Leaks in a commercial roof can cause significant damage if they are not addressed on time. Begin by locating the leak’s origin and inspecting the roof’s inside and outside areas. Wash and prepare the entire roof area to ensure proper adhesion of repair materials. After the surface is prepared, patch all cracks, holes, and damaged areas.
Then, select the most effective restoration system for your type of roof and the extent of damage. Certain areas could use extra sealing for added protection. Lastly, a thorough inspection ensures all repairs are sound, and routine maintenance can prevent future issues. For a smooth process, you can get assistance from a professional commercial roof restoration company.
Steps to Restore a Leaky Commercial Roof
Follow these restoration tips for a leaky commercial roof:
Step 1: Find the Leak Source
First, you must locate the exact origin of the leak. Skipping this step can lead to wasted time and ineffective repairs.
Steps to Identify the Leak:
- Interior Inspection: Look over ceilings and walls for water stains, mold, or paint.
- Roof Surface: Walk the roof and look for cracks, bubbles, blisters, punctures, and pooling water. Focus on high-risk areas such as skylights, HVAC units, vents, flashing, and seams.
- Drainage: Check gutters, scuppers, and downspouts for debris or water blockage. If you are not sure, you can use water testing or infrared scanning equipment to detect hidden moisture beneath the membrane.
Step 2: Clean and Dry the Roof
Thoroughly clean the roof before repairing it. Bacteria, algae, grime, slime, and grease prevent materials from sticking properly, so this step is very important for the sealant to last longer.
Cleaning Checklist:
- Pick up the debris, such as leaves, sticks, and litter.
- Use a brush to brush off loose dirt and dust.
- Power wash the surface to eliminate buildup like grime and bird droppings.
- Let the surface dry fully and then proceed.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage roofing materials.
Step 3: Repair All Damaged Sections
Fix all leaks, cracks, punctures, holes, and loose seams (even the smaller ones) before applying a coating or membrane. The different roof repair methods are:
- Cracks/Tears: If the roof is cracked or torn, fill it with an appropriate roof sealant or mastic (TPO, EPDM, etc.).
- Punctures or Leaks: Patch with compatible material and, if applicable, reinforce with fabric tape.
- Blisters or Bubbles: Remove the blister, dry the substrate, and patch it with patching material.
- Loose Seams and Flashing: Re-fasten and seal with roofing cement or waterproofing sealant.
If you are using patching products, always check their compatibility. Change the entire affected portion if significantly damaged.
Step 4: Select the Best Roof Restoration Solution
Once repairs are complete, apply a protective roof coating. Coatings seal the surface, enhance waterproofing, and provide UV protection to extend roof life. Here are different options to consider based on roof type:
For flat or low-slope roofs:
- Silicone Coating: It is UV and ponding water resistant and is perfect for areas with frequent rain.
- Acrylic Coating: Offers excellent UV protection; best for dry regions.
- Polyurethane: Durable and resistant to foot traffic and impact.
- Elastomeric Coating: Offers high flexibility and waterproofing and is applied on old single-ply membranes.
For Metal Roofs:
- Clean and treat using rust cleaners.
- Re-caulk fasteners and seams with mesh and roof tape.
- Apply reflective coatings to reduce heat and seal moisture.
Apply coatings in dry weather and moderate temperatures to ensure effective curing.
Step 5: Reinforce Vulnerable Areas
Even when fully shingled, some roof areas require added protection. Such areas are at greater risk of leaks due to high foot traffic or delicate flashing details. High-risk areas include:
- HVAC curbs
- Skylights
- Vents and exhausts
- Expansion joints
- Parapet walls
Use reinforcing fabric, additional sealant, or extra coating layers in these areas. Good reinforcement makes your repair last and prevents leaks in the future.
Step 6: Final Walkthrough and Leak Check
After the coating has cured, conduct a final inspection to confirm the integrity of your repairs.
Final Inspection Checklist:
- Look for any missed cracks, seams, or voids in the coating.
- Ensure complete adhesion around all patched and coated areas.
- Check that drains and gutters are not clogged.
- Perform a controlled water test to assess leak proofing.
- Address any issues immediately to prevent future complications.
Conclusion
Repairing a commercial roof leak requires following a step-by-step process to get the job done properly. You need to start by finding the leak origin and then cleaning the surface so that any coatings or patches will adhere properly. Repair all damaged sections, no matter how minor, to ensure a strong seal.
Next, use a restoration system designed for your roof’s structure and local environment. With everything in place, a last inspection ensures that no spot is missed. This is followed by regular maintenance to ensure your roof’s durability and longevity. A complete commercial roof restoration brings your roof back in shape and extends its life.
