The condition of your facility's roof can easily go unnoticed. Unlike other elements of your building, it tends to be out of sight and out of mind. However, even a minor roof leak may have a significant impact on your facility's integrity and disrupt your operations. To prevent small problems from turning into emergencies, it is important to complete all necessary repairs early.
Several factors can contribute to commercial roof deterioration: age, summer storms, climate, foot traffic and industry-related factors like chemical exhausts or extreme temperatures. Understanding your specific roofing needs and keeping up with necessary repairs is crucial to extend your roof's lifespan and minimize deterioration.
In many climates, the combination of heavy rain and extreme summer heat creates a cycle of expansion and contraction that weakens the roof membrane over time. Summer weather can be especially hard on commercial roofing systems, as prolonged UV exposure, high rooftop temperatures, and sudden storms accelerate membrane deterioration and expose existing weaknesses. To prevent small leaks from turning into structural emergencies, it’s critical to address repairs at the first sign of damage. Doing so can help prevent water intrusion, extend the life of the roof, and minimize costly disruptions during peak summer months.
Complete the form below and our experienced roofing professionals will get back to you as soon as possible! Having an emergency? Call our 24/7 emergency line: 855-483-1975.
Constant exposure to heat and UV rays can cause a roof membrane to become brittle, leading to punctures and cracks that may remain hidden until the next major storm. Extended dry periods and drought conditions can further accelerate membrane aging and increase thermal stress on commercial roofing systems. As roofing materials expand and contract under extreme temperatures, regular inspections become even more important during the summer months.
High winds and rain bring branches and debris that can block drains and scuppers preventing water from properly draining from the roof.
Addressing active leaks as soon as possible minimizes water damage to your facility and roof assembly. A single roof leak may result in mold or inventory and equipment damage. It may also generate safety concerns for your customers and employees.
Eliminate standing or ponding water on your roof’s surface. Many times ponding water comes from clogged drains or gutter systems, which prevents the water from properly draining from the roof.
High-wind events can cause partial or full roof blow-offs. They could also result in the detachment of the roof membrane which may not be visible to the untrained eye. This leads to deterioration of the overall roof assembly.
When the integrity of your roof's membrane is compromised, water may get through. Minor punctures or cracks caused by debris, foot traffic or equipment on your roof may stay hidden to an untrained eye until there’s visible water damage.
Particularly in older roofs, wear and tear may lead to membrane deterioration or exposed scrim caused by rain or UV damage, which can result in water intrusion and leaks.
The roof membrane can pull away from rooftop projections where it was flashed allowing water to get through and start an active roof leak. This can be caused by heavy rain or hail, membrane expansion and contraction from extreme heat or age.
Foreign objects or other debris on your roof can puncture or tear the roof membrane or clog your drainage system, which will prevent the proper drainage of water from your roof.
Schedule a commercial roof inspection if you are unsure whether your commercial or industrial building is experiencing a roof problem. CentiMark can complete a thorough inspection of your roof to verify its condition and identify any damage that needs to be addressed.
Having an inspection completed by one of our commercial roof repair specialists allows you to have an updated understanding of the current condition of your roof. Water intrusion and roof damage can often be challenging to detect without proper training and an inspection. A commercial roof inspection includes:
Based on our results, we will determine if any service or roof repairs can be performed and will provide you with recommendations to address your current roofing needs. Plus, we'll work with you to develop a customized budget and timeline for your business based on your individual needs. To learn more, visit our commercial roof inspection page.
We're dedicated to setting the highest standards in workmanship, materials and safety to deliver the best solutions for all of our customers' needs. When you work with us, we'll see the entire project through from start to finish. We back all of our repairs and will follow up with you to make sure everything is working correctly following the completion of your project.
Q: How does summer heat affect my commercial roof?
A: Intense heat can cause roof membranes to expand. When temperatures quickly drop during a rain storm, the material contracts rapidly. This ‘thermal shock’ can cause seams to split or flashings to fail.
Q: How can I prepare my commercial roof for summer storms?
A: The best defense against heavy summer storms is proactive inspection and commercial roof maintenance plans for severe weather. Our crews can ensure your drainage systems are clear of debris so that heavy rain doesn’t lead to ponding water.
Q: How quickly should I schedule repairs or an inspection after a summer hail or rain storm?
A: You should schedule an inspection or repair appointment as soon as possible. Even if you don’t see an active leak, summer storms can cause ‘hidden’ damage that can allow moisture to seep in slowly, leading to mold and structural damage over time.
Q: How do you repair a leaking roof?
A: Repairing a roof leak starts with identifying the source, which isn’t always where the leak appears inside the building. Temporary fixes may include sealing small cracks or replacing damaged flashing, but long-lasting roof repairs typically require professional evaluation. For commercial roofs, proper repairs often involve patching, seam reinforcement or large surface coatings to prevent future leaks.
Q: How to find a roof leak?
A: Finding a roof leak involves inspecting common areas of water infiltration such as roof penetrations, drains, seams and around HVAC units. Interior signs like water stains on ceiling tiles, can help narrow down the location. Professional roofing contractors can visually inspect the roof or perform a thermal scan to identify areas of moisture or weak insulaation, helping pinpoint leaks without unnecessary tear-offs.
Q: How to prevent roof leaks?
A: Preventing roof leaks starts with proactive maintenance like regular inspections, timely repairs and routine cleaning. Partnering with a professional roofing contractor ensures small issues are addressed before they turn into unexpected disruptions.
Q: How to detect roof leaks before they get worse?
A: Roof leaks can be detected early through routine inspections and preventative maintenance. Warning signs may include water stains on the interior ceiling, ponding water, cracked sealant or failed flashings.
Q: Will a leak in the roof cause mold?
A: Yes, a roof leak can lead to mold growth if moisture is allowed to remain in the insulation, decking or interior materials. Mold can begin developing within 24-48 hours of water exposure and may increase health risks while damaging the building.
Q: How to fix commercial roof leak?
A: To fix a commercial roof leak, start by identifying the source, containing any interior water intrusion and contacting a professional commercial roofing contractor. Professional leak repair may include patching, sealing or restoring the membrane to prevent further water intrusion and structural damage.
Q: How to repair a commercial flat roof?
A: Commercial flat roof repair begins with a professional inspection to locate the source of the damage, such as membrane punctures, seam failure, ponding water or flashing issues. Depending on the roof system, repairs may include patching, applying roof coatings or replacing damaged sections to restore waterproofing and extend the service life of the roof.
Q: How to repair commercial roof?
A: Commercial roof repairs begins with identifying the source of the problem. Water stains, bubbling membranes, standing water and flashing damage are all signs that a commercial roof system needs professional attention. Once the issue is located, a professional roofing contractor will determine the best repair method for your facility and operations.
Q: How to choose roofing contractor?
A: A reliable roofing contractor should provide detailed documentation of inspections, transparent proposals and strong warranty options. It's also important to verify licensing, customer references, safety practices and insurance coverage before making a decision.