Commercial building owners and managers know the importance of maintenance — especially when it comes to roofs. In fact, in the U.S. alone, the demand for roofing repairs and replacement is expected to reach $19.9 billion by 2021. That’s because one of the biggest problems that owners and managers encounter are roof leaks. A seemingly small leak can lead to seriously expensive repairs if you ignore it. Here are five steps to prevent roof leaks in your commercial building.

Remove Debris

An important step to preventing roof leaks is removing debris. Leaves, sticks, and even dirt can retain water, which then pools on the roof and causes damage. Even a small amount of water can cause enough moisture to create leaks. It can also cause mold and algae to grow.

Clean Out Drains

Roof drainage systems, auxiliary drains, and field drains should all be cleaned out regularly. If they aren’t, water can back up and pool on the roof. This can lead to leaks and damage, as well.

Schedule Roof Inspections and Maintenance

Perhaps the most important step to preventing leaks is to hire a commercial roofing company to perform regular roof inspections and maintenance. Commercial roofers will look for any cracks, holes, or other damage to the surface, perimeter, membrane, sealant, or underside of the roof. They will also inspect around any vents, drains, HVAC units, gas lines, or anything else that protrudes through the roof to make sure that everything is properly sealed and nothing is leaking.

Don’t Wait to Get Commercial Roof Repairs

If you notice pooling water, soft spots, roof damage, deterioration, or water stains on the interior of your building, don’t wait to get a commercial roof repair. Putting off repairs can lead to bigger problems, including leaks, more roof damage, dangerous mold growth, and interior damage.

Get a New Roof When Necessary

While you may want to put off installing a new roof, doing so could lead to water leaks. If you have an aging roof, you’ve had multiple commercial roof repairs, or an inspector recommends a new roof, you may want to replace it sooner rather than later. The likelihood that you’ll get leaks and damage greatly increases as time goes on. You could save money by replacing the roof before it causes more costly damage.

Maintaining a commercial building can be a difficult task, especially when you have a leak in the roof. However, taking the proper steps and preventative measures to maintain your roof can make your job easier, save you money, and keep your building leak-free.