What to Do When Your Commercial Roof Is Leaking And How to Stop It
A commercial roof leaking during a downpour can throw your entire operations into chaos. You’ll have to scramble to move equipment and protect inventory, or stop water from spreading across the floor.
Need help right away? At Clark Roofing, we help your business manage leaks before they escalate. With our commercial roofing service, you can take swift, informed action to limit damage and protect your property. Plus, we’ll help you address the causes of roof leaks to avoid more serious issues down the line.
Common signs your commercial roof is leaking
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
If you notice dark or discolored patches on ceiling panels or tiles, that’s a sign that water has been accumulating above them. When the leak forms near a wall, the moisture may travel downward and create streaks or stains along the interior surface. In many cases, this also suggests hidden damage inside the wall cavity. Call a roofing company in Waco right away. - Unpleasant odors or mold
Mold is a common side effect of a commercial roof leaking. Have you noticed a musty smell? That is often the first warning sign. When leaks go unchecked, moisture gets trapped behind walls and insulation, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow—and that mold can spread quickly and start affecting both your building’s structure and the health of your team. - Unexpected spikes in your energy bills
A leaking commercial roof compromises your building’s insulation and forces your HVAC systems to work harder. Your roof and insulation may need attention when you notice a spike in your utility bills without explanation. - Dripping water
Hearing or seeing water actively dripping from ceilings or walls? That’s an urgent warning. It suggests that your roofing materials are compromised or have installation issues that are letting water inside. Prevent structural damage and expensive repairs later by calling a roofing company in Waco as soon as possible.
Immediate steps to take when you notice a leak
Protect your equipment and inventory
As soon as you spot the leak, get your team to move all essential equipment and products away from the affected area. If certain items can’t be relocated, cover them with plastic sheeting or waterproof tarps to minimize damage.
Mark the affected area
After you’ve controlled the leak, identify and label the exact spot where water is entering. Use tape or a note so the location is easy to find later, especially when the area dries.
Contain the water with buckets or tarps
Position buckets or rags under the drip to prevent water from spreading across the floor. This reduces slip risks and keeps moisture from damaging surrounding areas. If water begins to pool, clean it up promptly with a mop or wet vacuum.
Avoid walking on the roof
A compromised surface may be unstable, and stepping on it could worsen the damage or create safety risks.
Document the damage for insurance
Record videos and take clear photos of the commercial roof leaking and any resulting damage. This documentation will help support insurance claims and may be needed if your roof is still covered under warranty.
What causes commercial roof leaks?
Poor drainage
When water can’t move off your roof efficiently, it begins to pool and place stress on the structure. Poor drainage is one of the main causes of commercial roof damage, since it weakens materials and causes mold growth. You can catch it by checking drainage areas regularly, especially after storms.
Damaged or deteriorated roof flashing
Flashing protects the vulnerable parts of your roof by sealing the joints where water is most likely to get in. But over time, heavy rain and changing temperatures can cause it to warp or come loose. Once gaps appear, water can sneak beneath the surface and soak into the layers below, eventually weakening the roof’s structure.
Worn or damaged roof membrane
Flat roofs rely on membranes to block moisture, but constant UV exposure and harsh weather can wear them down over time. As the material cracks or shrinks, it creates openings that allow water to seep into the insulation and interior spaces.
Aging roof system
Your commercial roof should last 15 to 20 years. As it ages, the components lose strength and become more vulnerable to leaks. Keep thorough maintenance and warranty records so contractors can accurately assess the system and provide repair or replacement recommendations.
How does Clark Roofing prevent commercial roof leaks for the long term?
At Clark Roofing, we focus on giving your roof long-term protection by identifying the cause of the leak and addressing the issues that could lead to future problems. Our approach to commercial roof repairs combines detailed inspections with targeted repairs and full-system solutions when needed.
Professional inspection
We thoroughly assess your roof to uncover hidden damage and drainage issues. This helps us recommend repairs that actually solve the problem rather than offering temporary fixes.
Roof patching or sealing
If the leak is confined to a small area, we apply high-quality patches or sealants to stop water intrusion and reinforce the surrounding materials.
Membrane repair
We repair or replace damaged or aging membranes to restore your roof’s waterproofing ability. This step also helps prevent recurring leaks.
Flashing replacement
We will remove any loose or deteriorated flashing and replace it to eliminate gaps where water can enter the structure.
Drainage system cleaning
By clearing debris from drains and gutters, water will flow off the roof as it should. Improving drainage helps you avoid the structural issues that result from ponding.
Full roof replacement (if necessary)
We will install a new commercial roof if your roof is beyond repair or past its lifespan. With a new solution, you can enjoy a better roof that performs better and reduces your future maintenance needs.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Contractor for House Roof Repair
Conclusion
Is your commercial roof showing any signs of a leak? Reach out to us here at Clark Roofing right away for commercial roof repairs. Our team is ready to help, whether you need an emergency response or a scheduled inspection.
With deep experience in Central Texas and the Waco area, we understand how local weather patterns and regional building conditions affect your commercial roofs. That knowledge allows us to diagnose issues accurately and recommend solutions built to last.