Many commercial buildings have a flat roof to easily access vents, air conditioning units, and other rooftop elements. While convenient in many ways, when you develop a flat roof leak, repairs may require complicated and lengthy processes that seem undesirable. Contact the experienced roof contractors at Polaris Roofing Systems in Flagstaff, AZ, at (928) 699-4840 when you need to fix a leaking flat roof.
Common Causes of Flat Roof Leaks
Flat roofs can have many problems. Understanding the common causes behind flat roof leaks helps commercial building owners know what to watch out for in the future. Some of the most common reasons flat roofs develop leaks different from other types of roofs include:
Standing Water
Flat roofs often develop slight concave areas as they settle over time. These dimpled areas collect water from rain or water mishaps on your roof, quickly turning into ponds that attract more water along with insect activity. Standing water can begin to deteriorate a rooftop in as little as 48 hours, making this a commonly missed but frequent culprit behind flat roof leaks.
Damaged Flat Roof Membrane
Modern-day professional roofing companies install a thin, single-layer rubber membrane over the top of your flat roof to protect it against the elements. While this option provides a more economical and simple way to layer your roof than roof construction of the past, a single rip in the membrane can allow water to leak into your building. The only protection past a roof membrane consists of roofing insulation, which soaks up that water and distributes it throughout your entire flat roof.
Poor Sealing Around Rooftop Elements
As with any roof type, vents, gas lines, pipes, and other rooftop elements produce a weak spot in your flat roof. Improper roof installation or poor sealant management around rooftop elements can cause flat roof leaks. Professional roofers often start with rooftop element inspections when practicing roof leak repair.
Three Steps to Repairing Your Flat Roof Leak
Flat roof repair differs from other roof repairs due to the unique shape of the roof and the materials used to build it. Take these steps when you notice a flat roof leak:
1. Find the Leak
Since the shape and materials for flat roofs vary significantly from other roofs, the leak inside your building may not reflect the problem above your head. Instead, climb on top of your roof and check for the three common issues: Standing water, membrane damage, and poorly maintained sealants around rooftop elements.
2. Evaluate Repairs vs. Replacement
Sometimes you can tell the scope of your water damage with a glance, but only experienced eyes know the difference between easy repairs and potential roof replacement. Many commercial roofing contractors can repair flat roof leaks that look unfixable to untrained property owners. However, some roof damage costs more to repair than the price of a complete flat roof replacement.
3. Hire a Professional Commercial Roof Contractor
Most commercial roofers have experience evaluating commercial roofs and know how to fix a flat roof leak. Find the right contractor by doing your due diligence, researching roofing companies, and checking reviews for potential red flags. Once you find a contractor you trust, contact them and request a consultation for your flat roof leak.
Commercial property owners may want to seek consultations with multiple roofing companies to get the best price. In this case, try to schedule them on the same day so you can quickly choose the best quote and quickly repair your roof.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Flat Roof Leak Repairs
Some commercial building owners perform many maintenance tasks themselves and believe they can repair flat roof leaks without the aid of professional roofers. However, improper repairs can make leaks worse, leading to further problems with your entire building’s structural integrity. Water damage weakens everything from walls to foundations, while moisture build-up can lead to mold and mildew growth.
For the health and safety of renters or employees inside your commercial building, leave flat roof leak repair to professional roofing contractors.
Professional Flat Roof Leak Repair by Polaris Roofing Systems in Flagstaff, AZ
Flat roof leak repair requires professionally trained eyes and abilities that you won’t find outside of commercial construction contractors. If you notice standing water on your roof, leaks in multiple areas of your buildings, or other signs of flat roof leaks, you need repairs right away. Call (928) 699-4840 to schedule a free consultation with the commercial roofing professionals at Polaris Roofing Systems in Flagstaff, AZ.
