What To Do If Your Restaurant Roof Starts Leaking

A sudden roof leak can create a matter of panic for your restaurant. A leaky roof in your restaurant isn't just an inconvenience, it's a serious concern that can impact food safety, customer experience, and your business overall. 

Pittsburgh's varying weather conditions, from heavy spring rains to winter snow, make leaky restaurant roofs more common than you might think.

No restaurant owner wants to face this situation, so knowing the next steps to take will help you take immediate action when you encounter a sudden roof leak in your restaurant. 

In this blog post, we will discuss what to do when you face a sudden roof leak in your restaurant roof, and when to decide if a replacement is necessary.

What Are The Next Steps To Take After Spotting A Sudden Leak In A Restaurant Roof?

When you first notice a leaky restaurant roof, your immediate response is very important. Your first priority must be to ensure everyone's safety. Here are the important things that you need to do immediately!

👉 Identify the affected areas and block them off immediately. 

👉 Water and electricity don't mix, so be particularly careful around any electrical equipment or lighting fixtures affected by the leak.

👉 Assess your leaky roof situation carefully. Document everything with photos and videos. 

👉 Pay attention to the location and size of the leak, any visible damage to the ceiling, affected equipment or furnishings, and water accumulation patterns. This documentation will help your insurance company and contractors understand the full scope of the damage.

👉 While waiting for professional help, you can take several steps to minimize damage from the leaking roof. Place containers down to catch water and use plastic sheeting to cover equipment and furniture. 

👉 If possible, move valuable items from the affected area. For very minor leaks, professional-grade sealant tape can provide temporary relief, but remember this is not a permanent solution.

Don't hesitate to contact a qualified Pittsburgh roofing contractor who specializes in restaurant roof repair. The leaky roof of a commercial building requires specialized expertise, and it's important to work with professionals who understand the various challenges of restaurant environments.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Leaky Restaurant Roof?

When dealing with a leaky restaurant roof, cost is naturally a major concern. You can expect to pay anywhere between $8-$10 per square foot as the cost to repair a leaky restaurant roof. 

However, this is just a general estimate, the exact cost for your project depends on a number of factors. 

👉 The Size And Complexity Of Your Roof 

Larger roofs or those with multiple penetrations, such as kitchen ventilation systems, typically cost more to repair. Your restaurant's specific layout and roof accessibility will also impact the final cost of your roof repair project.

👉 The Extent Of Damage 

Minor repairs for a leaky roof in a restaurant kitchen might be relatively affordable, while major repairs or full replacement could require a higher investment. This is why addressing issues promptly is important. 

👉 Material Choices 

While premium materials may cost more initially, they often provide better long-term value and protection for your restaurant. Our experienced team provides free inspections for Pittsburgh restaurant owners to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about materials and repairs. Call us today at (412) 353-5660 to learn more. 

What Are The Common Roofing Materials Used For Restaurant Roofs?

If you are in a situation where a full roof replacement is your best option for fixing leaks, then it is very important to know the popular roofing materials used for restaurant roofs in Pennsylvania.

#1 Built-Up Roofs (BUR)

One common roofing material that many restaurants have in Pennsylvania is BUR. This roofing membrane has multiple layers that provide excellent durability and is particularly cost-effective for large, flat commercial roofs. It stands up well to foot traffic from HVAC maintenance, making it a practical choice for restaurants.

#2 Modified Bitumen

Another roofing material popular for restaurant roofs is modified bitumen. It has excellent flexibility in Pittsburgh's temperature fluctuations and offers strong resistance to water pooling. This material is also relatively easy to repair when needed, which can help minimize downtime for your restaurant.

#3 Metal Roofs

Metal provides a long-lasting and durable solution with a modern, attractive appearance, particularly well-suited for sloped restaurant roofs. The beauty of metal roofing lies in how it combines good looks with practical benefits. Plus, you won't have to worry about frequent repairs or replacements since metal roofs are built to last. 

#4 PVC

PVC is a tough and flexible roofing material. It's another popular choice for restaurant roofs because it can handle grease and chemicals from kitchen vents. PVC roofs also last a long time, saving restaurants money on repairs. 

#5 TPO

TPO is a single-ply roofing membrane and is also a popular choice for restaurants. It's made from a mix of plastic and rubber, so it's tough and flexible. Restaurant owners like TPO because it's good at handling the grease and fumes that come from kitchen vents. It also does a great job of keeping things cool inside, which is important for busy kitchens.

How To Prevent Future Roof Leaks Or Damage On Your Restaurant Roof

Prevention is always more cost-effective than dealing with emergency leak repairs. Regular maintenance, including bi-annual professional inspections, can help identify potential points of leakage, or vulnerability before water damage occurs. 

These professional inspections can potentially extend your roof's lifespan and protect your restaurant from costly water damage.

Kitchen ventilation plays an equally important role in preventing roof leaks. Improper ventilation can lead to moisture buildup that often results in leaks and water damage. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your building’s ventilation system helps protect your roof's waterproof integrity.

Even small leaks should be addressed before they have the chance to develop into major water damage. A minor drip can quickly escalate into significant structural damage if left unchecked. Investing in quality waterproofing materials and professional installation can save you thousands in water damage repairs later.

The response now focuses more specifically on leak prevention while maintaining the same professional tone and keeping the essential information about maintenance, ventilation, and timely repairs.

Hire Professional Roofing Services For Your Restaurant Roof In Pittsburgh, PA

Our team McClelland's Contracting and Roofing, understands the different challenges restaurant owners face, and we're here to help. Whether you're dealing with an active leak or want to prevent future issues, taking action now is your best strategy. We are your professional partners for residential or commercial roofing services in Pittsburgh, and the nearby areas in Pennsylvania.

Our team of Pittsburgh roofing experts is ready to help with emergency repairs, maintenance, or complete roof replacement.

With proper care and maintenance, you can protect your investment and make sure your restaurant continues serving Pittsburgh's community for years to come. To get a free inspection for your restaurant roof, call us today at (412) 353-5660!

Frequently Asked Questions