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.