It’s crucial that you have your commercial roof inspected two times per year and after any significant storm. During the inspection process, it's critical to look for any damage that can lead to water intrusion and leaks. As a commercial building owner, you may wonder what the danger of water intrusion is.
Here are six ways that water leaks can damage your commercial building.
Structural Damage
One of the dangers of water intrusion is structural damage. When water seeps in through the roof, it can damage the roof's structure, such as the decking and sheathing. These items support and carry the weight of the roof. If they were to become damaged, they could begin to rot, twist, or warp, and in turn, your roof can collapse and cause catastrophic damage to both the building & people.
Interior Damage
Water that penetrates your roof may not only damage the structure of the roof, but it can cause interior damage as well. Water infiltration can damage your walls, insulation, electrical components, fixtures, structural beams, and interior finishes. Keeping water out is the only way to prevent this type of damage.
Equipment and Inventory Damage
Water can damage anything it touches. This includes items used and stored in your building, such as computer equipment, machinery, finished goods, and work in progress. Insurance typically will not cover these items if the insurance company can possibly argue that they were damaged because you neglected to properly maintain your roof.
Mold and Mildew
When moisture is present, mold and mildew growth can occur. Mold and mildew can damage your building, and certain types of mold can cause flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, memory loss, and severe respiratory damage. The remediation of mold can be challenging and costly to remove, as stringent biohazard guidelines must be followed. Preventing water from entering your building by having routine roof inspections is the best way to minimize the chances of mold and mildew growth.
Potential Fire Hazards
Water can cause an electrical fire. Water and moisture can also damage electrical switches, motors, fans, low voltage systems, wiring, and electrical components. This can ultimately increase the chances of an electrical fire, creating a substantial fire hazard.
Wasted Energy
The final danger associated with water intrusion is wasted energy. When water enters your building, air can also enter and escape. This allows outdoor air in and indoor air out, which may mean you have to heat or cool your commercial building for more extended periods, increasing your energy usage – possibly substantially.
