Imagine overseeing a bustling transit facility, only to find operations disrupted by the constant drip of water from a leaky roof. Water intrusion doesn’t just stain ceilings—it slowly but surely damages equipment, halts business operations, threatens safety, and results in revenue loss.

In fact, water-related damage impacts thousands of U.S. buildings every day, with average restoration costs ranging from $1,300 to nearly $6,000 per incident. It’s no wonder that leaks are among the most frequent and expensive issues in property insurance claims.

This was precisely the issue that the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) faced. Their facility’s aging commercial roof, a built-up roofing system, was suffering from widespread issues: standing water, weakened roof membranes, and elusive roof leaks that created a host of challenges for their team.

That’s why they turned to our team of qualified roofing contractors for help. With deep expertise and a no-nonsense approach, Armour Roof Co. delivered the only proposal that didn’t require a full roof replacement, offering a tailored fix that prevented further water infiltration, eliminated the leaks, and saved SWITA from a disruptive and costly roof replacement.

In this article, you’ll learn how Armour Roof Co. diagnosed the problem, recommended the right system, and helped SWITA get back to full function, without the financial blow of a complete tear-off.

Persistent roof leaks can disrupt daily operations, damage valuable assets, and pose safety risks. For organizations like SWITA, addressing such issues promptly is crucial for maintaining service continuity and protecting infrastructure.

Common Causes of Commercial Roof Leaks

Several factors contribute to roof leaks in commercial buildings:

• Aging and Weathering of Roofing Materials: Over time, exposure to the elements can cause roofing materials to degrade, leading to cracks, blisters, and other vulnerabilities.
• Damage from Weather Events: Severe weather, including hailstorms and high winds, can compromise the integrity of roofing systems, causing punctures or dislodging components.
• Poor Installation or Maintenance: Improper installation techniques or neglecting regular maintenance can result in premature failures. Routine inspections and preventive roof maintenance are essential to prolong the roof’s lifespan
• Issues with Flashing, Seams, or Penetrations: Areas where the roof intersects with other structures, such as vents or skylights, are prone to leaks if not properly sealed. Additionally, clogged gutters can lead to improper drainage, causing water to back up onto the roof and increase the risk of leaks.

Impact of Leaks on Commercial Buildings

Unaddressed roof leaks can have significant consequences:

• Damage to Interior Spaces and Equipment: Water intrusion can cause visible water stains, ruin ceilings, walls, and flooring, and damage sensitive equipment and stored goods.
• Operational Disruptions: Leaks may necessitate temporary closure or relcations, affecting productivity, service delivery, and revenue.
• Safety Hazards: Wet surfaces increase slip and fall risks, posing dangers to your staff and visitors.
• Structural Damage and Mold: Persistent moisture fosters mold growth, which can compromise air quality and structural integrity.

SWITA’s Situation

The SWITA facility was topped with a built-up roof (BUR), a traditional system composed of multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics, finished with a protective layer of gravel. This type of commercial roofing system is known for its durability, but also for the challenges it presents as it ages.

Over time, the roof began to exhibit a range of issues that are unfortunately common in older BUR systems:

• Ponding: Flat sections of the roof allowed water to collect in multiple areas after heavy rainfall, creating stress points that threatened the integrity of the roof membrane.
• Leaks: Water was leaking into and around HVAC units, vent pipes, and other mechanical penetrations, notoriously tricky spots for maintaining watertight seals.
• Damage to Interior Insulation: Moisture had seeped beneath the top layers, compromising the insulation and contributing to energy inefficiencies and potential mold growth.
• Difficulty in Leak Detection: The gravel surfacing made it nearly impossible to visually identify the exact source of the leak or hidden damp spots, which slowed down the diagnostic process and complicated roof repairs.

The aging BUR system posed a unique challenge since its performance was deteriorating, but its construction made inspection and repair a complex task.

After identifying the challenges posed by SWITA’s aging built-up roof, our team of experts implemented a strategic and efficient solution tailored to address the complicated issues.

Assessment and Diagnosis

We commenced the project with a comprehensive evaluation of the existing roofing system. Our seasoned professionals meticulously examined the roof to pinpoint the exact sources of the leaks and assess the overall condition. This thorough inspection allowed us to understand the extent of damage and the unique challenges presented by the built-up roofing system.

The expertise of our team in diagnosing complex leak issues ensured that no underlying problems were overlooked, setting the stage for an effective repair strategy.

Recommendations

As a government-operated entity, SWITA was required to follow competitive bidding protocols outlined in the Iowa DOT Transit Manager’s Handbook, Chapter 9: Procurement, which mandates at least two, but preferably three, bids for construction and repair projects.

Armour Roof Co. stood out by offering the only solution that didn’t involve a full roof replacement—a key advantage when balancing scope, cost, and operational disruption. Our recommendation not only met their procurement criteria but also provided a practical and budget-conscious option that preserved the existing structure while addressing the problem at its core.

The Chosen Solution

Considering SWITA’s situation and requirements, the best roofing option was the Conklin Metal Roofing System. This system was particularly suited for the existing roof structure, offering a seamless and durable solution.

The Conklin system provided several benefits:

• Leak Prevention: It effectively sealed existing leaks and prevented the chance of future leaks.
• Ponding Mitigation: The reflective coating reduced heat absorption by deflecting UV rays, thereby minimizing thermal expansion and contraction that contribute to ponding.
• Durability: The system added a robust, waterproof layer that extended the roof’s lifespan and enhanced its overall weather resistance, even in harsh seasonal climates.

Installation Process

The installation was executed efficiently, with the entire process completed in just six days. This swift turnaround minimized disruptions to SWITA’s operations, ensuring that their services continued without significant interruptions.

Our commitment to quality workmanship was evident throughout the project. Our attention to detail and adherence to best practices resulted in a roofing system that not only met but exceeded expectations.

Our tailored solution not only resolved SWITA’s immediate roofing challenges but also delivered substantial long-term advantages.

Problem Solved

The application of the Conklin Metal Roofing System effectively halted all active leaks, safeguarding the building’s interior from water damage. This restoration preserved the integrity of the facility’s insulation and equipment, ensuring uninterrupted operations and enhanced safety for staff and visitors

Cost Savings

By opting for a roof coating over a full replacement, SWITA realized significant financial savings. Depending on the size and specifics of the project, roof coatings can cost 30–70% less than a traditional roof replacement. This cost-effective approach allowed SWITA to allocate resources to other critical areas without compromising on quality or performance.

Durability and Longevity

The Conklin Metal Roofing System comes with a 15-year warranty, offering long-term protection against leaks and environmental wear. This warranty highlights the system’s durability, giving SWITA peace of mind and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

Whether you’re managing a transit facility, a manufacturing site, or a multi-purpose commercial property, addressing a leaking roof isn’t just about aesthetics or comfort; it’s about ensuring safety and performance.

The SWITA project is a testament to the value of choosing the right commercial roofing contractor for repairing leaking roofs in commercial buildings. Our team of professionals delivered more than a quick fix; we provided a long-term solution that minimized disruption, maximized savings, and extended the life of existing roofing systems, backed by proven roofing solutions trusted across the commercial sectors.

With our proven process and high-performance roof coatings, as a building owner, you can stop worrying about roof leaks, energy inefficiencies, and weather-related wear. 

Schedule a free inspection and roof assessment with us today and experience firsthand how we can recommend proactive, cost-conscious, and tailored long-term protection for your commercial properties.

We had Armour restore the roof at our bus facility in Council Bluffs. They showed up as promised and the roof looks absolutely phenomenal!

Several reviews have already noted Armour’s customer service, but I think it should be noted it’s not just great customer service from the sales folks and project manager it’s from top to bottom. Great crew all the way around.

-Mark L.