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Common Causes of Commercial Roof Leaks

Gear up for the rainy season! Florida has no shortage of heavy rains and harsh winds. Prior to disaster striking, commercial roof owners should take the necessary steps to ensure that their roofs can withstand inclement weather conditions without acquiring leaks and costly repairs. Invest in the future of your roof today by consulting the best commercial roofing company in Tampa, Aderhold Roofing. 

Related: Why You Should Repair Your Roof Before the Rainy Season Hits

Improper Drainage

Commercial buildings typically require special drainage solutions due to their flat or low-sloped roofs. Rather than relying on gravity as pitched roofs do, commercial roofs require scuppers and interior drains to collect rainwater. If the drainage system is poorly designed, poorly installed, or simply clogged, the weight of collected water can quickly overload the weight capacity, leading to backlog and collapse. Water collection, or ponding, may also develop in areas of the roof that are too flat for positive drainage or where a depression has formed. This will lead to a compression of insulation, sinking of materials, and creation of low points, all of which are likely to lead to water getting in your building. 

Membrane Damage

Damage to roofing membranes ranks high on the list of common sources of commercial leaks. The membrane is an integral part of your commercial roof, designed to prevent water from reaching the building’s interior by helping seal and waterproof flat roofs. However, as the roofing membrane ages or inclement weather conditions occur, the membrane can become damaged. When this happens, you may see your roof’s membrane start to crack, split, blister, shrink, or puncture, giving way to the insulation beneath. Equally important is the flashing, or protector of the edges of the membrane, which can become loose during storms or expand and contract as a result of changes in temperature, leading to gaps and leaks. 

Related: Vital Elements Connected To Flat Roof Functionality

Open Penetrations

Roof penetrations are found on the majority of flat commercial roofs and can include HVAC units, vents, pipes, hot stacks, gas lines, and any other systems that come through the roof membrane. Any and all roof penetrations are prone to leaks and should be properly sealed to ensure the roofing system is protected from water damage. This includes making sure each of the penetrations is kept watertight with field wraps, flashing, pipe boots, rain collars, or pitch pans. The more roof penetrations you have, the greater the likelihood of your commercial building experiencing a leak. It is important to avoid unnecessary penetration to the roof membrane as well as penetrations placed so closely together that they cannot be individually flashed.

Roof Nearing the End of Its Lifespan

Even if all other major problems on this list have been avoided, no commercial roof will last forever. You may begin to experience rapid deterioration, especially if your flat roof is fifteen to twenty years past its initial installation. It’s time to consult with one of the top commercial roofing companies in Tampa regarding whether or not you should opt for roof repair or preservation to extend the lifespan of your roof or invest in a roof replacement. Aderhold Roofing will address the needs of your business alongside your budget, conduct a thorough onsite inspection, and determine which roofing option is right for you. If you opt for a roof replacement, we will move to implement preservation measures for your investment, such as annual or semiannual inspections. Whether you’re in need of a total replacement or simple maintenance, our licensed roofing professionals are here to help.

To speak with a professional about commercial roof leak in Tampa, or to schedule a consultation, please submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional counsel.

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The Hidden Dangers of a Leaky Roof

The rainy season in Central Florida runs through late May into mid-October and is characterized by thunderstorms that slowly build during the heat of the day to deliver brief but heavy rainfall. Over half of The Sunshine State’s annual rainfall is received during these five months, and while it may provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy indoor activities, the rainy season can lead to serious damage for your commercial roof.

Our team of licensed and insured roof coating contractors in Tampa with Aderhold Roofing is dedicated to combating high humidity, sunlight, and heavy rain through regular maintenance. Keep your property dry and structurally sound by consulting with a trustworthy commercial roofing contractor ready to serve your needs and extend the lifespan of your roof.

Related: Keeping Leaks At Bay Through Florida Seasons

Mold and Mildew

One of the most serious, unseen dangers of a leaky roof is mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew can begin to develop within just a couple of days of water entering your property. Any area within the building that has a buildup of moisture is likely to experience mold and mildew capable of spreading throughout the building via the HVAC system to the walls, floor, carpets, and wood framing. Not only will you need professional assistance to remove the existing mold spores and restore the condition of the property, but mold and mildew can lead to serious health issues. 

Mold and mildew can lead to the exacerbation of respiratory conditions, such as rhinitis, nasal congestion, and asthma, especially for those with high sensitivity. Additionally, as the mold continues to spread, it can lead to allergic reactions, fungal infections, fever, and shortness of breath. Prevent costly damages and potential health concerns through routine maintenance and inspection for water damage. With the exception of moisture buildup, ventilation and humidity levels are the largest contributors to the spread of mold. If you want to prevent roof leaks in Tampa, you need to contact an experienced, licensed roofing contractor.

Related: How to Find Leaks & Prevent Damage to Your Commercial Roof

Structural Damage

Compromised structural integrity is yet another inevitable consequence of a long-standing leaky roof. First, the wooden components of your roofing system will become deteriorated through water intrusion, leading to sagging, bowing, rotting, and more. If water leaks down into the ceiling joints and wall framing, the costs will continue to steadily rise. Finally, you’ll observe interior damage, such as deteriorated ceilings, buckled wall coverings, and peeling paint. If the leaks are not detected while they are still manageable, then the ceiling could give way and collapse, damaging anything underneath. 

If you’re experiencing leaks on your commercial or multifamily property, it could be traced back to one or more of the following issues: 

  • Clogged drain
  • Blisters
  • Damaged flashing
  • Alligatoring
  • Damaged roof membrane

To address these deficiencies and avoid the hidden dangers of a leaky roof, contact Aderhold Roofing. We are prepared to trace and stop leaks before they even begin. 

To speak with a professional about your leaky roof, or to schedule a consultation, please submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional counsel.

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What Water Spots on the Ceiling Mean for Your Commercial Roof

Water stains may take a while to notice, but you can’t stop noticing them once you do. Water stains and spots are telltale signs of a leak and a sign that there may be something terribly wrong with your roof. A leak will be a particular challenge to repair if it’s coming from a flat commercial roof — it’s not like they can just replace a few shingles. Fortunately, Aderhold Roofing is here to help

In this brief article, we discuss what water stains mean for commercial roofs and what owners can do to mitigate damage caused by these eyesores. Although your first inclination may be to simply ignore a commercial roof leak in Tampa, doing so could result in extensive roof and structural damage. Always call a professional roofer who can get to the bottom of that dark stain on your ceiling. 

Where Do Water Stains Come From? 

Water travels down the path of least resistance, meaning that the source of your water stain may be hard to find or nowhere near the stain. It also means that the extent of the damage will be difficult to determine at first glance. Maybe the water stain was caused by a recent leak brought on by Florida weather, or maybe it was caused by an ongoing leak that’s only just causing a water stain (one of the many reasons we suggest investing in a maintenance plan to prevent roof leaks in Tampa). 

Although a water stain is usually a sign of a leaky roof, it could really be anything. HVAC units, plumbing leaks, and condensation are only a few potential sources of a leak. Even poorly installed window frames could be the problem. There’s no way of telling where your water stain is coming from until you call upon a professional to take a look at your roof. 

What Commercial Roof Owners Should Do to Mitigate Damage 

You can only replace so many stained ceiling tiles. Blotting, cleaning, and painting over a water stain can help mitigate damage in the interim, but the longer you wait to address the underlying problem the more expensive the repair bill will be in the end. A professional roofer can not only discover the source of the water stain but also provide an appropriate solution, whether that means installing a new waterproof membrane or applying a restorative coating over your existing commercial roof. 

Our Solutions

At Aderhold Roofing, we are adept at not only repairing but preventing roof leaks. We effectively prevent roof leaks in Tampa through our maintenance plans. Under a maintenance plan, our technicians perform regular inspections to assess the condition of commercial roofs, down to pulling roofing permit history to accurately determine a roof’s lifespan. If you’re seeing an ugly water stain in your ceiling, you are only hurting your commercial property by sitting on it. Give us a call and work with a professional who will protect your valued property now and well into the future. 

To speak with a professional about commercial roof leak in Tampa, or to schedule a consultation, please submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional counsel.

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Thermal Imaging Capabilities in Roofing

When most people think of the term “thermal imaging,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably how the technology is depicted in movies like Predator. Although some movie magic and special effects may have popularized the technology, the truth is that thermal imaging capabilities can save your commercial roof by uncovering issues impossible to see with the naked eye. A roofing contractor in Tampa will explain more. 

What is Thermal Imaging Technology?

On the surface, your commercial roof may look perfectly fine. However, many building owners will be surprised to learn that their great looking roof actually has some minor leaks. Of course, leaks lead to mold and eventually structural damage. Fortunately, with the right technology at their fingertips, a commercial roofing contractor can utilize thermal imaging to inspect the entire roof system, including what’s underneath the surface. 

 

There’s a common misconception that thermal imaging is the process of taking temperature readings. According to roofingcontractor.com, the helpful tool actually “detects infrared energy and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations.” In layman’s terms, heat gives off infrared light and the more heat that collects in an area, the brighter the area will appear on the video screen. Roofing contractors can utilize this technology to determine the difference between wet and dry areas of roofing material.

The Benefits of Thermal Imaging in Roofing

Thermal imaging capabilities allow commercial roofers to inspect roofing conditions more accurately and detect moisture under the roof system. This technology is noninvasive, allowing roofing contractors to detect moisture without a need to cut into the roof membrane. Thermal imaging can be used during all phases of a roof’s lifespan too. The technology can be utilized at the end of the construction phase to ensure that no water entered the roof system during the building process, or it can be used during inspections to pinpoint the location of a leak or wet insulation. 

 

Although the technology has been around for some time, it’s become easily accessible today with a variety of state-of-the-art camera models that can detect infrared radiation. For example, aerial photography using drones can capture the entire roof system in one shot as the bird’s eye view allows the contractor to see the entire roof’s surface. 

 

There are many benefits to investing in a commercial roofer that utilizes thermal imaging. The technology can save the owner thousands of dollars when hidden issues are detected and quickly repaired before the roof experiences significant damage. The inspection process also provides the owner with a clear picture of what exactly needs to be repaired on a roof system. 

 

If you are interested in learning more about this extremely valuable tool and our inspection process, or if you are looking for a company that can maintain and repair your commercial roof system in Tampa, contact the commercial roofing professionals at Aderhold Roofing today. 

 

To speak with a professional about commercial roof repair in Tampa, or to schedule a consultation, please submit our contact request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional counsel.