The drip, drip of a leaking roof could be the crash, bang of a commercial disaster zone. It’s something no business wants to face, yet many of us don’t prioritize minor roof repairs because they seem just that – minor.
Yet a commercial roof is the first line of defense for your business operations. It’s anything but a minor chore, and it pays to keep it in perfect condition.
In this guide, we’ll delve into some of the problems you can face if you delay a commercial roof leak repair. From operational disruption to mold, we’ll touch on the many reasons for treating a roof repair as your number one priority.
Why You Need a Well-Maintained Roof
Commercial roofing is there for more than shelter. It protects the structure of a building too.
Robust, well-maintained roofs give you the best defense against extreme weather events. That helps you avoid structural damage as well as water leaks or floods.
There is an energy angle to this too.
A well-maintained roof will make your building more energy efficient. You won’t experience escaping heat or cooled air because of building damage. It’s better for the environment and your business’s energy bills.
The aesthetics are important too. If clients visit your premises, a roof forms part of that crucial first impression. Damage or worn roofs look uncared for, which could poorly reflect on your business image.
The Consequences of a Delayed Repair on a Leaking Roof
You have two types of problems when you have a roof leak. The first type is the immediate repercussions. The second type is the hidden, longer-term issues.
The immediate impact of a roof leak is water damage. When water gets into your building, you could get many problems. That includes dampness, discoloration, or damage to interiors.
You could have water leaks reach electronics or furniture. That disrupts your immediate business activity and leaves you facing a repair bill.
Hidden, long-term problems cause equal trouble. It could include issues like structural damage to the building. Your building may slowly deteriorate.
Another problem is the long-term health impact of moisture. You may find mold growing in the building. Water leaks could also damage your building’s insulation.
While that may not be apparent immediately, it means your building isn’t energy efficient. You’ll notice it gradually in your energy bills.
The Costs of a Delayed Commercial Roof Leak Repair
There are several ways delayed repairs can be expensive for your business. Restoration work for water damage is a likely cost you’ll incur.
The longer you leave a problem, the more restoration you’ll need.
It can even snowball if the damage infiltrates the building structure. Core structural restoration will be more expensive and time-consuming than a minor commercial roof repair.
Mold is another expense you face. You may need to hire professional specialists to remove mold. It can be tricky to do without the proper equipment or knowledge.
The other cost mentioned in the previous section is the impact on your utility bills. If the damage worsens, you’ll see this reflected in ever-higher bills.
Considering the unit energy cost has risen over the last year, this could have a considerable financial impact.
Finally, it may also mean you have the cost of replacing damaged items. Paying for new expensive equipment like machinery or laptops could leave you with a higher insurance premium.
Looking at all these potential expenses as a whole, you can begin to see the cumulative effect of delaying a repair. The longer you ignore it, the more expensive it becomes.
The Impact on Your Business Operations
One cost we haven’t touched upon is the financial impact if you stop work. Any disruption to business operations could impact your productivity and your reputation. Areas of your building could become uninhabitable.
That could mean downtime, asking employees to work from home, or paying for a temporary commercial space. If you run a store, it will directly impact your revenue as you won’t be able to display products.
Visible signs of damage also harm your brand and your reputation.
A damaged building may give customers the impression that quality standards don’t matter. Depending on the damage, some customers might assume your company closed down.
Some problems like mold also present health hazards. That could leave you open to legal action or increase staff absentee rates.
Early Signs You May Need a Commercial Roof Leak Repair
To avoid the costs and impact of a roof problem, you need to take a proactive approach. Understanding early signs of a roof leak will help you address the problem immediately.
The first thing to look for is a water stain on your ceiling or walls. It’s a common indicator that water is seeping through from the roof.
Another early sign is small instances of mold. A musty odor or discolored walls could also happen when you have too much moisture inside.
Check your insulation too. It is often one of the first areas that will suffer water damage. So you may be able to address the problem quickly without replacing all your building insulation.
You must also check the roof periodically to help spot a problem. Look for any pooled water or a punctured roof. If you aren’t experienced in inspecting these issues, hire a professional to do a periodic inspection for you.
Sometimes you may face a unique incident like a severe storm or flash flooding. Always book an ad-hoc roof inspection after extreme weather. That’s the best way to check for immediate damage.
Taking Preventative Measures
The most important preventative measure to stop a roof leaking is to arrange a regular inspection.
Aim to inspect the roof twice a year and use an expert. You’ll also need to schedule regular roof maintenance to keep it in excellent condition.
Maintenance work includes tasks such as clearing debris. That stops a problem that could become an issue in heavy rain showers.
Plus, maintenance work is the time to repair minor cracks to prevent the damage from worsening. You can also get waterproofing work done on your roof as extra defense.
Arranging a Commercial Roof Leak Repair
Don’t take gambles when it comes to a commercial roof leak repair. It may not be the most glamorous or exciting business expense for you to prioritize, but it may be the most consequential if you ignore it.
Contact our team here to get a repair or inspection booked for your commercial building. Let’s help you keep your business operations running.
David Nietch graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Organization. He has a strong background in positions which require experienced operation and project management as well as a strong attention to detail. David has a profound knowledge of concepts, competitive products, practices and process dealing with the roofing market. David excels at building highly effective working relationships with clients, technicians, managers and vendors.
