Every commercial or industrial roof has weaknesses that can lead to leaks. Since roofing problems can affect every other area on your property, paying attention to this part of your commercial establishment is essential. Unaddressed roof leaks can snowball into catastrophic issues that cost thousands of dollars to fix.
If you’re an Indianapolis property owner and don’t know the signs or causes of commercial roof leaks, here are four of the most common ones.
1. Structural Damage 
Commercial roofers in Indianapolis know to look for structural damage like punctures or penetrations that commonly cause commercial roof leaks. Falling branches, hail, windblown debris, and malfunctioning HVAC units can all cause structural damage to commercial roofing systems.
Professional commercial roofing contractors in Indianapolis recommend enrolling in a preventative maintenance program to spot and clear away any obstructions before they cause leaks. Debris, dropped equipment, and foot traffic can create significant damage that can eventually cause leaks. Prioritizing preventative maintenance for your commercial roofing in Indianapolis, Indiana can save you from needing expensive repairs or premature roof replacement for your facility.
2. Dismal Drainage
Poor drainage is another problem that causes roof leaks. Many business properties have flat roofs, which depend heavily on proper draining systems. When water pools up on a flat roof, it weakens the underlying structure and increases the risk of a leak developing.
Commercial roofers in Indianapolis recommend inspecting the drains for blockages if you notice that water is not draining adequately from the roof. You should also hire commercial roofing contractors in Indianapolis to conduct routine inspections after heavy storms and during seasonal changes. Regular assessments will help prevent roof leaks, which will also prevent some headaches.
3. Aged Materials
Unfortunately, rooftops are not meant to last until the end of time. Every type of commercial roofing system has an expected lifespan depending on its material. Most tend to last between 15 and 20 years if they are well-maintained and have gone through proper restorations after suffering damage.
Once roofing systems reach the last years of their expected lifespan, they often start to leak. After all, this part of your business has spent years dealing with storm-related damage and constant exposure to heat and sunlight.
If it’s been a decade or two since your roof was installed and you’ve started noticing leaks, it might be time to call around for estimates on a roofing replacement.
4. Weak Seals
Commercial roofing in Indianapolis, Indiana requires strong sealants to ward off encroaching water from our frequent summer storms. If the seals are weak or were not properly applied to the roof, its membrane will have air bubbles and gaps where moisture can collect.
Professional roofers can assess your sealants and determine whether they’re doing their job. Faulty seals should be shored up as soon as possible before the next deluge sends water dripping into your attic.
Final Thoughts
While commercial roof leaks can have other causes, the four mentioned above are the most common. Always pay attention to any sign of water damage to ensure small leaks won’t grow into gaping holes that can flood your business.