Flat roofs used to just be a popular choice for commercial buildings – however, there are many residential homes that have flat roofs. It is important to educate yourself on flat roof repair. No roof is 100% perfect and indestructible. Rather, each offers different pros and cons. An issue that might arise with a flat roof is ponding water. In this article, we’ll walk you through this problem, including how and why it occurs and what you can do about it.
What is Ponding Water and How Does it Occur?
When speaking about ponding on roofs, we are referring to the pooling of water in areas of the roof that doesn’t drain or evaporate. Roofs with higher slopes are less prone to this issue as the water is able to drain down the roof, rather than sitting stagnant as it does with some flat roofs. These puddles will often collect on flat roofs after heavy rain. Your flat roof might also have drains which have become blocked by debris, meaning that the water has no choice but to accumulate on the roof. No matter the reason for the ponding, a professional roofing contractor will be able to help you fix the problem.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Ponding Water?
Ponding can wreak havoc on your roof if you ignore it. The collected water can cause algae, mold and vegetation growth, as well as leave long-lasting, costly damage to your roof. Over time, it leads to deterioration and compromised roofing materials and structures. Older roofs aren’t designed to hold pools of water and they can be damaged by this extra weight. A leaking, sagging, or worse, a collapsed roof is not something that you want to deal with.
Ponding can be solved if you stay on top of it and get the help of a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible. The issue won’t go away by itself and ignoring it will cost you more in the long run.
What Can You Do About Ponding Water on Your Flat Roof?
A problem area on your roof that is prone to ponding does not have to be a constant issue for you – a licensed roofer can fix the pool(s) of water on your roof and can also ensure that you don’t experience further ponding issues.
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Give the Drains Some TLC
If the ponding is a result of blocked roofing drain systems, a roofing professional will assist you by clearing the drains and removing debris. If you live in an area like South Florida that experiences high amounts of rainfall, you might need to have more drain lines installed, or widen your existing ones, if the current drains are not meeting the requirements.
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Start From the Beginning
In extreme cases, ponding may be a result of poorly installed or designed roofing. In this situation, you would need to re-pitch your roof with tapered insulation to prevent pooling. This option costs more initially but can save you money and stress with future roof repairs in the long run.
If you have noticed any ponding water on your flat roof or would like a professional to inspect the roof for problem areas, contact ABC Roofing Corp, one of the top South Florida roofing companies. A poor drainage system shouldn’t put a dampener on your day.
