Property managers have extensive to-do lists; keeping track of inventory, maintaining common areas, coordinating with tenants, and handling budgets all compete for your attention on any given day. When the roof starts leaking, it’ll probably feel like just one more thing you have to deal with on your own.
But knowing exactly how to respond can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one. A leaking commercial roof doesn’t have to derail your entire day if you know what steps to take first, who to call, and how to protect the property in the meantime.
Step 1. Contain the Leak
Once you know you have a leak, your first step is to contain it. Whether that means placing buckets or containers to catch dripping water, laying down tarps to protect flooring and furniture, or moving inventory and equipment away from the affected area, acting quickly can prevent a manageable leak from turning into a much bigger cleanup job.
More significant leaks that are causing a greater amount of water to fill the area can necessitate shutting power off to the area if any outlets or fixtures are in the path of the water. Taking steps to contain the leak right away can make a significant difference in how much damage your property sustains and how quickly things return to normal.
Step 2. Document the Damage
Once the leak is contained and any important or expensive things are safe, it’s time to document the damage. This will allow you to keep an accurate record for your insurance provider, the roofing contractor you bring in, and your own files. These things will play a crucial role if questions arise later about when the damage occurred or how severe it was.
We recommend documenting the damage by taking photos and videos of not only the leak itself, but where it’s caused damage. Whether that’s to the ceiling, flooring, furniture, equipment, appliances, or inventory, you should capture as much detail and damage as possible before cleanup begins.
This documentation will make the claims process smoother if you need to file with your insurance provider, and it gives your roofing contractor helpful context when they arrive to assess the damage and get to the root of the problem.
Step 3. Notify Tenants
If any tenants weren’t already aware of the leak or the damage it’s caused, be sure to let them know. Leaks bring their own set of complications, and tenants deserve to know what’s going on, especially if the leak affects their unit, workspace, or day-to-day operations.
Let them know what happened, what steps you’ve already taken to contain the damage, and what they can expect next in terms of repairs. If the affected area needs to be closed off or if repairs will cause any noise or disruption, make sure they’re aware so they can plan accordingly.
Step 4. Call a Commercial Roofing Company
Finally, it’s time to call a commercial roofer for help. Leaks are typically resolved through either a commercial roof repair or replacement, and your commercial roofing company will help you make the right decision based on the unique circumstances. No stone should go unturned to make sure the problem is resolved in the best way possible, including age, extent of the damage, the roofing material involved, and how the leak may impact the rest of the system over time.
Make sure to choose a roofer with experience with commercial properties. Residential and commercial properties are very different, and thus require different expertise, materials, and equipment to service properly. Commercial roofs are often larger, flatter, and built with different systems, like TPO, EPDM, or built-up roofing, that call for specialized knowledge to diagnose and repair correctly.
When you choose a roofer that understands the unique challenges and demands that come with commercial roofing systems, you can ensure the leak is resolved the right way the first time.
Call Perry’s Roofing for Commercial Roofing Services in Westchester County and Fairfield County
Perry’s Roofing has served homes and businesses across the Westchester County and Fairfield County areas since 2008. We understand the unique challenges that come with commercial roofing systems, and we’re able to adapt our solutions to achieve lasting results.
Whether your leak is small or severe, we’re here to help. From commercial roof replacements to repairs, our roofing team has the experience and equipment to get your property back to full working order quickly. Contact Perry’s Roofing today to schedule an inspection, and let us take one more thing off your to-do list.