Ponding turns into an indoor problem
Wide, low-slope roofs depend on drains, scuppers and gutters to shed rain. Leaves, ice or a failed component slow that down, and water collects in shallow ponds that add weight and press on seams, penetrations and flashing.
Once it gets through, roof water picks its own landing spot. It runs along the decking, drips at a joint well away from the actual opening, and falls onto racked product below. Your first clue may be a stained ceiling tile, a steady drip over one rack bay, or a puddle in an aisle that keeps growing.
Signs to escalate
Take these to your roofing contractor or building owner.
Who usually makes the next call
| Situation | Likely decision-maker | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Roof leak in a leased bay | Landlord or property manager | The lease often puts the roof on the owner |
| Leak onto tenant inventory | Tenant and the tenant's insurer | Contents usually sit on the tenant's coverage |
| Clogged drain on an owner-managed roof | Building owner | Maintenance usually sits with ownership |
| Repeat leaks in one spot | Owner plus roofing contractor | A pattern points to a repair, beyond a one-time clean |
After the dripping stops
With the roof tarped or patched and the interior safe, the question becomes what got wet. Insulation above the ceiling grid, acoustic panels, wall cavities near the parapet and the top layer of palletized goods are the usual trouble spots. Slab water is the easy part, since extraction removes most of it. The materials holding water above the floor take longer.
Write down the drip locations, the date and time of the storm, and keep any roof photos. Those details help show the difference between a single storm event and a long-running maintenance problem, and an insurer will ask.
Common questions
Is a roof leak covered like other water damage?
That depends on the policy and the cause. Call the insurer early and keep records from the first drip.
Should wet ceiling tiles come down right away?
Wet tiles get heavy and can fall. Assess the hazard and keep people out from under them before anyone touches them.
General information for Commerce City, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.