As a commercial property owner, it’s no surprise that your flat roof often requires more work than other parts of the building. While a commercial flat roof is relatively simple to build, it requires frequent maintenance and inspections to ensure everything is functioning properly.

When it comes to having a commercial or industrial flat roof in Toronto, the hardest part is knowing whether you need to repair it, or replace it entirely. The most common reason for needing to repair your commercial or industrial flat roof is water damage. So, how can you know when water becomes an issue? We’ve put together a list of the top three reasons why your flat roof may have a leakage problem.

Read on below and discover how you can best deal with flat roof water damage depending on its severity.

1. Clogged Drainage

Flat roof drainage routes are extremely necessary in order to maintain good water flow and prevent leaks from happening. However, drains can get backed up with inadequately removed debris left over from construction, or with leaves and branches as a result of severe weather. Drain blockages will prevent water from escaping the roof altogether, allowing the water to find its way through cracks and holes, and eventually, into your building.

The solution? By conducting regular flat roof maintenance and cleanup, you can be confident that the drains will remain empty and allow for good water flow away from the roof.

2. Infrequent Weather Patterns 

Rapid or infrequent changes in temperatures can cause your flat roof to expand or contract. In severe, prolonged heat, your flat roof can expand. In freezing cold temperatures, your flat roof can contract. The movements in the roof can cause elements in the structure of the roof to crack, bend, hollow, or loosen. When elements of your flat roof become faulty due to Toronto’s rapid weather, leakage can (and most likely will) occur.

The solution? While you cannot prevent what the weather will bring, you can prepare for its inconsistencies. If you live in a climate with extreme and infrequent weather patterns, opt for a flat roof with reflective coating. This will help minimize the effect of temperature fluctuations by keeping the temperature of your commercial flat roof more consistent. 

3. Roof’s Age 

Materials used in commercial roofing are durable and built to last. With that being said, however, roofing materials, no matter how durable, will deteriorate with age and become less effective at keeping water out. For example, the older your flat roof becomes, the less effective it will be at sealing water.

The solution? If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan and previous repairs to prevent leakage has failed, a full flat roof replacement would probably make the most sense.

Flat Roof Leakage Solutions in Toronto 

If you suspect that your commercial or industrial flat roof has a leak, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call Crown Industrial Roofing for a free roofing inspection. Our experienced commercial and industrial roofing contractors in the GTA will properly diagnose your roof and provide the best possible solution to keep your property (and the people within) safe, dry and worry-free. We also provide 24/7 emergency repair services if your flat roof leaking problem has become dangerous or severe.