Common causes for commercial roof leaks

Now is the time for an action plan addressing commercial roof leak repair. We are headed into Vancouver’s rainy, stormy season, so any problems with your roof will be exacerbated by the extreme weather events coming this way.

A commercial roof  leak is caused by a few things. Problems with the drainage system, the seals, the flashing, the membrane or mechanical damage to roofing membranes are among the most common. All of these are preventable with regular commercial roof maintenance.

Commercial roof leak causes

• Poor or broken drainage systems

• Broken seals

• Damaged flashing

• Mechanical damage

Drainage systems

Drains, gutters, downspouts and scuppers work to direct water off the roof. It’s critical that these are working correctly, because compromised drainage systems do a lot of damage to commercial flat roofs. Backed-up water causes ponding, leaks, mould and mildew, and adds extra weight to roofing structures. 

With the amount of precipitation we’re expecting over winter, issues can appear suddenly and be serious. Additionally, freezing weather causes water to expand as it changes to ice. Ice has the potential to do more damage, making holes and leaks larger.

Hire commercial roofing professionals to remove leaves, twigs, needles, moss, dirt and debris from drainage systems on your roof. They will ensure water is free-flowing throughout the system and repair damaged areas.

Broken Seals

Seals exist at the junctions of roof membranes, around HVAC units, vents, pipes, drains, and more. These fail if they weren’t installed properly, are ageing, or from weather damage. Since they are subject to severe weather, ensure seals are intact to save you a lot of worry and money over the season.

Damaged flashing

Flashing is metal strips found anywhere the roof abuts another structure, like a wall, skylight, chimney, or along roof edges. Flashing is damaged by weather (Vancouver wind storms are notoriously damaging), age, and improper installation. Have flashing points inspected and repaired as necessary to protect vulnerable areas on your roof.

Mechanical damage

Mechanical damages describes damage done to the roof caused by foot traffic, equipment maintenance, or debris hitting the surface (as happens in our wind storms). Accidental cuts, tears and punctures let water seep through to begin a cycle of deterioration. Professional roofers routinely look for this type of damage during seasonal maintenance work. 

Winter, the Pineapple Express, and El Niño are coming for your roof this winter and damage is an all-too-common outcome. But it’s not too late to batten down. Professional commercial roof inspections and repairs give you peace-of-mind and save you thousands of dollars. However, if you prefer to take your chances and rely on emergency commercial roof repair, Vancouver roofing companies are always ready to help.

Laurentian Roofing services include expert pre-planned and reactive maintenance services for commercial flat roofs, gutter service, commercial roof repairs and emergency commercial roof repairs. Is your roof ready for winter?  Call us: 604-345-7663.