There are many reasons that your commercial building may experience some form of water intrusion from the roof. Flat or low-slope roofing systems may encourage water ponding after significant rainstorms. Seals and seams on roofs exposed to high heat and UV rays may crack, split, or peel away. Debris striking the roof due to a tornado or hurricane could cause damage that allows a leak to form. Water intrusion can occur around skylights and other penetrations that aren’t sealed properly.

While it is obvious that leaks can occur for many reasons, you may wonder – can a little water really cause any consequential damage? Is it capable of causing structural damage? In this article, we will examine the destructive power of water and how it may affect commercial properties.

Why Should You Care About Water Intrusion?

There are several significant reasons that water issues should never be ignored.

Water intrusion can result in mold growth, which has serious health implications
Water can exacerbate hidden structural instability
Water intrusion can damage equipment and business assets housed in the building (or personal property in apartments)
A history of water damage can reduce property value

Is Water Dangerous?

Water is essential for our quality of life – drinking water, irrigation, and even tourism all rely on the availability of water. But water has its place, and when it breaches its boundaries, it can be a highly destructive force. This is true with the massive power of a storm surge during a hurricane or a small, undiscovered leak that seeps throughout the walls and ceilings of a building.

While water damage may seem an inconvenient but trivial issue, it can have severe and far-reaching consequences that can even compromise the structural integrity of a commercial property. Because of this, water damage must be addressed as soon as it is identified. Left unaddressed, the relentless nature of a water leak can gradually degrade and deteriorate building materials and weaken the structure as a whole. Prolonged exposure to water intrusion and excessive moisture can lead to rot and rust and cause everything from wood to metal and concrete to deteriorate. As this degradation occurs, the structural integrity of walls, floors, and foundations can be severely compromised.

Water can impact a building’s structure in several ways:

Wood Rot: When water penetrates and rots wooden elements, load-bearing components such as beams and joists are weakened.
Concrete Erosion: When water and excess moisture seep into concrete, the resulting erosion can lead to cracks that weaken the building’s walls and foundation.
Corrosion of Metal: Even steel reinforcements can be vulnerable to water. If corrosion takes place over time, the strength of the metal may be compromised.
Mold Growth: Water intrusion can establish an environment conducive to mold growth. This can erode organic building materials and release harmful spores, causing illness for employees or tenants.

In short, an intrusive water leak can, over time, sabotage the structural integrity of the property, lead to respiratory and allergy issues, and significantly lower property values. Not only that, but deferring any needed repairs can result in a more expensive restoration process in the future.

Roof Coatings Provide Protection Against Water Damage

A roofing system exposed to the elements is vulnerable to damage, including water intrusion and leaks. A high-quality roof coating system, however, can repair cracks and reinforce seals to protect your roof over the long term. Roof coatings also protect materials from UV rays and debris and can help discourage ponding. Perhaps most importantly, roof coatings can extend the useful life of your commercial roof by decades.

Call Unicoat Industrial Roofing today to learn more about preventing water intrusion and extending the life of your roof – without having to pay the high price of roof replacement.