Commercial Roof Leak Detection Services in Calgary
Pinpoint and Fix Roof Leaks in Your Calgary Commercial Property
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In Calgary, flat roofs regularly encounter leaks that are difficult to detect due to their nature. Water accumulation from heavy rain or snow-melt, combined with issues around drainage systems, further compound this issue. Early detection through proactive inspection can save you a lot of time and money.
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Calgary’s tough weather conditions, such as freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snowfalls, and UV damage make roofs vulnerable to wear and tear. The bottom line Routine maintenance acts as insurance against these climate-specific threats to your roof.
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Accurate early leak detection avoids expensive damage like structural deterioration, mold proliferation, and energy loss. By addressing minor issues today, you can prevent costly replacements in the future.
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Professional inspections come equipped with high-tech tools such as thermal imaging and moisture meters. These tools provide high-precision, non-invasive roof leak detection, allowing for a complete analysis.
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Certified roofing experts in Calgary understand local building codes, weather patterns, and roofing materials, offering tailored solutions and ensuring compliance for commercial properties.
🏢 Pinpoint Leaks Before They Become Expensive Problems
Our Calgary commercial roof leak detection services are designed to quickly identify moisture intrusion before it leads to costly structural damage. Using advanced tools like infrared thermal imaging, we locate hidden leaks across flat, low-slope, and specialty roofs, then provide accurate solutions tailored to your commercial system.
We Also Offer Comprehensive Commercial Roofing Services in Calgary
Superior Roofing is your one-stop solution for all commercial roofing needs. In addition to leak detection, we provide the following business-focused services:
Material Types We Work With to Prevent and Repair Leaks
Our expertise extends across a wide range of commercial roofing materials, each selected for Calgary’s challenging climate and proven leak resistance:
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Shingle Roofing (Asphalt, Cedar, Rubber)
Calgary’s Trusted Name in Leak Detection and Roof Protection
With decades of local experience, Superior Roofing has earned a reputation for precision and reliability in commercial roofing. When it comes to protecting your business from water damage, trust the team known for Calgary roofing expertise that gets the job done right the first time.
Why Roof Leaks Are Hard to Detect
Detecting roof leaks on commercial properties in Calgary can be more complicated than you might expect. Flat roof designs are prevalent in commercial structures. They present specific difficulties because of their design and the extreme climate conditions found in the area.
Taking a closer look at these factors underscores why proactive leak detection is so important to property owners.
Challenges of Flat Roofs in Calgary
Flat roofs lack the inherent pitch necessary for effective water runoff. This causes rainwater or snowmelt to pool on the roof surface. Eventually, this sitting water leads to a greater chance of leaks.
These flat roofs are typically finished with gravel or bitumen layers. This causes much trouble when trying to pinpoint the exact location of a leak. HVAC systems, vents, or other roof penetrations may further contribute as they form weak spots where roof leaks can start.
What makes it worse is a poorly designed or clogged drainage system. It creates a place to trap water and cause it to pool and leak through the roofing materials.
Impact of Calgary’s Climate on Leak Detection
Calgary’s extreme winters and subsequent freeze-thaw cycles make roofing materials contract and expand, forming cracks or gaps over time. Severe snowfalls and ice damming can allow moisture to build up, forming leaks that go undetected until they become visible.
In addition, Calgary summers have a high UV index, which causes long-term degradation of membranes. These intense weather patterns create new roofing weaknesses that are difficult to identify without routine inspections.
Common Signs of Hidden Roof Leaks
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Water stains or mold growth in ceilings or walls.
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Musty odors suggest trapped moisture.
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Increased energy bills from compromised insulation.
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Pooling water or sagging roof areas.
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Interior issues like peeling paint or unexplained drips.
Flat and low-slope roofs don’t shed water as easily as pitched roofs. That means when a membrane fails or flashing separates, water often seeps in slowly—traveling across insulation or decking before showing up as a ceiling stain or puddle inside the building.
Common leak entry points include:
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Cracks or punctures in TPO, EPDM, or SBS membranes
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Separated flashing around HVAC units, vents, or skylights
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Blocked drains or scuppers cause water to back up
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Failed seams or laps, especially after freeze-thaw cycles
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Aging coatings or overlays with micro-fissures
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Hail or wind damage that’s not immediately visible
By the time water appears inside, the actual entry point may be several feet—or even rooms—away.
Benefits of Professional Leak Detection
🛠️ Fix the Problem at the Source
We don’t just patch where the leak shows up—we find where it actually starts.
💸 Prevent Bigger Repairs
Catching leaks early helps you avoid widespread insulation, drywall, or structural damage.
🧾 Support Insurance or Warranty Claims
Our detailed reporting helps validate roofing system issues for coverage purposes.
📉 Avoid Disruptions & Business Downtime
Protect your building, equipment, tenants, and operations by acting early.
🧱 Extend Your Roof’s Life
Early repair after detection helps maximize the lifespan of your roofing system.
Risks of Ignoring Roof Leaks
Ignoring roof leaks in commercial buildings poses dangerous liabilities. If you ignore them, their accompanying dangers can grow quickly. Given Calgary’s penchant for extreme weather—from heavy snowfalls to rapid temperature changes—prompt detection and repair is all the more urgent. Here’s what could happen if you do ignore roof leaks.
Structural Damage to Commercial Buildings
An ongoing water intrusion issue can leave a roof’s structural integrity greatly threatened. In the long run, continued moisture rots essential structures, such as wooden supports, which will begin to rot or sag.
Leaks in buildings with metal roofing systems increase the chances of rust and corrosion. This type of damage can lead to a drastic reduction in the roof’s longevity. On concrete or bitumen roofs, water infiltration can lead to fissures that widen with the freeze-thaw cycle.
If left unaddressed, these developments may threaten the structural integrity of the building, affecting the structural safety of the site. Water damage can reach walls, floors, and even the underlying foundation, increasing the amount of repair required.
Increased Repair Costs Over Time
While delaying roof repair appears cheaper in the short term, it’s not long before costs are greatly inflated. A minor, localized roof leak can rapidly turn into a large area of damage to insulation, ceilings and other interior areas.
This damage takes additional time and materials to repair, and emergency fixes—which are sometimes necessary in the worst cases—are generally costlier. Even worse, leaks that go ignored may require complete roof replacement—a painful expense for any company to shoulder.
Health Hazards from Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew flourish in damp, dark spaces often caused by roof leaks. Mold growth can diminish indoor air quality, causing respiratory problems for building occupants.
Left unchecked, mildew can migrate past the leaking area, damaging furniture, electronics, and other priceless belongings. Additionally, the expense of commercial mold remediation can be significant, particularly if the issue has already festered deeply throughout the area.
Energy Efficiency Losses Due to Insulation Damage
Wet insulation loses its thermal resistance, the effectiveness at stopping heat flow and keeping conditioned air in. This overloads HVAC systems, leading to higher energy use and rising utility costs.
Any uneven heating or cooling due to damaged insulation adds to employee and customer discomfort. Over time, the increased energy expenses accumulate often affecting an organization’s bottom line.
Benefits of Commercial Roof Restoration
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💰 Save Up to 50% vs. Full Replacement
Restoration avoids expensive tear-off labor, disposal, and full system replacement costs.
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🧱 Minimal Disruption
We work with less noise, mess, and downtime—ideal for operational buildings.
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♻️ Eco-Friendly Solution
Reduce landfill waste by extending the life of existing materials.
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⏳ Extend Roof Lifespan
Get 5–15 more years of reliable service from your current system.
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💧 Improved Waterproofing
Stop active leaks and prevent future moisture intrusion.
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🌡️ Better Energy Efficiency
Reflective coatings and insulation repair reduce heating and cooling costs.
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🧾 Insurance & Warranty Compliance
Restoration often satisfies policy or warranty conditions and helps with future claims.
How It Works
Final Inspection & Satisfaction Guarantee
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Free Consultation & Estimate
Schedule an appointment with our experts. The roofing estimator will come to survey your roof to provide a more accurate cost estimate.
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Expert Installation & Quality Work
Once the deal is closed and payment is finalized, the project timeline will be set.
Tools and Techniques for Leak Detection
Calgary’s most effective commercial roof leak detection takes a mix of modern technology and traditional methods to get leak detection right every time. Given Calgary’s severe weather, strong techniques are needed to detect leaks before they result in major impacts.
Read on as we break down some of the most important technologies and strategies involved in the process.
1. Thermal Imaging for Accurate Leak Identification
Infrared thermography is a non-destructive, cost-effective method that uses thermal imaging cameras to identify temperature differentials resulting from the presence of moisture. These cameras are incredible at leak detection!
This is particularly important for those using mid-wave arrays (3–5 micrometers), as they are less influenced by reflective surfaces.
Thermographers take thermal images with as many as 80,000 temperature measurements in each image.
This precision enables them to detect the smallest difference of 2 to 4 degrees between wet and dry materials. This method is extremely useful for large, commercial roofs, revealing hidden leaks that can’t be detected with the naked eye.
Inspections typically require scanning during nighttime operations to achieve stronger thermal contrast. During these daytime visits by inspectors for conclusive verification, high aerial viewpoints are used to provide an unobstructed view.
2. Moisture Meters for Precise Measurements
Moisture meters are a perfect add-on to thermal imaging, as they can provide accurate measurements of water content in roofing materials. These instruments help identify the source of suspected leaks, determine how much water has penetrated the building assembly, and check for dryness after repairs.
By offering accurate metrics, they bring more certainty to the detection process and more assurance that remediation will be complete.
3. Visual Inspections for Problem Areas
Visual inspections remain crucial. Key steps include:
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Checking for cracks, pooling water, or damaged seals.
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Inspecting roof penetrations like vents, drains, and flashing.
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Looking at areas inside and outside of the building for indicators of unwanted water.
Professional experience is indispensable in detecting the less obvious problems that are usually missed.
4. Advanced Smart Sensors and Data Analytics
Smart sensors with data analytics capabilities automate the process by continuously monitoring moisture levels in real-time and predicting the likelihood of leaks, thus minimizing human error.
They can create an expectation of proactive discovery and longer-term asset upkeep through data-informed repair and replacement rates and strategies.
5. Role of Historical Weather Data in Planning Inspections
Studying Calgary’s historical weather trends shows that the highest volume of leaks occurs during freeze-thaw cycles. This data allows proactive inspections before severe weather and reveals recurring leak trends.
By ensuring tailored maintenance suited to Calgary’s climate, property owners can better protect their investments.
Benefits of Early Leak Detection
Commercial roof leak detection is a proactive approach that provides many benefits for Calgary property owners. Early leak detection reduces the need for expensive underlying repairs, prolongs the service life of the roof, and helps meet many local code requirements.
Preventing Long-Term Damage
By detecting leaks early, water is unable to spread to other areas of the roof where it may eventually cause a loss of structural integrity. Failure to address leaks can create deterioration of roofing materials, putting them at risk of failing under Calgary’s substantial snow load and extreme temperature changes.
Repairing leaks promptly prevents mold and mildew from having a place to grow in dark and moist conditions. These fungi are a major health risk. Repairing leaks quickly reduces the likelihood of needing emergency repairs, which saves both time and money while preventing interruptions to regular business and workflow.
Saving on Repair and Replacement Costs
As a general cost comparison for different roofing actions, early leak detection typically costs between $0.10 and $0.50 per square foot, making it the most affordable option. If repairs are delayed, the cost can rise significantly to around $3.00 to $5.00 per square foot. In the most severe cases, a full roof replacement may be needed, which can cost between $8.00 and $12.00 per square foot.
Conducting regular inspections allows building owners to identify problems early on. This proactive strategy avoids surprise costs and minimizes the chance of having to replace a roof early.
Advanced leak detection tools such as thermal imaging can uncover moisture not visible to the naked eye, allowing for targeted repairs and limiting contractor costs.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Roof
This saves the roof’s materials from unnecessary deterioration caused by water getting through and wearing down materials faster. Preventing premature aging with proper maintenance is crucial.
Regular, routine maintenance ensures the performance and durability of roof coatings to defend against premature aging. When problems are resolved quickly, owners will get the most longevity out of their roofs while protecting their investment.
Ensuring Compliance with Calgary’s Building Codes
Preventative measures for building code compliance are essential. Routine inspections can help ensure that buildings comply with Calgary’s building codes and safety standards.
This is especially crucial when it comes to insurance claims, as non-compliance may result in denied coverage. Skilled, certified roofing professionals employ the latest diagnostic tools to adhere to regulatory requirements while delivering superior results with exacting precision and reliability.
Why Choose Superior Roofing?
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✔️ 25+ years of Calgary roofing experience
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✔️ Thermal, moisture, and visual inspection tools
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✔️ Fast response and clear diagnosis
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✔️ Certified in all commercial roof systems
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✔️ COR-certified safety and full liability coverage
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✔️ Trusted by Calgary’s top commercial property managers
We find the leak, explain the solution, and get your roof back to watertight—fast.
The Process of Commercial Roof Inspections
Without a comprehensive commercial roof inspection, minor problems can go unnoticed, diminishing the longevity of a property and possibly leading to more significant negligence. In Calgary, extreme winters, unpredictable conditions, and thermal shock create considerable tension on roofing surfaces.
Commercial roof inspections— a proactive step to prevent expensive repairs! Thoroughness is delivered through a combination of on-roof and in-building evaluations, comprehensive reporting, and targeted suggestions.
Exterior and Interior Inspection Steps
Begin the exterior inspection by removing debris. Then look for areas of standing water and inspect drainage systems, as debris can cause backups and create ponds on the roof. Roofing materials are inspected for cracks, punctures, or vegetation growth that could indicate underlying damage.
Flashing and seams around penetrations, like vents or HVAC units, are inspected for deterioration. On the interior, ceilings, and walls are inspected for stains or peeling paint that can be signs of leaking. Insulation is inspected as well to prevent moisture infiltration.
Sophisticated technology, such as thermal imaging, improves precision by identifying concealed water damage. Visual documentation, such as photographs and videos, can play an important role in transparency and long-term record-keeping.
Identifying Problem Areas and Weak Spots
Inspections pay close attention to high-risk areas such as edges, penetrations, and aging materials. This includes cracks, loose seams, and improper flashing, which are all common vulnerabilities.
Integrated moisture detection tools help identify costly, concealed problems before they become a crisis. Taking care of weak spots quickly avoids leaks that can halt operations or lead to costly structural damage.
Generating Detailed Post-Inspection Reports
Creating comprehensive post-inspection reports is essential. Inspection reports provide a concise overview of findings, accompanied by photographs and diagrams. They assist in establishing immediate repair priorities, provide an idea of cost, and lead to more effective planning and maintenance.
These reports are equally important when dealing with insurance claims, especially for water damage.
Recommendations for Repairs and Maintenance
Actionable advice focuses on urgent repairs and drainage issues, as well as routine maintenance. Customized maintenance, informed by experienced evaluations, ensures optimal roof functioning and lifespan.
How We Find Leaks
Our leak detection process is designed to locate the exact problem and determine the best repair method. It includes:
✅ Visual Inspection
We assess the surface condition of your membrane, seams, flashing, penetrations, and drainage systems.
✅ Thermal Imaging
We use infrared scanning to identify hidden moisture under the roof surface. Wet insulation holds heat differently, revealing areas of water intrusion.
✅ Moisture Meters
We probe multiple areas of the roof to detect water saturation below the membrane.
✅ Water Flow Testing
If needed, we use controlled water testing to trace how water moves across your flat roof and where it enters.
✅ Interior Moisture Tracking
We assess interior signs like ceiling stains, odors, and wall damage to correlate exterior and interior moisture patterns.
✅ Leak Mapping & Reporting
We provide a detailed summary of where leaks are occurring, what’s causing them, and the recommended solution.
Importance of Professional Expertise
Repairing a leaky commercial roof in Calgary isn’t as easy as throwing a Band-Aid on it. The elaborate patterns of roofing systems, along with the city’s extreme climate, require the expertise of certified specialists.
With an understanding of the unique challenges posed by flooding, their expertise guarantees thorough evaluations and tailored solutions that protect your property while avoiding expensive future repairs.
Why Certified Inspectors Are Essential
Certified inspectors ensure an industry-standard level of knowledge and specialized training on every project. Their certifications demonstrate their extensive training in tools such as infrared scanners, moisture meters, and drones for accurate leak detection.
These professionals are familiar with Calgary’s building codes, which will help you avoid shoddy work and future legal headaches. With precise evaluations, they assist property managers in determining whether to pursue repair or replacement options.
Spotting Subtle Issues Non-Professionals Miss
Untrained eyes can easily miss hidden vulnerabilities, like tiny punctures or moisture encapsulated inside layers of wallcovering. Professionals, on the other hand, are experts at spotting lessees’ early signs of damage such as blistering, sagging, or membrane wear.
Advanced remote-sensing technology increases their capacity to detect leaks in difficult-to-access locations. This stops small defects from turning into huge structural nightmares.
This level of detail saves money in long-term replacement and repair costs and lengthens the lifespan of the roof.
Liability and Insurance Considerations in Calgary
Professional inspections are important for insurance claims, where they serve as an important third-party source to document credible damage. For Calgary commercial property managers, this reduces their risk of liability and helps them stay in line with municipal regulations.
Without these expert evaluations, insurance policies can be endangered, putting policies at risk of denied claims or even policy cancellation.
Tailored Solutions for Different Roofing Materials
Professionals know how to safely work on complex materials such as bitumen, metal, and single-ply systems. They suggest repair techniques and preventive maintenance approaches appropriate to the different types, improving roof longevity.
Tailored solutions additionally equip roofs to withstand Calgary’s severe winters, helping avoid failures during severe storms and other stressful conditions.
Cost Considerations for Leak Detection Services
Understanding the costs associated with commercial roof leak detection in Calgary involves evaluating several key factors. Though the initial cost of detection services can be high, the money spent on qualified services and top-level technology can lead to large returns, both financially and environmentally.
Below, we outline the key factors that affect costs and what makes them worth it.
Factors That Influence Inspection Costs in Calgary
Size and complexity of your roof This is probably the biggest factor that will increase detection costs. Larger roofs, like big box stores or warehouses, will take more time and resources to inspect.
Roof type Roof types are a very important factor. Though flat roofs, often the norm on commercial structures, provide more accessible travel, these roofs frequently conceal even more weaknesses.
Several factors can impact the cost of a roof inspection. The size of the roof plays a major role, as larger roofs require more time and labor to inspect. The type of roof and materials used can also affect pricing—unique or specialized materials may require specific tools or expertise. Additionally, the tools used during the inspection can influence the cost; while advanced equipment improves accuracy, it can also raise the overall expense.
Calgary’s climate presents challenges too. In particular, frequent freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow can take their toll, requiring more frequent inspections.
If the roof is older and consists of non-standard materials such as tar or gravel, this will call for specialized care, increasing costs even more. Emergency inspections, like those performed after major storms, are typically at an increased cost because of the need for immediate attention.
Comparing Short-Term Costs with Long-Term Savings
Uncovered costs High damages can be incurred when repairing a leak, which proactive inspections can help avoid. By catching leaks early, you can avoid the water damage that costs businesses tens of thousands of dollars.
Fixing minor problems quickly helps maximize the life of the roof, pushing back the need for an expensive roof replacement. Advanced tools, including thermal imaging, increase efficiency even more by quickly locating areas of concern and reducing the energy loss caused by leaks.
Insurance Benefits of Regular Inspections
Insurance benefits of routine inspections Routine inspections can benefit insurance claims by supplying documented evidence of routine maintenance.
Regular Inspections Insurance Benefits Insurers are generally more likely to insure well-maintained roofs, which in turn can result in lower premiums. Additionally, inspection reports provide proof of compliance with policy terms, limiting disputes when filing claims related to water damage.
Investing in High-End Detection Systems
Investing in High-End Detection Systems Costs for passive systems with several in-pipe sensors vary from several hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the number of sensors.
By catching leaks early, these tools can save significant maintenance costs and avoid damaging widespread impacts. The long-term durability and accuracy of such systems will result in these being a cost-effective solution for Calgary’s commercial properties.
Detecting these leaks as soon as possible can spare Calgary commercial enterprises the significant associated headache and expense. Investing in commercial roof leak detection can save you money on expensive repairs and replacements while prolonging the life of your roof and protecting your property.
Especially with Calgary’s unpredictable weather, making sure you’re one step ahead of any potential problems is crucial. Whatever the source of the issue, Superior Roofing utilizes time-tested techniques and deep local experience to quickly locate and resolve issues. That way, your roof is always looking its best!
Want to learn more about commercial roof leak detection? Count on our skilled experts to treat your leak detection services with the sensitivity and expertise you expect. Contact Superior Roofing today to schedule an inspection or to find out more about what we can do for you. Learn why Calgary has turned to us for quality, reliability, and competitive pricing. Don’t let a leaky commercial roof stall your operations—that’s where we come in.
OUR PROJECTS
Reliable commercial roof leak detection in Calgary is crucial for protecting your business from expensive repairs, preserving your investment, and ensuring a safe, efficient workspace. Calgary’s weather can be extremely volatile, ranging from blizzards one day to severe summer thunderstorms the next.
With commercial roof leaks, even small leaks become big problems rapidly. By detecting leaks early on, you can prevent severe structural damage, and lower repair costs, and business interruptions. At Superior Roofing, we take pride in using the most innovative leak detection technology designed specifically to suit Calgary’s distinct climate and building requirements.
By blending years of experience with the latest technology, we provide comprehensive inspections and precise solutions for all our projects. From flat roofs to metal systems and everything in between on commercial structures, our experience will give you confidence.
Sage Valley Road NW, Calgary, AB
3030 Bishop Dr SW, Calgary, AB
32 St NE, Calary, AB
Cameron Ave, Calgary, AB
36 Elmont Dr SW, Calgary, AB
6919 Livingstone Dr SW, Calgary, AB
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Signs of a commercial roof leak to watch for Water stains on ceilings, musty smells, or damaged areas such as cracks or pooling water. In Calgary’s climate, freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate damage from leaks, so it’s important to take action quickly if you suspect a problem.
Calgary’s extreme weather, with climate effects such as snow and sudden temperature fluctuations, can easily hide any leaks. Ice buildup and melting snow can conceal or exacerbate problems, so a qualified inspection is vital.
Get in the habit of scheduling inspections every spring and fall! Ideally, you’ll do this once in the spring—after the snow melts—and then again in the fall—before winter sets in. This allows you to identify weather-related damage early on before it creates bigger issues.
Yes. These experts have access to the latest technology, such as infrared scanners, that can detect leaks hidden beneath the surface. In Calgary, this is particularly useful for preventing damage due to snow, ice, or storm activity.
Cost depends on the size and complexity of the roof. In general, you should be looking at a cost of anywhere from $300 to $1,000. It may cost you initially, but spending on detection will help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.
