Roof leaks equate to time and expenses that you might not have budgeted for. They’re a nuisance to deal with so when you spot a potential problem during a rain event or routine inspection, you might be tempted to put off the repair figuring “I’ll deal with that later. I think I have more pressing needs demanding my attention.”
I cannot stress enough the importance of dealing with leaks right away.
If you wait until the water starts dripping, you risk higher repair costs and the added expense of interior damage. Plus, that puts you in a reactionary mode forcing you to wait for the repair technician to arrive.
How can something so physically small cause such large problems? Beyond the damage to the roof itself, roof leaks can create several major headaches inside the building. Called “consequential damage,” these issues are unlikely to be covered by any roofing system warranty, and if left to fester, the cost of addressing these issues can be exponentially higher than what it would have cost to proactively maintain and properly repair your roof in the first place.
Here are five common forms of consequential damage from roof leaks:
1) Ceiling tiles falling and causing damage to inventory and/or employees.
2) Safety Hazard – Slip and falls caused by wet flooring.
3) Roof Insulation damage caused by water saturation if the leak is not repaired promptly.
4) Mold/insects/contamination.
5) Acceleration of the age and performance of the roof.
Roof leaks are no joke. Water is the silent enemy of roof systems, and it’s no picnic once it gets inside the building, either. Have your roofs properly maintained and inspected on a regular basis.