Know the Signs of a Leak in Your Commercial Roof

Commercial roofs are sturdy and efficient, but lack of maintenance, heavy rain and cold weather can put even the best roof at risk.

So, what are the signs you may have a leak on your building’s roof?

The most common signs of a roof leak are dripping water, stains, mold, and high energy bills. If you find a leak, it’s important to clear the affected area, identify the source, and fix the problem as soon as possible.

Continue reading to learn more about the common signs of commercial roof leaks, and how you can take action to identify and fix leaks fast.

What Does a Roof Leak Look Like?

Puddles or Water Dripping

One of the most obvious and consistent signs of a roof leak is the presence of water inside the building. Leaks in the roof can lead to water dripping from the ceiling or running down walls. Water will also begin to pool and form puddles on the ground as the leak progresses. Leaks may take the form of very visible streams of water running down a wall, or slow drips of water.

Stains and Water Damage

If stains begin to appear on internal walls or ceiling tiles, a roof leak may be the cause. Water stains are often dark in color and may be visible or very faint. Paint on walls may also flake, bubble or warp from running water or moisture underneath. Stains on ceiling tiles look like brown, grey or black rings, and are caused by water pooling or dripping from above onto the tiles.

Odor and Presence of Mold

Another issue caused by roof leaks is the presence of mold within the building. Mold might be visible as dark or discolored patches on walls and ceilings, and is more likely to occur in dark, wet areas with low foot traffic. The smell of must, mildew or rot is another sign that mold is present in the building. Mold growth is a serious issue and can cause structural damage and health problems if it is not treated quickly.

Higher Energy Bill

If you notice an unusual increase in your building’s monthly energy, it may be another sign that your roof has a leak. When water soaks into the building’s insulation foam it reduces the insulation’s ability to regulate temperature. You may see your heating and cooling bills go up as a result. Higher energy bills can be a valuable way to catch roof leaks early on before they do more damage.

What Should You Do If You Have a Roof Leak?

Clear the Affected Area

If you do notice one or more of these signs, try to move furniture, equipment and other objects out of the way so you can estimate the full extent of the problem.

Note the Source of Leaks

With the affected area cleared, try to track down the source of the leak. Puddles and dripping water caused by severe weather may dry and become invisible until the next period of harsh weather, so it’s important to identify the source quickly. If you know the internal location of a leak, it can be easier to pinpoint which area of the roof is damaged.

Roof leaks are often caused by gaps and cracks in the flashing and seams. Another cause of leaks is improper drainage and pooling water from ice dams and clogged drains.

Fix the Leak as Soon as Possible

The sooner a leak is found and repaired, the better. It may be tempting to simply put a bucket underneath water drips and ignore the problem, especially for smaller leaks. However, if a leak is already present, cold temperatures and harsh weather will worsen the issue until it is impossible to overlook.

Have You Heard of a Duro-Last Roof?

There is a product worth looking into, the Duro-Last Roofing System. It is a top consideration among industrial and commercial buildings for many reasons. It’s waterproof, safe for the environment and saves you money in the long term.

If you haven’t maintained your building’s roof or suspect roofing problems, MacDermott Roofing provides the commercial roofing services you need. We work with all roofing systems and help businesses in Michigan get the most out of their roofing investment. We can complete a roof inspection and put a plan in place. Whether you need roof repair, or a new roof installed we are dedicated to making sure it’s done quickly, properly and efficiently. Call and speak to a roofing team member today for a Free Estimate