It might not be a leak – it might be condensation
Fall is here and our average daily temperatures are starting to drop. When the weather turns cold we tend to see an increase in leak reports. But sometimes what appears to be a commercial roof leak is not a leak at all.
If your building is experiencing interior water damage this fall, it may not be a leak in your commercial roof. It may actually be due to condensation.
When cold outside air causes the warm moist air beneath a building’s roof to change form into liquid water droplets, it can lead to problems like leaks and mold growth. The good news is that there are ways of preventing this from happening in the first place! Read on for more information about roof leaks caused by condensation.
What is condensation and does it actually cause commercial roofs to leak?
Condensation is the process in which water vapor changes from a gas into a liquid. As warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces such as metal or wood on your commercial property’s exterior walls or roof deck, that moisture begins to cool and form droplets of water.
Technically, this is not a leak as it is not caused by a perforation in your roof’s membrane. However, if it continues to build up and there is nothing to stop it, this water can begin to accumulate inside your building, just as a leak would.
How to identify a potential condensation leak in your commercial roof
Leaks from condensation can lead to water damage similar to leaks caused by a perforation in your roof’s membrane. So how do you know what you’re dealing with?
When looking for a leak due to condensation, look for the following signs:
- Warm patches on exterior walls
- Patches of melted snow on your roof
- Moisture stains or bubbling paint in these same areas
- Water stained ceiling tiles
- Small puddles of water on the floor
If you notice any of the above, it’s possible that condensation is causing leaks throughout your commercial property. Don’t hesitate to contact a Mint Roofing professional for assistance right away!
To prevent condensation from leaking into your commercial property, it’s important to make sure that gaps in insulation are sealed. You can also take proactive measures to reduce moisture by installing ventilation fans or even increasing airflow through the use of floor fans throughout different areas of your building.
How to prevent condensation from ruining your commercial property
Preventing condensation is all about eliminating gaps in ceiling and wall insulation. Sealing off any gaps in insulation will help keep cold air from mixing with warm, moist air. This in turn prevents water droplets from forming inside your building.
It is important to note that some condensation leaks aren’t even related to the integrity of your roof. If there are areas where the walls of your building come into contact with exterior surfaces, they should be insulated accordingly. Areas near windows are especially susceptible to condensation leaks due to the poor insulation properties of glass.
Alternatively, roof leaks can find their way to walls, making it hard to pinpoint the source of the leak. Our commercial roofing professionals are trained to identify the source of your leak and tell you how best to avoid condensation and prevent future leaks.
Whether your condensation leaks are coming from your roof/ceiling or your exterior walls, it is vitally important to fix the issue quickly to avoid interior damage and/or mold growth.
The importance of regular maintenance for your commercial roof
Scheduled maintenance and timely repairs to your commercial roof will prevent it from losing integrity over time which could also lead to leaks when exposed to strong weather conditions. Routine inspections can also help identify deficiencies in your insulation that could ultimately lead to condensation leaks. Making sure that you keep up with regular maintenance helps you get the longest possible life from your roof.
Quality materials make a difference
High-quality and efficient roofing materials will help minimize leaks. They not only help you to avoid leaks due to condensation or other external causes but can also increase the lifespan of your commercial roof investment. Mint Roofing uses only the highest quality materials from Johns Manville, Firestone, Carlisle SynTec, and GAF.
What to do if you find a leak
What should we do if there’s a leak? If you find that you have water coming in through your commercial property’s ceiling or walls, it is important to locate the source of the problem as soon as possible. This will prevent any further damage from occurring and will help minimize costs when hiring an experienced contractor to fix the issue.
Avoid waiting for repairs or if you see any signs of leakage, as this could lead to significant damage that is more costly than initial repairs.
When looking at ways to prevent condensation leaks and keep your commercial property’s roof trouble-free, it’s as simple as scheduling regular maintenance. This will help prevent all types of leaks and increase the lifespan of your commercial roof.
Our TopSite Preventative Maintenance Program is the easiest way to make sure that your commercial roof is ready for anything, year after year. Give us a call today to learn more about how you can extend the life of your roof and save money over time.