Slow Roof Leaks Can Cause Major Damage to Your Commercial Building

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

Some may argue that the most dangerous damage to a building is a slow roof leak. Roof leaks are not always gushing waterfalls. Sometimes they are slow trickles that can cause extensive damage when left undetected. Damages can range from saturated materials to compromising structural integrity to microbial growth. No amount of damage is a good thing, but some are worse than others. 

What Can Cause a Roof Leak? 

Fierce winds, thunderstorms, hail, and snow can produce roof leaks. Poorly or improperly installed roofs and aging of roofing materials can also be the culprit. Since a roof leak can occur at any point, it is best to have your roof inspected once or twice a year. Contact a roofing specialist after a severe storm or if you notice the following signs.

Potential Signs of a Roof Leak 

• Discoloration of ceilings or walls 

• Discoloring or falling ceiling paint 
• Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper 
• Crumbling drywall 
• Wood in attic decaying 
• Shingles that are curling, cupping, or missing 

• A persistent musty smell or foul odors 
• Presence of mold on ceiling and attic 

How Do You Know If You Have Microbial Growth? 

Microbial growth forms when spores in the air make their way into high moisture areas such as the bathroom or kitchen. If your commercial building leaks, the microbial spores could feed off the moisture and begin to spread. Microbial growth can be hazardous to the health of everyone in your building if not treated promptly and correctly. Once it sets into materials, it can be difficult and costly to remove. Microbial growth can also travel through HVAC ducts. Unresolved, it can result in a shutdown of the facility for health risks. It only takes a couple of days in the right conditions for mold to grow. Therefore, it is crucial for mold prevention to repair any structural damage as soon as it occurs. 

Tackle the Problem Before it Worsens 

The most important thing to remember when experiencing damage is to act fast. Waiting to repair or contain a leak can cause long-term damage and become costly. A roof leak may not be located where the actual damage is visible. Water can travel quickly and may be tricky to pinpoint the actual source. Just because water is not actively pouring from the roof leak does not mean that it will not happen in the future. If you see signs of a roof leak, minimize the potential damage and act now.

If you suspect water damage has occurred, contact SERVPRO of Texarkana immediately. Our trained professionals are on standby to perform water restoration and get your company back up and running in no time!