5 Signs Your Building Has a Flat Roof Leak

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for emergency water restoration services!

A flat roof leak can negatively affect any commercial structure.

If you're like most business owners, you probably don't think about your roof until there's a problem. And where there is a problem, it is rarely a small one. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek have seen small leaks turn into significant issues when not fixed right away. The most common problems include:

• Commercial water damage
• Commercial mold growth
• Structural issues

The question remains, how do you know if your building has a flat roof leak? In the following blog post, we will go over the five signs to look for regarding flat roof leaks. So, let's get started!

1. Water stains on the ceiling

Water stains are one of the most telling signs of a flat roof leak. Water restoration professionals know when water gets into your building, it will tend to pool at the lowest point. Meaning, if your roof is leaking, water will collect right below the source of the problem. That is why you should always check your ceiling for water stains - if they are present, there's a good chance that you have a flat roof leak.

2. Peeling paint

Peeling paint is another common sign of a flat roof leak. When water from rain or melting snow has been trickling down the walls, you will find that the paint has begun to peel; it can be a sign of a roof leak. Although, if you notice peeling paint in only one area, it might just be due to poor ventilation.

3. A sagging roof

If you have noticed your flat roof is sagging in one or more areas, it's a sign that your roof is leaking or that there is water damage. Flat roofs are not very sturdy once they've begun to sag.

4. Mold growth

If you begin to notice mold growth in your building, that can signify an issue with the roof. Mold growth can occur when water leaks into the building without being professionally restored for long periods.

5. Interior water damage

If you notice that one or more areas of the flooring in your building have been damaged by water, this could be due to several causes. However, if you notice that the flooring has been damaged in only one area, it could mean that your flat roof is leaking.

If you notice any of these signs, be sure to call SERVPRO of East Dayton/Beavercreek. We'll help restore and repair your building so you can focus on what's important: running your business!

Three tips to prevent a flat roof leak

If you're looking to prevent a flat roof leak, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1) Keep any vegetation away from the roof.

Trees and other plants growing too close to the roof can cause damage to the roof systems.

2) Keep your roof clean

Keeping your roof clean is another way to prevent leaks. If there is debris or leaves on your roof, that can cause water to pool up and leak into the building. It is also essential to check your gutters regularly. If gutters are clogged with debris, they can't work properly, and water will back up onto the roof.

3) Check your flashing

Another important step in preventing a flat roof leak is checking the flashing on your roof. This metal band at the edge of your roof can be very vulnerable to rusting, which increases the risk of leaks. When inspecting your roof, take some time to look for any signs of rust.

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning about flat roof leaks today. Remember that a flat roof leak can cause a lot of damage, but not if you catch it early. When you catch a flat roof leak early on, you will prevent it from doing severe damage to your business.

Please contact the professionals at SERVPRO of East Dayton/ Beavercreek if you find any of the five signs listed above.

SERVPRO of East Dayton is independently owned and operated with the resources to handle water damage, mold removal, asbestos abatement, and fire/smoke restoration. Our professional teams are IICRC certified and are available 24 hours, 365 days a year for emergency services.