HVAC systems are the most important ways to keep your commercial property comfortable and properly ventilated. However, if it gets damaged, it can sometimes lead to unexpected problems, including roof leaks. That’s what makes understanding the connection between the HVAC system on your roof and roof leaks helpful, so you avoid expensive damage and maintain the safety of your building.
To understand this, we’ve written this guide to help you understand the signs, reasons, and solutions related to HVAC systems.
What Is An HVAC System?
Before learning about the potential problems HVAC systems create, you should first learn what HVAC stands for and how it is essential for your property. HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is a system that is very important to commercial buildings. That is, it’s responsible for maintaining indoor air quality and regulating the temperature inside.
Since your HVAC is often located in the attic or on the roof’s surface, it directly interacts with the structure of the building. So, if they become damaged, or cause damage to the surrounding area without the right treatment at the right time, significant problems can affect your entire property, including a roof leak.
How A Faulty HVAC System Can Cause Roof Leaks
These following problems can disrupt the function of an HVAC system and cause a roof leak.
Condensation Issues
HVAC systems naturally produce condensation as they regulate the temperature inside a commercial building. If the drainage system for your HVAC becomes clogged or fails, this excess water can accumulate, eventually seeping into your roof.
Improper Installation
When your HVAC system is installed wrong, it might end up with some significant structural issues for your property. For example, gaps around the HVAC ducts may seep into your attic and cause a leaky roof.
Leaky Ductwork
Damaged or patchy ductwork can allow air to enter your attic, creating moisture buildup. Over time, this can lead to water damage and mold growth, affecting your HVAC and roof.
Old Or Worn-Out Equipment
Old HVAC systems are more prone to malfunctions, including roof leaks. So, if your system is outdated, consider an HVAC replacement to avoid any further issues on your roof.
Signs Your HVAC System Might Be Causing Roof Leaks
Here are some common signs to watch for that could indicate your HVAC is the reason for your roof leak.
Water Stains
If you notice any discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceiling of your commercial property, you should inspect your HVAC system for leaks. This sign often indicates that your HVAC system is leaking and it’s draining down into your roof and needs to be repaired or replaced soon.
Dripping Water In The Attic
Hearing or seeing water dripping from your ceiling or attic space is always a red flag. This could mean that there is some major issue with the condensation or the drainage of your HVAC system.
Increased Humidity Indoors
If the inside of your building feels more humid than usual, it could mean that your HVAC is not functioning correctly, which results in moisture buildup inside your building.
Mold Or Mildew Growth
The rise of mold or mildew issues in your attic is a clear sign of a failed ventilation system. Due to this, moisture starts to build up inside the attic and results in the growth of mold, or mildew problems.
Rusted Or Damaged HVAC Equipment
Over time, HVAC systems get older, which results in rust on your HVAC units. Gradually, this rust might eat away at the system, causing weak areas where leaks could occur.
Preventing And Fixing HVAC-Related Roof Leaks
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the only key to preventing expensive HVAC and roof leak repairs. Schedule routine inspections to ensure you function correctly and to catch potential issues early.
Proper Drainage Systems
Ensure your HVAC system has a properly functioning drainage system to handle condensation. Cleaning or repairing these drains can prevent water from accumulating and ponding on the roof’s surface, causing leaks and other forms of damage.
Prompt Repairs And Replacements
If your system is old or frequently breaks down, consider an HVAC replacement. While it may seem like a significant investment, replacing a faulty or outdated HVAC system can save you money on repairs and prevent roof damage in the long run.
Work With Professionals
When looking for HVAC roof repair, a property owner should contact a roofing contractor and hire a professional expert who can repair roof leaks with precision and care.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair An HVAC System Roof Leak?
When dealing with both HVAC systems and roofing issues, understanding the potential costs involved in repairing the problem is crucial. The exact cost for an HVAC roof leak repair depends on factors like the size of the damage and the type of repairs that are needed.
HVAC Repair Costs
Minor repairs on your HVAC system, like fixing a clogged gutter or replacing a damaged part, may cost between $150 and $300.
However, if your property is suffering from any bigger HVAC issues like replacing worn-out ductwork or addressing electrical problems, it could push the cost up to $500 or more. Regular maintenance often prevents these issues, saving you money over time.
Roof Leak Repair Costs
When a roof leak is caused by HVAC issues, the repair costs can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage. If the leak is minor and caught early, the cost of sealing the affected area and fixing the underlying issue may range from $300 to $600.
For more significant leaks or cases where water damage has spread to other parts of the roof or attic, the costs could climb up to more than $2,000.
HVAC Replacement Costs
If you have an inefficient, old, or damaged HVAC system in your building, you must upgrade it and get rid of the old system. To replace the HVAC system, it can cost you around $5,000 to $10,000.
Here are some of the things that affect the final cost of the repair:
The size of your property: Larger properties require powerful HVAC systems to provide better ventilation, heating, and cooling systems. However, these types of HVAC systems often come at a higher price than regular ones.
System type: Central air systems, heat pumps, and energy-efficient models come at different price points.
Installation complexity: Commercial properties with tricky layouts or older systems might require additional labor, which adds to the price of replacement.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Ignoring a damaged HVAC system and roof leaks can lead to severe consequences, including:
👉 Considerable structural damage that disrupts comfort and business operations.
👉 Higher energy bills if it’s performing inefficiently.
👉Mold and mildew that proliferates inside the attic due to moisture build-up. This can cause some serious health hazards including respiratory issues and allergies.
These reasons, along with more, are why you need to solve HVAC issues as soon as you discover them. If you keep ignoring them, it will cause more issues for the structure of your commercial property and raise repair costs.
Call Prestige Roofing LLC For Expert Help
If you suspect your HVAC system is the reason behind your roof leak, don’t wait till it grows larger and causes more structural problems. Contact the professionals at Prestige Roofing LLC. With over a decade of experience, our team specializes in commercial roof repair and can help assess your HVAC system’s impact on your roof. Call us today at (920) 791-0414 for a consultation and get your building back to its best condition.
