Why Is My Commercial Roof Leaking?

The last thing any business owner wants to see is water leaking through their commercial roof. Even with routine maintenance and regular repairs, inclement weather can roll through the Tampa Bay Area and leave you with water dripping just above you and your occupants’ heads. If you’re looking for information on how you can prevent roof leaks in Tampa with your commercial building, continue reading to learn more about three of the most common reasons a commercial roof may begin to leak.

Related: Common Causes of Commercial Roof Leaks

Your Flashing Is Damaged

Roof flashings are sections of metal specially designed to protect the outer edges of your roof membrane and seal the area around your chimney, skylights, and other penetrations. Damage to your flashing can be caused by any number of factors, such as improper installation, inclement weather conditions, expansion, and contraction. As this flashing serves to protect the extremely vulnerable seams and joints of your roof from excess water, it’s incredibly important to immediately identify and repair any damage. 

Some of the most common problems associated with defective flashing include blow-offs, billowing, tenting, gapping, and leakage. The more your flashing is allowed to expand, contract, and gradually become loosened, the more likely it is that water will enter the interior of your building under the roof membrane. Additionally, if your flashing breaks altogether, you will likely see deterioration in the underlying structure and ceiling due to moisture damage.

Your Commercial Roof Was Poorly Designed

Roof design is vital to the performance of any commercial roof in terms of guarding against inclement weather conditions, keeping heating and cooling costs low, and protecting the occupants of your building. If your roof is poorly designed, incorrectly installed, or uses lower-grade materials, you’re sure to pay the price. Not only does poor design drastically reduce the life expectancy of your commercial roof, but it can also result in a number of serious issues, such as splitting, blisters, high energy costs, and, of course, roof leaks. 

This is because your roofing system is not effectively designed to drain away rainwater and will instead result in ponding water and blocked gutters. Among an increase in leaks, ponding water is also a frequent culprit of moss build-up, sagging, and increased deterioration of your entire roofing system. If you’re looking to have a new, high-quality roof installed on your commercial property, be sure to turn to a commercial roofer in Tampa with Aderhold Roofing who will provide your roof with the attention to detail, professionalism, and expert design it requires.

Related: 3 Unexpected Hazards of a Leaky Roof

Your Roofing Membrane Is Damaged

The membrane of your commercial roof is designed to prevent water from reaching the interior of your building by sealing the roof. Over time, your roof’s membrane may shrink, blister, crack, or puncture due to age or inclement weather conditions. It may also become damaged due to foot traffic or mechanical damage. When this happens, you’ll likely see visible damage on your commercial roof, such as bubbles, or holes that expose the roof’s insulation. 

When this damage occurs, it allows water to enter your roof, saturate the underlying insulation, and infiltrate the interior of your building. At this point, you are left with no option but to repair or replace the membrane. For more information regarding how a damaged membrane, damaged flashing, or poor roof design may be related to your commercial roof leak in Tampa, give us a call.

To speak with a commercial roofer 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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