When you're running a business, the last thing you want to worry about is structural damage to your roof. Unfortunately, times of heavy rain can sometimes reveal that your business's roof is not waterproof. Here are four steps to dealing with a leaking roof:

1. Close Your Business

Depending on the severity of the leak, you may have to close your business for the day. While rainwater is clean when it first falls from the sky, according to Reference, it quickly becomes contaminated by air pollution. Not to mention, it may pick up insulation fibers, dirt, and other bacteria on its way through your roof. You don't want to be liable for one of your customers getting sick from contact with leaking water, and you don't want one of them to slip on a wet surface and hurt themselves. It's a good idea to close up shop for the day until you can deal with the problem.

2. Protect Your Merchandise

No matter what industry you're in, you don't want your merchandise to come into contact with rainwater. This is especially true if you deal with paper goods or textiles. Have your employees move as much of the merchandise out of harm's way as possible. If your merchandise is bulky and cannot be moved easily, you may want to use trash bags to cover everything to protect it from damage. Consider setting out buckets to catch the worst of the leaking water, if that is a possibility.

3. Call a Commercial Roofing Service

Ultimately, you want to solve the root of the problem fast. Call a commercial roofing service as soon as possible. Many services will offer same-day emergency services when you need to deal with a leaking roof after heavy rain. Roofing professionals will be able to repair the source of the leak to prevent further water damage. They can even provide weatherproofing services so you can avoid this situation in the future.

4. Remove the Excess Water

If your business flooded as a result of the leak in your roof, you will have to enlist the help of a water removal service. Such a service will use industrial wet vacuums to suck up all the water before it causes your floors and walls to warp. This is an important step in preventing mold and mildew. Air out your store as much as possible in the meantime, and use towels to soak up the worst of the water.