Roof leaks can happen in even the most well-built roofs, and they don’t just occur in residential properties—they happen in commercial roofs as well.
As an experienced local roofing company in East Texas, Steele Roofing has encountered commercial roof leaks caused by various factors such as wind damage, hail damage, blocked gutters, flying debris, neglect, and more. Leaks are among the most common roofing problems that contractors face and are one of the leading causes of roof replacement.
Commercial roof leaks can originate from many sources. As any East Texas roofing company can tell you, this region is known for its serious storms, including tornadoes.
High winds, heavy rain, and debris can severely damage your business’s roofing materials.
If you experience such damage, it’s crucial to contact a local roofing company immediately for emergency roof tarping, storm damage inspection, and commercial roof repair. Contacting a professional and licensed East Texas roofing company is essential for many reasons when you discover a roof leak in your commercial building, particularly for insurance purposes—but we’ll get to that in a minute.
Blocked drains and gutters are also major culprits of commercial roof leaks. When was the last time you had your drains and gutters inspected and professionally cleaned? Being proactive and having your roof inspected regularly can help prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.
Why Is It Important to Have Your Roof Inspected by a Professional Right Away?
Stop Further Roof Damage
If you’ve discovered a leak in your commercial roof, do you know how long it’s been there? Often, by the time you notice a leak, it’s been present for longer than you think. Sometimes, a leak doesn’t become apparent until water has been making its way down a familiar path for days, weeks, months, or even years. If the leak has been there for a long time, you may have more damage than you expect.
Long-term roof leaks don’t just damage the roof; they can also harm your building’s structure, affecting walls, floors, areas around windows, and more. Naturally, the more damage there is, the more expensive the repairs will be. Having your commercial roof professionally inspected regularly can go a long way in catching any potential leak problems before they cause significant harm.
In humid areas like East Texas, mold and mildew are constant threats to your building. Not only can mold and mildew damage the structure of your property, but they can also pose health risks, especially if anyone in the building has respiratory or immune issues. Catching a leak before mold and mildew grow can prevent damage to your building and safeguard the health of its occupants.
If your business houses valuable inventory or equipment, a roof leak could cause extensive damage beyond just the building itself. Roof leaks can harm the items within your building, such as electronics and products. Protect your business’s valuable assets by addressing any roof leaks immediately.
What to Do if You Discover a Roof Leak
- Secure the Area:
If you find a leak in your commercial roof, the first step is to secure the area to ensure no one—whether customers or employees—gets hurt. Injuries from a roof leak could occur due to various hazards, including electrical issues or slips and falls. To prevent injuries and potential liability, block off the area around the leak and keep people away from it. - Contact a Professional Roofer:
Once the area is secured, contact a professional roofer to perform an inspection, assess the extent of the damage, and provide a detailed report. - Contact Your Insurance Company:
After the inspection, reach out to your insurance company to determine the next steps, whether you need to file a claim, and what your coverage includes. - Coordinate with Your Roofer:
Once your insurance company has established what will be covered for roof repairs or replacement, you can coordinate with your local roofing company to get your commercial roof repaired and back in business.
While discovering a leak in your commercial roof is never pleasant, the good news is that there’s plenty you can do. By taking preventative measures to avoid leaks in the first place, securing the area if a leak occurs, and working with your insurance and roofing professionals, you can minimize damage to employees, customers, and inventory. With the help of your local professional roofer, your roof will be repaired and in good working condition in no time, allowing you to get back to business as usual.
If you discover a commercial roof leak, don’t wait—contact your local roofing company right away.
