Common Roofing Problem: Roof Leaks
Roof leaks are the result of many of the issues we previously discussed (e.g. punctures, flashing problems, failing pitch pockets, alligatoring, etc.). They are the most common issue reported by facilities professionals. They most frequently occur on roofs with heavy foot traffic and a large number of penetrations. Leaks are caused by lack of maintenance, damage by other trades, weather, poor installation/workmanship, or roof materials that have exceeded their service life.
Moisture intrusion can cause lost product/profit, reduce employee morale, result in poor customer satisfaction, and increase liability due to the likelihood of slips and falls. They also reduce the thermal performance of insulation, reduce the roof system’s useful life, and cause structural damage.
Preventing Roof Leaks
The best means of preventing leaks is regular roof maintenance. General preventive maintenance usually includes cleaning drains, replacing sealants and making repairs at the earliest onset. Pre- and post-inspections for work on the roof by technicians is also beneficial in making sure no damage was sustained.
Repairing Roof Leaks
A leak evaluation is necessary to determine and evaluate the cause of water leakage. Only after the source of the problem is identified can an effective repair solution be applied.
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