For both home and office owners, roof leakage is a persistent issue that plagues their asset throughout its lifetime. Being the foremost weather exposed surface in a building, roofs are at constant risk of water leakages. While owners do naturally fear for this, many do not fully comprehend how leakages occur and the true risks posed. As such, where small leakages are spotted, owners are often slow to react, choosing to delay action. Not taking immediate remedy actions actually creates the potential for big problems down the line. In this article, we aim to explore what these big problems are, and how even the smallest of leaks can rapidly develop into a dangerous situation.
For starters, roofs like any other surface experience wear and tear over time. The previously applied waterproof membranes weaken as they are constantly exposed to both wind and rain. This is exacerbated in situations where water is allowed to accumulate in a particular area. Additionally, impact damage from tree branches or human inflicted activities may open up holes for water to seep into. Where there is a room for water seepage, no matter the size or obscurity of its location, water will find its way in. This is because water flows along the path of least resistance and thus is capable of travelling surprisingly long distances. Where proper water exit channels are not done properly, water may take undesirable paths along the building’s surface.
Unless the hole is large enough to allow for water to gush into the building, owners are unlikely to notice water leakage immediately. Instead, symptoms that emerge include the staining of walls or chipping of paint. In such cases, owners often do not feel the urgency of the situation and may choose to adopt a wait and see approach. This is a dangerous strategy as water is capable of major damage in the long run. As water travels along the path of least resistance, it accumulates in select areas of the building. Over time, the water accumulation create a moist environment that is ideal for the growth of mold. Mold weakens the building’s structural integrity and thus puts all inhabitants’ safety at risk.
How then can home or office owners prevent such scenarios from occurring? Routine inspection of the roof coupled with regular maintenance done by a professional waterproofing company will go some way towards preventing roof leakages. In particular, owners should be on the prowl for any loose tiles or damaged paint as these are early opportunities for water seepage to occur. Additionally, if any of these are found, immediate engagement of waterproofing professionals should be done in order to prevent further water entry into the building.