Finding water entering a commercial building needs prompt attention. Even a relatively small leak can disrupt normal operations, damage equipment or stock and create safety concerns inside the property.
The source may also be less obvious than it first appears. Water showing on a ceiling does not necessarily mean it entered directly above that point, and moisture inside a building can also come from plumbing, condensation or building services.
If you suspect a commercial roof leak, these are the first steps to take.
1. Make the Area Safe
The first priority is protecting people inside the building.
Restrict access to wet or slippery areas and move people away from any part of the premises where water is entering.
If water is close to electrical equipment, sockets, lighting or other electrical installations, treat the area with particular caution and arrange for the appropriate professional assessment.
Do not attempt to climb onto the roof yourself to investigate the source. Wet roof surfaces can be slippery, and commercial roofs may contain fragile areas or other hazards that are not obvious from below.
2. Protect Equipment and Stock Where Possible
If it can be done safely, move equipment, furniture, documents, stock and other valuable items away from the affected area.
Containers may help manage dripping water temporarily, but this should only be treated as a short term measure while the cause of the leak is investigated.
The priority should be limiting further interior damage without putting staff or other occupants at risk.
3. Record What Is Happening
The information available when the leak occurs can help with the investigation later.
Make a note of:
• Where the water first appeared
• Whether it happened during heavy or prolonged rain
• How quickly the water appeared
• Whether the leak stopped when the rain stopped
• Any recent work carried out on or near the roof
• Any visible changes around ceilings, walls or roof drainage
Photographs of the affected areas can also provide a useful record.
C&S Roofing recommends providing as much information as possible when reporting a leak, including the weather conditions and how the leak behaves.
4. Contact a Professional Roofing Contractor
Once the immediate area has been made safe, arrange for the roof to be professionally assessed.
A roof leak can originate some distance from the point where water becomes visible inside the building. Roof membranes, seams, flashings, outlets, penetrations and drainage details may all need to be checked.
A professional commercial roof survey can provide a detailed assessment of the roof’s condition, supported by photographs and leak detection where appropriate.
For compatible roofing membranes, C&S Roofing can also use Electronic Integrity Testing where appropriate to help locate waterproofing defects that may not be obvious during a visual inspection.
Repair or Replace?
Once the cause and extent of the problem have been established, the next question is whether the roof can be repaired or whether more extensive work is required.
A leak does not automatically mean the entire roof needs replacing.
If the defect is localised and the existing roofing system remains in reasonable condition, repairing the affected area may be the most practical option.
However, if leaks are recurring, deterioration is widespread or the existing roof has reached the end of its useful life, continued repairs may eventually become poor value.
Our article on signs that a commercial roof may need repairing covers some of the other issues worth looking out for.
Where replacement is the more sensible option, re roofing your commercial property provides an opportunity to review waterproofing, insulation and the requirements of the building as part of the same project.
Do Not Ignore a Commercial Roof Leak
Even if the amount of water appears small, it is worth finding out where it is coming from.
Water ingress that continues unnoticed can affect insulation, roof decks, ceilings, finishes and other parts of the building. Regular roof inspections and maintenance can also help identify potential problems before a leak develops.
If you have detected a leak in your commercial property, get in touch with C&S Roofing so the problem can be assessed and the appropriate next step identified.
