply chains, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement provides a platform for American businesses to develop more regionalized supply chains. Mexico has low-cost labor and a strong industrial base, whereas Canada has a highly skilled workforce and an abundance of energy resources. Furthermore, Latin America offers room for future supply chain expansion. Newsweek

Looking Ahead

Our customers can rest assured that PB Roofing is utilizing the most innovative technology in growing our strategic partnerships to expand our team and strengthen our service. We believe in an ever-evolving organization, and eagerly embrace new solutions and processes. We’re committed to creating raving fans, one roof at a time.

Breaking Barriers

In a once completely male-dominated trade, women workers have developed a more diverse and inclusive view of the construction industry. According to GoConstruct.org, women make up around 14% of construction industry professionals and this number can only be set to rise with more and more women choosing construction jobs.” The current lack of obtainable workers in the construction, and more specifically the commercial roofing industry, has given women a greater opportunity to become a vital part of a presently struggling workforce. Thriving March awareness campaigns such as Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day showcase the unmatched qualities and contributions of women across the globe. These initiatives have helped educate and generate a change in perception amongst those trapped within old schools of thought.

Inspiring Lasting Change

The fight for change is a long and difficult journey. Many brave and trailblazing women have shaped American history and culture, and women in roofing are no different. These women have founded peer support groups such as National Women in Roofing (NWiR) and The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) that provide the support of a community and mentorship throughout the industry. They provide networking opportunities, education, and comradery for all women in the trade, along with allyship from their male counterparts.

Challenge Accepted

There are several established obstacles that require an immediate need for greater awareness and open discussion within the industry as a whole:

• Pay Gap: Statistics reveal that 43% of organizations do not actively monitor gender pay gaps
• Gender Bias: Women are the victim of 60% of gender discrimination cases at the workplace
• Exclusion: 8 out of 10 women feel left out at company social events and gatherings
• Lack of Advancement: Over 70% of female construction workers feel passed over for roles because of their gender
• Shortage of Role Models: More than 45% of women in construction have never worked with female construction managers (New England Institute of Technology)

Given these challenges, women have made great leaps to become leaders of their organizations. PB Roofing is one of those organizations. With half of its executive leadership team comprising of women, PB Roofing emphasizes the need of a diverse team through its organizational structure. To learn more about the women of PB Roofing, visit our social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter) for our National Women’s History Month Spotlights. As a company that was founded on the ideal of disrupting the establishment, PB Roofing builds its team by an individual’s merit, ability, and values.

Forging the Path Ahead

In a 2020 report, McKinsey & Company found that just under 87% of women working in construction hold office positions, and only about 2.5% of tradespeople are women. Women also only make up about 14% of staff executive and 7% of line executive positions. These statistics may seem shocking, but, in the end, they represent the overdue opportunity for growth and equality. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry will add about 400,000 new jobs through 2030. These jobs need to be filled with the right people, regardless of biases about their gender.

Managing Misconceptions

Whether it be a roofing technician, field supervisor, or part of a business leadership team, the need for motivated individuals that want to evolve their skills is at an all-time high. Success is developed from the ability to grow personally and professionally in a role. According to a National Bureau of Economic Research report, women are more likely to work together than men. This is significant, as commercial roofing projects require high levels of teamwork across various departments.

Taking the First Steps

There are many different career paths in the roofing industry. You can work for a contractor, manufacturer, distributor, union, national association, engineering/architectural firm, and more in roles relating to project management, sales, finance, marketing, estimation, scientific research, IT and other fields.

For careers as a roofing technician, it is recommended that you first have a high-school diploma or GED certificate. If you are interested in pursuing higher-education to make yourself more valuable as a prospect, there are institutions that offer associate and bachelor’s degrees in construction-related fields of study. Once you are educationally prepared, you can enroll as a commercial roofing apprentice for on-site, practical training and experience that clears the path to become a full-time roofing technician. Along with the first-hand knowledge you’ve acquired, you will need to apply for industry certifications. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification can provide you with the safety knowledge needed for new jobs.

Recruitment

Gender-diverse companies are 25 percent more likely to achieve above-average profitability than companies with less diversity. At PB Roofing, we believe that a vital component of growing our business is identifying and engaging with exceptional employment candidates, regardless of gender.

PB Roofing has an awareness of the next generation workforce’s needs by supporting flexibility and openness. Visit our careers page if you have what it takes to challenge yourself and be part of our growing team!

Organizations & Learning Resources

• National Women in Roofing (NWiR)
• The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
• Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE)
• Female Firsts in Construction
• Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters
• Women in Construction
• Women in Construction: The State of the Industry in 2022

2022 Commercial Roofing Trends & Solutions

The long-term effects of the pandemic continue to influence volatile material pricing and sparce availability, project delays, and logistics. A lot of these external factors are uncontrollable variables, but at PB Roofing, we have identified the areas that we can control and maximized our efforts to offset these challenges. We view adversity as opportunity, and we’ve seized these opportunities by implementing positive processes throughout our organization.

Looking at the Bright Side

Even with external detractors, there are significant positives side-effects developing that will shape the industry for years to come. Roofing Contractor Magazine has collected data showing continued positive trends with increased demand for commercial projects. About 85% of surveyed roofers said they expect increases in total sales volume over the next three years, the data showed.

THREATCheck Roof Assessment Programs

Our THREATCheck and THREATCheck+ assessment programs provide property owners with assurance that their immediate roofing needs will be met and monitored while supplies become available for more extensive projects.

Each visit includes a standard visual roof system Inspection which requires our professional roofing technician to assess and document the condition of your roof and its components.

Emerging Technology

The utilization of innovative technology is imperative to the future of the roofing industry. At PB Roofing, we believe in an ever-evolving organization, and welcome new solutions with open arms. Embracing new ideas grants us the opportunity to disrupt the traditional thought paradigm of what doing business means, to ourselves and our customers.

According to Roofing Contractor Magazine, estimating software and enterprise or accounting software were the most used tech products, at 64% and 50%, respectively. A further 41% of roofing contractors utilize CRM software for project management and communications.

PB Roofing’s tech stack delivers data and analytics that ensure each service creates raving fans.

Drone Integration

As part of our mission to incorporate the most effective technological developments into our process improvement, we have begun drone flights that will expand throughout the year into a fully-fledged service option for safety and inspection purposes.

Drone use is also expected to increase, as 31% said they planned to add the service in 2022, and another 30% indicated they were on a two-year plan. Roofing Contractor Magazine.

Sustainability

At PB Roofing, we offer the in-demand sustainable solutions that help bring balance to the continual advancement and urbanization of America. These are cool roof coatings, green roofs or vegetative installations and solar harvesting.

A cool roof is designed to reflect more sunlight than a conventional roof, absorbing less solar energy. This can save energy and money by reducing heat flow from the roof into the occupied space. The outlook for the future appears good for contractors using coatings. About 56% said sales would increase this year, and another 50% said they expect spray foam sales to increase, too. Roofing Contractor Magazine.

Green roof installation is also continuing to find support throughout metropolitan areas, with many cities requiring new commercial structures to feature this sustainable solution. A green roof increases your roof’s life by protecting it with natural storm water runoff and reduced surface temperatures. Urban development has resulted in less green space and more impervious surfaces.

Finally, our expert team provides solar panel preparation for installation on commercial roofs. Most solar panels are designed to operate for 20 to 25 years. Our experienced team can help accomplish full solar installation readiness, maximizing a roof’s lifetime and a property owner’s solar investment.

The information contained within this article comes from: Clear Seas Research. 2022 Roofing Contractor State of the Industry Report. Nov. 2021.

Finders Keepers. How to Recruit & Retain Talent During a Labor Shortage

As inflation continues to rise and the pandemic persists for a third year, it’s no surprise that a record number of Americans are quitting their jobs. Labeled as “The Great Resignation,” most people are in search of better wages, benefits, and working conditions while others are retiring ahead of schedule. According to the National Center for Construction Education & Research, approximately 41 percent of the current construction workforce (including many people in management roles) will retire by the year 2031. This creates widespread opportunities for future generations but generating awareness has been a struggle for most in the industry.

At PB Roofing, we understand that Millennial and Generation Z jobseekers often perceive working in a trade is characterized by income instability. These misconceptions often begin at the high school level, where school districts are ranked by college enrollment. In addition to this, parents have always played a role in the additional pressure for students to apply to a 4-year higher education track, despite their strengths or skillsets. It’s our goal at PB Roofing to break the stereotype and shed the spotlight on career success in both labor and corporate trade positions.

When we were founded in 2007, founders John Peck and Bryan Peck made it a priority to develop and maintain a long-term plan that kept employee optimism and motivation on the rise, including a commitment to continuously invest in employee education, premium benefits, new technology, and the customer experience. We want our recruits asking themselves and their families “why wouldn’t I work here?”

We’ve broken down some of our ongoing efforts below that had led us to success with recruiting and retaining a great workforce:

Marketing Strategy

The key to the future of our labor workforce is connecting with young prospects and educating them on the benefits of a growing career in the essential industry of commercial roofing.

To increase visibility against competing industries, we invest time and money to stay ahead of cutting-edge technology. Given the current limitations on in-person events, it is more important than ever to appreciate and utilize all media channels. PB Roofing executes this through our dynamic social media and website content focusing on videos that highlight the employee and customer experience. This content helps increase our visibility among job seekers.

We also invest money in the onboarding experience. We want our employees’ first impression to validate that they’ve made the right choice, and to turn them into raving fans of our brand.

Technology

A recent survey conducted by Dell Technologies revealed that 91% of Generation Z survey participants said the technology offered by an employer would influence their job choice if faced with similar employment offers.  In addition, the “gig economy” is on an upward trend, as Generations Y and Z look to find unique situations that meet their financial and time expectations.

PB Roofing invests a great deal into innovation. We use premium Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, along with other tech stack software systems for finance, project management, and field operations. Our leadership team is part of industry thinktanks and peer groups where executives cross-share the latest tools that not only increase productivity but introduce new ways of enhancing performance.

Continuous Education

Education has always been on the forefront of our unique values at PB Roofing. To support this, we utilize PB University, our customized online learning platform. PB University provides professional development and personal growth as we strive to lead the next generation of commercial roofers.

With engaging, friendly-competitive features like an extensive rewards program and course completion gamification, it provides our team a fun way to push each other in reaching for greater levels of success. Completion of the curriculum offers team member incentives such as career advancement paths.

The best employees are those looking to progress in their career. They require room for growth within an organization. Offering company support through career discussions, mentoring and training milestones builds loyalty amongst the ranks. We provide all the necessary tools for employees to excel in their current role and progress into a higher position.

PB Purpose & Team Bonding Events

One of the most discussed subjects during recruiting interviews is our company’s involvement in the local community. PB Purpose, our community outreach initiative, was created to make a positive impact while getting the whole company involved. Through acts of service, donations, and volunteering, we can help wonderful organizations and make a difference. As a member of these organizations, we host frequent, fun team events on their behalf throughout the year to take a breath, celebrate our victories and re-charge together.

Compensation & Benefits

Along with education and advancement, it is also PB Roofing’s integrity to provide every employee generous compensation and a safe environment that makes us a standout leader in our industry.

Safety is a key component of the roofing industry. We integrate safety into our culture and support it with extensive training and education. We are focused on our employees’ health and well-being.

PB Roofing also provides multiple bilingual advisors to help employees have equal access to all the benefits we offer. Enhancing communication and crushing language barriers is essential for employee confidence, trust, and retention.

In Conclusion

Our purpose is to create raving fans, both within and outside of our organization. Through these initiatives, we exponentially increase our chances of acquiring and keeping employees. We have also invested in a new Chief Human Resources Officer who will keep us at the forefront of various changing health and employment policies, as well as employee mental wellness.

Our open streams of communication with employees at all levels within the company ensures that we’re doing everything we can to make our team feel connected and appreciated at work. The PB Roofing team is our most valuable tool in recruitment and retention, working together and strengthening each link of the chain along the way.

How to Remove Snow from a Flat Roof: Tips from Experts

Many people love the sight of fresh snowfall in the morning. It covers your neighborhood and home in a blanket of white that makes most people feel peaceful and cozy. Although it looks harmless, piled-up snow on a flat roof can be pretty detrimental to the health of your roof.

During the winter months, owners of flat roofs must monitor the level of snow piled up and remove it as needed. However, removing snow from a flat commercial roof isn’t as simple as taking a shovel to the snow. To help you out, we’ve put together a few tips from experts on how to remove snow from a flat roof.

Assess the Area

Before removing any snow from your flat roof, assess the area. Determine if any passerby or patrons to your building could be injured from falling snow. If so, clearly mark these areas and put out caution signs.

Don’t Use Sharp or Metal Tools

Stay away from using sharp or metal tools to remove snow and ice from the roof. Metal tools can cause damage to your roof due to their sharp edges. In addition, metal tools have the potential to conduct electricity should you come in contact with a power line on the roof.

Only Use Plastic Tools

Only use plastic shovels to clear snow from your roof. When used carefully, plastic tools won’t dig into the membrane of the roof or damage other roofing materials.

Use a Snow Rake

If you want to avoid going on your roof, opt for using a snow rake. This helps you pull snow off the roof and onto the ground. In addition, a snow rake can help reduce a load of snow on your roof until you can contact a professional.

Contact a Professional

If you’re not professionally trained in roof snow removal, it’s best to leave it to the experts. It’s easy to damage your roof, as roof appendages like skylights and vents become very brittle in the wintertime. An accumulation of snow can also lead to black ice on your roof, increasing the chances for you to slip and fall. To protect yourself and your roof, contact a trained roof snow removal company to get the job done.

PB Roofing Can Help You Remove Snow from Your Flat Roof

PB Roofing understands how important it is to remove snow buildup from your roof. A roof collapse in winter is the last thing any builder owner wants, as this can result in damage to electrical conduits, water piping, and much more. Our PB Project team is trained in the art of roof snow removal and is ready to keep your roof safe this winter. To find out more about our services, contact us online.

4 Sustainable Roofing Options for Commercial Buildings

Sustainable roofing is roofing that is energy efficient and produces clean energy. This doesn’t limit roofing to huts that partially biodegrade over time but includes all roofing materials produced from sustainable practices. These roofs come from reclaimed or recycled material that cause less stress to the environment.

Here are four sustainable roofing options for commercial buildings.

1. Solar Panels

Most solar panels are designed to operate for 20 to 25 years. A professional solar panel installation team can help your building accomplish full solar installation readiness, maximizing your roof’s lifetime and your investment.

2. Cool Roof Coatings

Cool roof coatings are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat by providing green space. As per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 80% of energy conservation in a single-story building can be obtained through its roof. Coatings are a great alternative to roof replacements, if possible.

3. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most affordable forms of sustainable roofing out there. Many building owners choose metal roofing because it is long-lasting, durable, and unlike wood shingles, metal roofing doesn’t require much maintenance. Most metal roofs will last up to 50 years, which lowers the overall cost and upkeep associated with your roof.

4. Living Green Roof

A living roof is exactly what it sounds like. These are roofs covered in living materials like grass and vegetation. Commercial buildings choose this type of roof to lower heating costs and to have a more lightweight roof option. However, if you select this option, you’ll need to mow and water your roof regularly. As a result, you’ll need to make sure that the area you live in can keep a living roof alive.

PB Roofing Understands Sustainable Roofing

No matter your building type, PB Roofing is committed to installing the best roofing system in the most efficient manner. We care about the environment and are willing to use sustainable materials for your roof. To learn more about our sustainable options and roof installation, contact us online.

Commercial Roof Restoration vs. Replacement

Deciding on a commercial roof restoration or replacement is never an easy task. There are many factors to consider before making a final decision. PB Roofing can help you determine if your commercial roof can be restored or needs a replacement. Read our infographic below to get started.

Commercial Roof Projects with PB Roofing

Restoring or replacing your roof is a significant investment in your building. You want to make sure that your roofing system can handle whatever the weather throws at it and that it will last you for years to come. Let PB Roofing handle your commercial roofing project, so you can rest assured that your roof is in good hands.

We will use the initial inspection to determine what work needs to be performed on your roof and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We’ll review all of the available options together, so you can make the best-informed decision. To get started with a roofing project, contact us online.

5 Tips on How to Get into Commercial Roofing from Industry Professionals

Have you been considering the idea of a career in commercial roofing? While many think to work in the residential sector, commercial roofing can be highly lucrative as well. You’ll first need to take specific steps to create a thriving career in the industry. As an industry-leading company, we’re sharing a few tips from our professionals on how to get into commercial roofing.

1. Do Your Homework

The first thing you need to do before diving into the world of commercial roofing is to do some research. Commercial and residential roofing are very different, and you’ll need to learn new materials and systems to have a successful career. You can start by speaking with other commercial contractors in your network to find out about the current needs in your area.

2. Get the Proper Training

While there are plenty of online training videos and modules for roofers, nothing beats old-fashioned, hands-on training. Attend trade show educational training sessions to learn about techniques and tricks of the trade. You can learn about the proper tools and preparation needed to be a professional commercial roofer. Or consider an apprenticeship with an experienced worker. Most companies also offer a training period for new hires, so don’t feel you need to know everything before starting a roofing job.

3. Understand Your Audience

In residential roofing, building relationships with homeowners is essential. However, in commercial roofing, you’ll need to connect with property managers and building owners. For example, price, timelines, and efficiency are extremely valued in the industry.

4. Learn How to Read Contracts and Blueprints

Commercial roofs are typically vastly different than residential roofs, meaning their materials and systems may be unfamiliar to you. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with commercial contracts, budgeting plans, timelines, warranties, and more. It will also be essential to read and understand blueprints of commercial roofing systems.

5. Create a Standout Resume

Commercial roofing is just as competitive as the residential sector, so it’s essential to market yourself too. Be sure your roofing resume is up to standards, including your work experience, certifications, education, and specific skills. If you’re new to the industry and have a lackluster resume, consider adding a short introduction about who you are and why you would provide value to a roofing company.

Contact PB Roofing to Get Answers About Commercial Roofing

If you’re looking to start a long-lasting and fulfilling commercial roofing career, consider PB Roofing. We offer commercial roofing services throughout the Northeast region, meaning we are always looking for the best talent to join our growing teams. We also provide new hires competitive salaries, generous benefits, and enrollment opportunities in PB University, our training program for employees.

Browse our careers page to explore our current open positions and apply to a PB Roofing career online.

Be Prepared to Answer These Roofing Interview Questions

Every building needs a roof, so it’s unlikely that roofers will never be in demand. If you’re thinking about becoming a roofer, you’ve chosen a great profession.

Due to the complex nature of commercial roofing services, aspiring roofers must prepare for an interview. Here are a few common interview questions for roofers to practice before the big day.

What precautions should roofers take when performing roofing jobs?

This question is asked during the interview process to determine if you value the safety of yourself and others. Your answer should demonstrate that you know the general safety standards and procedures a roofer should follow.

Answer: Roofers should respect the safety standards put in place. They should always wear protective gear, like goggles and a helmet, avoid checking their phones, and stay attentive to their surroundings and coworkers.

What actions should you take during an inspection?

Take this time to let your prior roofing knowledge shine. They’re asking you a technical question to see how much knowledge you have about the industry and how you work.

Answer: You can give as fundamental or as detailed of an explanation as you want. You can outline the steps you would take during an inspection, such as locating any warping, cracks, pools of water, gutter clogs, or other obvious signs of concern.

Are you afraid of heights?

Working as a roofer means that you’ll spend the majority of your day up on a roof, so a fear of heights won’t get you too far.

Answer: Explain that you aren’t afraid of heights and how you feel about them. You might also mention that a roofer afraid of heights can’t complete their job successfully.

What qualities or attributes should a roofer possess?

Share some qualities or attributes that you think a roofer should possess to do their job right.

Answer: You can either choose personality attributes or actual physical qualities. Many roofers choose things like balance, endurance, and excellent coordination, as you’ll most certainly need these after a long day on the job.

Can you handle and work under stressful working conditions?

Working in the Tri-State, Mid-Atlantic, and New England areas means that you’ll be exposed to the elements. Will you be able to handle working in less than desirable conditions if the weather is quite cold or scorching?

Answer: They want to know about your attitude and viewpoint about working under stressful conditions. If this doesn’t bother you, then answer truthfully and positively.

Prepare for Roofing Interview Questions in Advance

While you’ll be required to answer several questions during your roofing interview, don’t forget that you can also ask them questions. To show your seriousness of the role, prepare a few questions of your own.

Before your interview, prepare your answers from this article, dress well, and be confident. We’re sure you’ll walk out of your next interview as a new roofer!

If you’re interested in starting a roofing career with an industry-leading company, consider PB Roofing. We are always looking for talented field and management workers on our team. Browse our open positions and apply online.

How to Fix Roof Leaks in Commercial Buildings

We’ve all been there. You didn’t even realize your building had a leak – that is – until it started raining. So now there’s a bucket in the middle of the floor to catch leaks. Not only is this an eyesore, but it’s also a safety hazard.

Roof leaks are one of the most expensive and frustrating problems for a commercial building, no matter the size. If you’re not sure how to go about repairing your roof leak, we’ve put together a guide on how to fix roof leaks in a commercial building.

Identify the Cause of the Roof Leak

When you first notice a leak in your commercial building, the first thing you need to do is identify the cause of the leak. If the water is leaking into your building in a busy area, try to clear the area of people and furniture to avoid damage.

You should also mark the point of entry from the inside on the ceiling tiles. Marking the location of your roof leak makes it easier for you to return to the source of the leak or help a contractor identity the site of the leak.

After identifying the source of the leak, examine your ceiling for any other problem areas. Unfortunately, when a roof starts leaking in one place, it could be that there are multiple leaks in the building. If your building has more than one floor, a leak could be seeping through multiple levels.

Possible Causes of Roof Leaks

• Pooled Water on Roof: Water can accumulate on the roof in specific locations. An item may need to be removed that is causing water to pool and leak into the building.
• Damaged Flashing: If the flashings are damaged, it could be that the sealant used to join the valleys of your roof has cracked, allowing water to flow into your commercial building.
• Broken Caulk: If any areas on your roof are sealed with caulk, breaks in the caulking could cause a leak. It can be fixed by covering any cracks or gaps in the caulking.
• Gutters: Are your gutters properly draining water away from your roof? At times, leaves and other debris blocking the gutter flow can cause the water to back up on the roof. To fix this, gutters should be cleared of any dead leaves and debris to restore the proper flow of water.

Hire a Professional to Fix Roof Leaks

While you can take matters into your own hands and try to fix the roof leak yourself, you always run the risk of fixing the problem incorrectly. Or, you could make the leak worse. To save yourself a financial headache, contact PB Roofing to fix your roof leak. We’ve got years of roofing experience under our belts to get the job done right every time. To get started, contact us online.