Roofs and water are natural enemies. Even small roof leaks can cause damage to interior ceiling tiles, equipment, computers and inventory. When leaks happen, whether from storms, material failure or roof neglect, prompt leak repair is essential for restoring the roof’s watertight integrity.
Check Your Warranty
Your roof warranty lists the type of roof system, limitations and duration of coverage and the manufacturer’s contact information. A standard warranty often covers roof leaks resulting from material defects, including flashing components and detail items provided by the manufacturer. Typically not covered are roof leaks related to foot traffic, ponding water, structural movement, unapproved roof alterations or the use of products not approved by the roof system manufacturer. A change in the building’s primary use can also void the warranty.
Estimating the Cost of Repairing Roof Leaks
Because roof leaks can cause unseen damage, it’s problematic for a facility manager to accurately estimate the cost of repairs. Sometimes, just pinpointing where the water’s coming from can be difficult. A majority of roof leaks occur around base flashings and at penetrations sites rather than in the membrane field. Seams are another top leak spot. Unless a roofing professional inspects the roof, you can only guess at the cost of roof leak repair. If the roof has been regularly inspected and maintained, repair costs are likely to be lower than if the roof has been ignored and neglected.
The Problem with In-House Repairs
It can be tempting to save a buck and have the in-house maintenance crew attempt to repair the roof leaks. Unfortunately, do-it-yourself repairs are a gamble and will usually void the manufacturer’s warranty. Leaks, such as those that occur on modified bitumen systems, may call for torching and in-house crews don’t have the equipment or expertise to perform those repairs. The same holds true for heat-welded patching on TPO or PVC membranes. Smearing on roofing cement can help stop a leak temporarily, but it’s not a long-term solution as it shrinks, cracks and quickly pulls away. Because it’s imperative that repair products be compatible with the roofing system, you’ll save money in the long run by having a qualified roofing team make the repairs.
The North American Roofing Solution
You shouldn’t have to wait for leak repair assistance. At North American Roofing, we know how important it is to stop roof leaks and we’re only call away. No matter where you’re located, we have a skilled repair team on standby, ready to respond to your leak problem. Not only do we quickly fix leaks, we make repairs without interrupting your day-to-day business activities, and we provide the documentation necessary for filing insurance claims. We also offer a 1-year workmanship warranty on our repairs.