What Are The Most Common Causes of Commercial Roof Leaks?

A leaking roof is something that no one wants to experience in a commercial premises. This problem can lead to halted work and expensive repairs. There are some common causes of commercial roof leaks, and we have identified these for you to help you prevent any damage to your property.

Clogged Drains

Clogged or insufficient drains can lead to having standing, or ponding, water on your roof. One square foot of standing water weighs roughly 5 lbs per inch of water. This is why ponding water is one of the most common causes of commercial roof leaks. The additional weight adds serious strain to the roof of your building. Drains need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that the water has somewhere to leave the roof.

It’s important to act quickly to keep costs down should you have standing water on your roof as it can result in a leak through the membrane. Responding quickly can allow your roof to only require repairs, instead of being completely replaced.

Poor Design

Similarly to clogged drains, a poorly designed roofing system, particularly flat roofing, can prevent rainwater from draining away effectively. Standing water is usually defined as water that is still on the roof area 48 hours after rainfall.

Standing water can lead to sagging of the roof due to additional weight, increased likelihood of leaks, the build-up of moss and plants and faster deterioration of the roofing system.

Old Roof

Like most things, roofs suffer from general wear and tear. Simple deterioration can’t be avoided and it’s going to eventually cause leaking. Most commercial roofing systems have a lifespan of 15-20 years after installation, depending on the type of roof, and they begin to rapidly deteriorate after this point.

If your roof is causing you regular problems, it may be time to invest in a complete commercial roof replacement, rather than constantly trying to repair individual sections.

Damaged Flashing

Roof flashings are the pieces of metal that are installed around the conjoining areas on the roof. They are installed in areas such as skylights, chimneys and roof edges. Damage to your perimeter flashing can be caused by extreme weather conditions, expansion and contraction in different temperatures, and an incorrect initial installation.

Should the flashing become damaged, cracks and gaps may appear, allowing the water to seep underneath and begin to cause problems. Commercial roof leaks are most often necessary at the exterior edges of the roof.

If you’re experiencing any of the above issues with your commercial roofing, contact Just Roofing today. Our team are happy to provide any advice and can recommend which products will be best suited for your repairs. Call us today on 0116 2760 201.