If you own a house or commercial building nothing is more concerning than seeing a drip coming from your ceiling. In this blog we go through some of the reasons your flat roof might be leaking and the best thing you can do to repair and prevent those flat roof leaks.

INADEQUATE DRAINAGE

When your roof doesn’t properly drain water it will start to pool which can cause those flat roof leaks. Over time, that standing water will destroy the roofing material which can make your roof susceptible to leaks. So what can be the cause of inadequate drainage you might ask. There are multiple things that could cause drainage issues. The first one and probably the easiest to check is if you have debris in your gutters or drains. This is one of the many things we handle for you with our Maintenance program. Another reason could be that you don’t have enough drains. If this is the case adding more drains might be just what you need. A couple more that might be causing your issues is insufficient slope or a sagging roof deck. All or one of these causes could be your culprit. No matter what the cause drainage is very important to protecting your roof investment and getting the longest life possible out of it.

AN OLD ROOF

Every roof has a lifespan and the longer you get to the end of the life of your roof the more problems you could incur. Unfortunately, living in Michigan we have so many different elements that can affect your roof. Years of heat, sun, rain, hail, and wind can eventually destroy your roofing material. It is important to keep up on your regular maintenance to help prevent these issues and with that regular maintenance you will keep ahead of any material issues.

DAMAGED FLASHING 

Damaged or improperly installed flashings leave the corners of the roof exposed to the elements. Damaged flashings can allow water to penetrate the roofing system causing leaks. Regular maintenance and inspections will help you know if there is any issues with your flashings.

ROOF PENETRATIONS

Roof penetrations can be man made or environmental. Those man made ones can be from vents, pipes, drains, and HVAC units. Over time without proper maintenance the gaps in these holes are no longer watertight due to the weather. Environmental penetrations can be caused by heavy weather, branches, etc. All of these things can cause your flat roof to leak.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT AWAY

We went through what might be causing your leak but now lets go through what you can do. First, you will want to identify the source of the leak inside and make sure you place a bucket or something to catch the water. Second, call a commercial flat roofing repair company. Most companies offer 24/7 emergency services like us here at Innovative Exteriors Inc. Professional flat roofing repair contractors have the knowledge and equipment needed to quickly stop a leak temporarily until we can complete a permanent fix.

OUR COMPANY

Innovative Exteriors Inc. is your flat roofing specialist. With our over 2 decades of experience with flat roofs we will help you protect your investment. A free quote can show you more about the current shape of your roof and what kind of maintenance you need. Contact us today online to schedule your free quote or give us a call (989) 484-0128.