If you own a residence or commercial property with a flat roof, you may have different concerns regarding protecting the roof system and maintaining the property’s value. True, all property owners need to stay vigilant regarding water intrusion, but ponding water on flat roofs is a concern only those buildings with flat roofs are likely to experience.
What is Ponding?
Ponding occurs when water collects in pools on the roof after a storm or heavy rain.
Most pools of water will quickly drain off – or even evaporate – but owners should be aware of the signs that ponding has become an issue, and can lead to a leaking roof.
Roofs should be constructed in such a way that all water drains off within 48 hours of the rain stopping.
If the ponding persists for more than a couple of days, it is time to consult a professional to discuss options for mitigating any potential damage to your property.
It is essential to note that ponding is typically not an imminent threat, as roof membranes are generally composed of water-resistant materials. However, although immediate leakage is unlikely to occur, recurring ponding can cause damage to the roof and lead to premature deterioration. The good news is that ponding will not cause rapid damage, but it will cause the roof system to break down much quicker, as the sun’s UV rays penetrate through the water and amplify on the surface beneath.
It is simply good practice to maintain your roof to the highest standards to garner full life expectancy.
How Does Ponding Hurt the Roof?
* A pool of water can focus and intensify the sunlight passing through it.
* Frequent water pools will, over time, degrade roofing materials.
* Water pools collect debris, which remains in piles after the water is gone.
What is Causing the Ponding?
The possible reasons for the ponding you are seeing on your roof range from “simple to fix” to “major project.” For instance, if you have actual structural problems that prevent water from running off as designed (damaged or improperly installed frames, joists, or beams), you may face a challenging situation to resolve.
The good news is, there may be other reasons for the ponding that are easier to fix.
- Check if your roof has improperly installed drains. Positive drainage is designed to allow water to flow towards the drains; however, if anything obstructs the flow, such as a slight lip, water may pool quickly. If water is backing up around the drain, it could be due to drainage issues or plumbing issues.
- When the roof is frequently walked on, the insulation underneath can become compacted in certain areas, resulting in indentations. This can also occur if the insulation becomes wet, which is often the result of small areas of ponding. An experienced roofing contractor can replace the insulation to fill in the indentation.
- Conversely, if water is not moving freely towards the drains, insulation may be removed to create a slight slope that facilitates drainage.
- Protrusions from the roof can provide additional points of vulnerability. Air conditioning units, skylights, or vents placed around the flat roof may impede the intended flow of water, causing pooling or ponding in their vicinity.
Ask a certified professional at Southwest Commercial Roofing if you need to install “crickets”, which are triangular pieces of insulation that divert water flow around these elements. This solution is both affordable and easy to execute.
Conclusion
Since several potential situations can cause these issues, it is advisable to consult with a professional contractor to determine the best solution for your specific needs.
The local experts at Southwest Commercial Roofing are well-versed in the unique problems that Midwest property owners face.
Contact us today, and we’ll help you fix any problem with your roofing system.
