Water Leaks And Commercial Roofs—What Are The Dangers?

31 January 2023
 Categories: , Blog

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Water is one of the most destructive forces in nature. Water is also the silent enemy of your commercial roof. Even a small leak has the potential to wreak havoc on your commercial space. It's important that you are familiar with the dangers of a commercial roof leak so that you recognize the importance of investing in immediate leak repair.

1. Insect Infestations

Many types of insects thrive in moist environments. A leak in your commercial roof can saturate your roof decking and insulation used in the construction of your roof. Insect colonies can take up residence inside your roof when a water leak develops. The more insects that are drawn to your roof by a leak, the more damage these insects will cause.

It's important that you contact a reputable roofing contractor as soon as you spot a leak if you want to keep your repair costs to a minimum,

2.  Mold Growth

Mold grows best in moist, dark environments. A water leak that develops in your commercial roofing system can create this type of environment. Certain strains of mold have the potential to cause serious health problems. If you fail to repair a water leak and mold grows in your commercial space as a result, you could be held liable for any health problems your customers or employees develop.

The best way to prevent mold growth is to monitor the condition of your roof closely and contact an experienced contractor to make immediate repairs whenever a leak is detected.

3. Increased Utility Costs

A water leak in your commercial roof could cause your utility costs to increase. Leaks affect the quality of the insulation found in your commercial roofing system. When insulation becomes saturated with water, it can no longer prevent the transfer of heat between your building and the outside environment. Your HVAC system will need to work harder to heat and cool your commercial space when insulation is saturated, and this increase in the workload of your HVAC system causes monthly utility costs to rise.

You can avoid an increase in your overhead expenses by choosing to have a roofing contractor repair any water leaks you find in your roof as quickly as possible.

Water leaks, no matter how small, have the potential to cause serious damage to your commercial roof. A leaking roof could compromise the profitability of your business and leave you vulnerable to lawsuits. Be sure that you work with a roofing contractor in your area to avoid the dangers caused by unaddressed water leaks.

Contact a local commercial roofing service to learn more.