Top 5 causes of commercial roof damage

Knowledge, as they say, is power. If you’re the owner of an industrial property, knowing the causes of commercial roof damage will arm you against the expense and business disruption that a damaged commercial roof can cause.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the five most frequent causes of commercial roof damage that we see every day.

1.    Roof damage caused by lack of maintenance

Whilst quality commercial roofs should be built to last, regular, proactive maintenance by commercial roofing contractors is essential.

Keeping on top of any smaller issues will ensure that they don’t get the chance to grow into bigger (and more expensive) ones.

Here at NWIR, we provide both planned and reactive commercial roof maintenance packages to agreed SLAs. These packages are proven to save our clients money and protect their roof investment.

2.    Roof damage caused by water pooling on flat roof

As leading commercial roofing contractors in the UK, one of the most common causes of commercial roof damage that we see is water pooling on flat roofs.

Not only can ponding water degrade the roof material, but the added weight can put a great deal of stress on the roof. This can cause problems with the structural integrity of your commercial premises.

Ponding water is also one of the top causes of roof damage because it can allow water to ingress, especially if the standing water is at a point where seams of your commercial roof overlap.

In cold weather, water pooling on flat roofs can become an even bigger problem. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause even more roof damage.

If you notice any water pooling on your commercial roof, you should contact experienced commercial roofing contractors, such as us here at NWIR, as soon as possible.

3.    Roof damage caused by punctures

There are many reasons why contractors may need to set foot on your roof, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical access requirements.

Whilst commercial roofs are designed to be extremely durable, roof damage can be caused by objects being dropped or heavy equipment being moved around. These punctures can lead to costly roof leak repairs.

Ideally, you should ask commercial roofing contractors to conduct an inspection after anyone has been on your roof, for any reason.

4.    Roof damage caused by faulty flashing

Flashing is the metal that seals the perimeter of your roof, directing water away from joints.

Any cracks or bends in your roof flashing can allow moisture to penetrate the seams of your commercial roof. This especially poses a problem during heavy rainfall, and can easily lead to roof damage.

Our commercial roof surveys include a thorough inspection of the roof flashing, ensuring that there are no openings for water to enter your building.

5.    Roof damage caused by storms

Stormy weather can cause significant roof damage, particularly to older commercial roofs and those that haven’t been adequately maintained.

Roof damage can be caused by structures and debris blown by strong winds. Additionally, wind can create lift from pressure building up inside your commercial roof. This can put stress on the flashing, causing cracks to form and allowing water ingress.

Book a commercial roof inspection today

If you have any concerns about these causes of roof damage, call our experienced team of commercial roofing contractors to schedule an inspection.

You can give us a call on 0800 046 1500 or send us a message using our online contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.