When commercial roof damage occurs, property managers must act fast to minimize losses and damages. A leaking commercial roof can quickly lead to saturated and ruined materials, including walls and ceilings.
For commercial roofing in portland and the benefits of restoration, start by identifying leak sources to minimize interior damage caused by water infiltration. Locating leaks may be challenging due to water’s ability to travel extensively.
1. Inspect the Area
Even a small leak can cause significant damage in a commercial facility, so you must act quickly. After determining the source of the leak, you will want to inspect the area carefully.
Look for water stains, which typically appear as discolored patches on ceilings and walls. These are a clear indicator of roof leaks and indicate ongoing moisture. Leaks can also be spotted by noticing a sagging or bubbling ceiling.
Depending on the location of the leak, you may need to climb up onto your roof to see the source firsthand. If you do, it is important to use a ladder with secure footing and extreme caution. Falling from a commercial roof can be dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.
Once you have located the source of the leak, move any items that could be impacted by the water or a potential ceiling collapse. This includes computers, machines, furniture, wall decor and personal belongings.
2. Locate the Source of the Leak
One of the first things you’ll need to do is locate where water is entering the building. This can be challenging and requires a bit of detective work.
Begin by inspecting the area during the day and looking for water stains on the ceiling and walls. You might also notice sagging or buckling drywall. A musty odor or damp carpet are other signs of a roof leak.
Move any furniture, supplies, equipment or inventory that may be affected by the water damage and place plastic sheets over them. Also, remove any wall art or decorations that could get wet.
Next, you’ll need to look for the source of the leak on the roof. Using a ladder or scaffolding, you’ll need to be at eye-level with the roof and carefully examine the areas around the stain. Leaks often happen at the step flashing, which is where the roof meets the exterior walls or dormers, around skylights and chimneys, and in roof valleys.
3. Make the Repairs
Commercial roofs leak for a variety of reasons. Understanding the most common causes can help identify a method for repair. For instance, if your roof lacks adequate drainage systems, water may sit and seep into gaps or crevices. This water can also cause moss to grow and add extra weight to the roof materials.
Other common signs of commercial roof leaks include water stains and discoloration on the ceilings or walls. Foul odors can also indicate a commercial roof leak. If these signs are spotted, it’s important to call a professional roofing contractor for maintenance right away.
The most effective way to prevent commercial roof leaks is to schedule routine inspections. This can help identify issues that may lead to leaks before they escalate into expensive repair bills or interfere with daily business operations. Regularly remove debris from the roof surface and gutters to avoid clogs that can impede water flow. Incorporate scuppers and roof drains to reduce the likelihood of standing water that can lead to leaks.
4. Clean the Area
Having a leak in your commercial roof can lead to serious damage and can be a big drain on staff and resources. But preventing leaks starts with regular maintenance.
Start by cleaning any debris that may have collected on or around the area of your leak. This will help to minimize any potential damage from mold, mildew or other water-borne substances.
It’s also a good idea to clean out any gutters, drains and scuppers. However, this can be a dangerous task and should only be done by professionals with harnesses or a fall arrest system installed.
When you’re done, make sure to mark the location of your leak. This will allow you to identify the exact spot for your roofing contractor when they arrive and can prevent any confusion in the future. You should also make sure to clear the area of any supplies, equipment or wall art that could be affected by moisture. Then, place a plastic tarp over it to protect the items.