Why Is My New Roof Leaking?

While the root of a new roof leak is usually due to failed installation, it is important to understand the reasons for why your roof may be leaking today despite holding strong in the past.

Roof installation is an intricate process. If your roof is leaking shortly after installation, then poor workmanship is a likely culprit. Failing to do something as simple as adequately screwing in roofing screws or as tricky as accounting for capillary draw often results in a leak.

Luckily, most roof purchases come with a manufacturer’s warranty included. If your new roof is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty and is leaking due to defective materials, then you should be covered!

Unfortunately, even perfectly installed roofs may not withstand a major storm.

• Extreme Rains
  Extreme rains can create water loads parts of your roofing system cannot withstand.

• Extreme Wind
  Extreme winds can cause structural damage that creates previously absent weaknesses in your roof. 

• Hail
  Hail can be devastating for any roof. Hail can destroy shingles, dent metal roofing systems, and smash sealants that protect your roofs from leaks.

Most roofing systems are not designed to handle the most extreme of weather conditions. If you’ve recently experienced severe weather, there is a good chance that it is the cause of your leak.

Despite an incredible ability to withstand weather damage, roofs are usually ill-equipped for human foot traffic. If you have had people standing on your roof since installation, then this might be the cause of your leak.

Despite most roofing systems not being designed for foot traffic, it is not uncommon. If you’ve recently had an AC repair completed, or if your roof is easily accessible, foot traffic may be the cause of your leak.

Here are a few things you should do if your commercial roof is leaking:

If you’ve become aware of a roof leak, you should first attempt to minimize water damage. Tracing the leak to ensure it is only draining in already identified areas is vital. While you may have other forms of liability protection, it is unlikely that your roof warranty will cover any internal damage to your property.

A newly installed commercial roof is likely still under warranty. One of Your first moves should be to make sure that you do nothing that can void your roof’s warranty. You also may find that you are entitled to free or cheap roof repair.

A commercial roof leak can be serious business. Do it yourself tactics are risky, and there’s a good chance they will cost you money in the long run. Having an experienced professional inspect and repair your roof is crucial.

Contacting a roofing professional as soon as possible is advisable in any commercial roof leak scenario. It is difficult to assess the extent of damage to your roof and the longer a leak goes unrepaired, the more likely you are to have to foot the bill for costly damages.

Roof leaks come in various shapes and sizes. While a leak on a newly installed roof is undeniably frustrating, recognize that the leak might be due to something that can be repaired quickly and easily. Roof maintenance is a key part of increasing your roof’s lifespan but becomes even more important when a leak is identified.

To mitigate damages arising from roof leaks contact a experienced roofing professional to get your roof back into shape.