How to Prevent Roof Leaks in a Commercial Property

Your commercial property might be a business, retail shop, restaurant, or hospital. Just like homes have variations in roofing materials and design, commercial spaces have unique factors to consider when it comes to roofing, too. But how can you help prevent roof leaks, making sure customers, employees, visitors, and other valuable investments are protected? AQUARESTOREPRO^® is Available 24/7 to^® answer that question.

Why Do Buildings Have Flat Roofs?

Look around, and you might notice something interesting: most commercial properties have flat roofs. But why? It might seem counterintuitive, as lack of a “pitch” or gradient means standing water can more easily wreak havoc, unlike home roofs, which are usually sloped.

Turns out, commercial properties have flat roofs for the following reasons, according to Medium:

First (and often foremost) is cost savings. Sloped roofs can add dozens of feet to a building, increasing the cost.
Flat roofs provide additional room to place equipment, like water towers, electrical lines, and more.
In colder areas, snow is less likely to fall onto sidewalks or people walking by if it lands on a flat roof.

Types of Commercial Roofing Materials

According to the Government of the District of Columbia’s Office of Planning, there are two primary types of commercial roofing materials: built-up roofing, and rubber roofing.

Built-up roofing (or a “built-up roof membrane”) is usually made of layers of gravel, felt, and tar (two to three layers’ worth). The tar and felt become a watertight barrier, while the gravel helps to ensure the roof doesn’t lift or blow off in strong winds.

Rubber roofing (or an “elastomeric/plastomeric roof membrane”) is considered a “single membrane system” and tends to be more elastic than built-up roofing, requiring less onsite labor. This roofing involves sheet materials being added to the roof in single layers.

There are a variety of “roof membranes” within this category, including neoprene (a high-performance synthetic rubber), polyvinyl chloride (fairly inexpensive sheets that are joined at the seams by hot air welding or solvent welding), and polymer-modified bitumens (formed into composite sheets, and often adhered to the roof deck, or laid loose).

Common Causes of Commercial Roof Leaks and Damage

The U.S. General Services Administration outlines the following reasons flat, commercial roofs suffer water leaks and other damage:

Water: Pooling water can leak through cracks, freeze, and damage the roof structure.
Sun: UV rays can break down tar and asphalt, making the roof brittle and prone to leaks.
Temperature Changes: Expanding and contracting materials cause strain and cracking.
Wind: Strong wind can tear seams or push water into gaps.
Outside Interference: Wires, signs, acids, and anchors can puncture roof membranes.
Settlement: Uneven settling can lead to pooling water or cracking around drains.

Commercial Roofs: How to Prevent Leaks

In addition to the U.S. GSA’s recommendation to install coatings or ballast, Forbes recommends steps to help prevent roof leaks. Maintain your roof regularly, seal cracks with caulk, install flashing to redirect water, and replace damaged shingles when needed.

Additionally, Architect Magazine advises placing walkways directly between roof entry points and service areas. This discourages wandering technicians from damaging the roof.

Finally, cover boards beneath roof membranes help reduce damage from dropped tools or equipment, preserving seams and joints that might otherwise leak.

For Commercial Roof Leaks, Contact AQUARESTOREPRO 24/7

Commercial roofs often house HVAC units and electrical systems and require regular foot traffic, making durability critical. Leaks can lead to mold, water damage, and interior staining.

With AQUARESTOREPRO locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, help is nearby — 24/7 — to restore your property to pre-loss condition.

Established in 1942, AQUARESTOREPRO has grown into the a leader in cleanup and restoration. Visit our FAQ and Glossary to learn more about the industry, and explore our services across Canada and all 50 U.S. states. We’re always here to help.