Roof Leaks in Medical Buildings Require Urgent Care
The actions a facility manager takes before a roof leak is spotted are arguably just as important as what they do after one occurs.
In medical buildings, hospitals and clinics, timing and preparation are key to minimizing damage and jeopardizing patient safety. An ideal scenario involves being proactive with roofing maintenance and inspections, and being timely with interventions, to extend the life of the roof you have and avoid opportunities for water intrusion. That’s the proven best practice for commercial buildings of any type. Nonetheless, even the most prudent facility managers face an occasional emergency leak situation and need to act quickly to mitigate it. Failing to address a leak timely can lead to damage of expensive medical equipment inside the building considered to be collateral damage not typically covered by roof warranties; slip and fall hazards to employees and patients; and potential delays in service while repairs are being performed.
How a medical building facility manager should best prepare:
Be proactive
Schedule twice-yearly inspections with a professional roofing company, ideally in the spring and fall. Address any mounting issues or even small problems at the time of the inspection to save on return service calls and related expenses later.
Self-inspect after weather events.
Walk the roof after heavy rain or wind events to look for damage and to clear debris from clogging drains. Report any suspect areas to your roofing company right away for a deeper look.
Consider other potential sources of the water intrusion.
Not all signs of water in the building come from roof leaks. Do a few simple checks before calling the roofing company to try and ensure the water is not coming from a plumbing or HVAC issue, condensation, the foundation, windows, a spill or a clogged drain or downspout. It can save you time and the cost of a service call.
Do your homework before test day arrives.
Vet roofing companies before you truly need them. Choose one with decades of experience, with 24/7 emergency service and with a proven track record on roofing systems like your building has. Also be familiar with your roof warranty’s general terms and conditions, who you’re supposed to contact with claims, and who is authorized to perform emergency repairs.
Simon Roofing’s 120 years of experience includes a complete understanding of the nuances of managing roofing assets on medical buildings. Our national footprint also ensures we can be available and responsive to issues virtually wherever we’re dispatched. This allows convenience, consistency and simplified vendor management for our customers.
Read more about preventative roof maintenance:
- Where’s the water coming from if it’s not a roof leak
- Ponding water damage
- 8 Tips to prevent commercial roof leaks
