From Shingles to Rubber

Since your commercial roofing system is constantly exposed to the elements, it can sustain leak issues for many reasons. Whether the business is located in a tropical or polar region, the predominant weather conditions can wear down your roof, resulting in roofing leaks. But aside from the elements, roof leakage can be a result of the unavoidable aging of your roofing system. Read this article to learn about common commercial roof leaking issues you should know.

Damaged Metal Flashings 

Since the metal flashing is what merges the roofing system at joints and around protruding features, if it sustains damage, rainwater is bound to leak into your commercial spaces. And the only way to address metal flashing damage is to replace the disintegrated pieces with fresh sheets that will establish continuity and seamlessness throughout your roofing system despite the joints, breaks, and edges.

Despite the metal flashings being strong sheets made from galvanized steel or aluminum, they can disintegrate due to constant exposure to the elements. It could also be that they weren't properly fastened to the roofing system and got misaligned over time.

It would help to commission routine commercial roofing inspections to ensure damaged metal flashings don't let rainwater into your roofing system right under your nose. The seasoned roofer will be able to identify and repair damaged metal flashings before they result in significant water damage throughout your roofing system and within your commercial establishment.

Clogged Gutters & Downspout

Another common cause of commercial roof leaking is clogged gutters and downspouts. Since your gutter system collects rainwater and directs it away from your commercial building's foundation, the roofing system will take a beating if it sustains any clogs. All the collected water will remain at the edge of your roof, and due to the pressure, it exerts on your roofing system, some of it might start leaking in.

To ensure fixtures meant to preserve your foundation's integrity don't compromise the health of your roofing system, be sure to schedule routine gutter system inspection. Since your commercial roofing system spans a wide surface area, the gutter system is also a vast network and should be thoroughly inspected to ascertain it's in top condition. Leaving gutter system maintenance to a seasoned commercial roofer ensures that your roofing system doesn't retain moisture due to gutter and downspout clogs that could have been avoided.

Ponding Water

If your commercial establishment has a flat roofing system, you should install scuppers to drain off excess water. This way, you can prevent ponding water from forming on your roofing system and resulting in leakage. A rooftop that doesn't drain properly compromises the health of the entire roofing system and exposes your indoor spaces to potential water damage. Consulting with a seasoned roofer ensures you arrive at a suitable solution to increase rooftop drainage and prevent roof leaking.

Don't hesitate to contact a company like Select Exteriors.