The Problems Caused by Leaking Commercial Roofs
February 9, 2022
A commercial roofing company is your best bet for a roof leak repair – no DIY solutions need to apply. Your roof is vital to your business and tenants. Commercial roofing in Toronto should be the solution to any roof leak problem you are experiencing. Tiny holes turn into wide open spaces for water to invade your commercial facility, and with it comes expensive repairs bills – not just to the roof but the structure of the building if the leak has been ignored. It doesn’t matter what type of facility you operate – a retail space, residential accommodations or office space, the health and well-being of the roof will be paramount to your tenant’s satisfaction. Let’s look at the common problems that afflict a commercial roofing system.
7 Issues Caused that are a Result of Commercial Roof Leaks
Mildew and Mould Growth
Without a doubt, water is the greatest threat to any roofing system, and the threats come in many different directions. When water invades a roofing system and is left to sit without drying, it will create mould and mildew that can cause respiratory problems when the spores are inhaled. The petri dish that is your roof leak will support mould growth – it needs three things – water, air and food to proliferate at an amazing speed. The peak provides the water; indoor conditions add the air mould needs, and any substance – from drywall to carpet will be the host for mould to feed off.
Wood Rot
When wood is under pressure from water and mould, it becomes spongy; that is where wood rot originates. Once wood rot sets in, it compromises the integrity of the wood to maintain the structural integrity of the roofing system, leaving it vulnerable to collapse. When the degradation has become so bad, it can’t be repaired; a complete roof rip-off is needed to remove the trusses and rafters to ensure structural integrity.
Damaged insulation
Your insulation is at risk when you have a roof leak. It works like this, water rains on the insulation and collapses the air pockets that insulation uses to slow heat loss. Once the air pockets have been flattened, your insulation is no longer performing as it should, and a complete insulation replacement will be absolutely necessary to prevent heat loss and sky-high utility bills.
Fire Hazards
Oil and water don’t mix, nor do electricity and water – it creates a fire hazard when water impacts an electrical system. When water leaks into the roofing system, it will engage the wiring necessary to power your building; once that happens, exposed wiring will provide the ignition a fire needs to start.
Slip Hazards
When water leaks through the roof, it must go somewhere and that somewhere on the floors of your building. Once the water has leaked into your facility, it will create puddles on the floor, and that is where the hazard comes from. A slip and fall on a floor with undetected water causes injuries and lost man-hours for workers and destroys the quality of life your tenants enjoy in your building.
Compromised Integrity of the Roof
Even the strongest commercial roof is susceptible to water, and when the water comes, it creates many problems – think about your building’s foundation for a moment. Water runs down the side of your building, meets your foundation and degradation sets in. Foundation repairs for commercial buildings can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars if left unchecked, not to mention the structural problems a wonky foundation creates for the weight of the commercial structure that sits upon it.
Energy Inefficiency
This article has spoken about your insulation and the loss of the key component air bubbles that reduce heat transfer. As mentioned, utility costs will soar using more energy, and over time, you feel like you are heating all outdoors — one more thing to think about when you look at your energy efficiency. You are using more energy than you need, which spurs climate change due to the emission of fossil fuel gas into the atmosphere.
Integrity Roofers Can Help Mitigate Problems
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