When it comes to running a successful business, the last thing you want to worry about is a commercial roof leak.
Unfortunately, a leaking commercial roof is always a possibility… especially in our harsh Florida climate. When leaks happen, it poses a serious threat to your operations, your assets, and your peace of mind.
That’s why we wanted to share this action plan with you. By the end of this post, you’ll know what to look for, who to contact, and what to do to get your business back to normal operations as soon as possible.
Identifying Commercial Roof Leaks
The best thing you can do to minimize the disruption and damage caused by a leaking roof is early identification. By conducting regular inspections and watching for these common indicators, you can catch a leak before it turns into a disaster.
- Water Stains: Check ceilings, walls, and interior surfaces for discolored patches and watermarks.
- Mold and Mildew: Excessive moisture creates the perfect growing environment for these unsightly (and potentially harmful) conditions.
- Conduct Regular Roof Inspections: Scheduling routine roof inspections is one of the best ways to stop leaks before they start. Our experts can spot the signs of a forming leak long before the water makes its way into your business.
Staying proactive keeps you ahead of the major damage that a roof leak can cause. Of course, just noticing a problem isn’t enough. What should you do when you spot a problem?
Take Immediate Action To Minimize Damage
When you do discover a leak in your commercial roof, swift action is required to minimize the damage. Always prioritize safety first. Remember, structural damage is not the only threat: mold and mildew can be dangerous too!
Here’s what to do if you find a leak:
- Assess: Get the best sense possible of where the leak is coming from and what it could be affecting. Be on the lookout for potential electrical involvement. Try to consider where the water might run within your ceilings and walls.
- Protect: Disconnect any power sources that could be affected. Set up physical barriers and signage to keep customers and personnel away from the area. Move assets and equipment away from the affected area.
- Contain: Temporarily contain the leak with buckets or tarps. The goal is to contain dripping water and eliminate fall risk.
- Document: Take photos and videos of the leak and related damage. This will help when filing your insurance claim.
Notify The Right People
Effective communication and prompt reporting are essential when dealing with commercial roof leaks. By following these best practices you can ensure that the right people are informed:
- Your People: Notify your managers, maintenance staff, or anyone else that is responsible for building operations. Remember that time is of the essence, so you want the right people informed to speed up your response and minimize disruption.
- Your Insurance: Collect and prepare the photos, videos, or other evidence of damage you’ve gathered. Then call your insurance provider to report the damage.
- Your Professional Roofing Contractor: Getting a professional team on site as quickly as possible is paramount. Reach out and we’ll be there in no time to get your business back on its feet.
Now that your customers and personnel are safe, it’s time to take care of that leak once and for all.
Permanent Solutions
When your commercial roof springs a leak, the last thing you want is a low-quality, short-term fix. We understand that you want to get the problem solved as quickly as possible, but a shortcut patch will always be temporary.
That means you’ll find yourself with another leak in no time.
Remember, commercial roofing systems are systems. Applying a cheap sealant might cover up the problem for now, but it’s likely to also prevent the timely discovery of other, more hidden problems.
Our commercial roofing professionals will not only fix the leak in question, but they will also ensure that your roofing system is operating in peak condition. After all, we’ve been fixing the leaking roofs of North Central Florida for more than 40 years now. We know how to fix the leak, repair the damage, and create a roofing environment that will stay strong for years to come.
Perry Roofing Contractors: Your Trusted Roofing Partner
By promptly identifying the signs of a leak, taking immediate action, and working with professionals to permanently repair your roof, you are protecting not only your investment but your people and customers as well.
Don’t wait for a minor leak to become a major issue. Contact us today and let us handle your commercial roofing needs!