You probably already that water pooling on your roof is not a good thing. Standing water, or ponding, is when water sits on your roof after a heavy rainfall and doesn’t go away after 48 hours. It’s most common on commercial roofs because commercial buildings tend to have flat roofs. However, it can happen on any roof that has a low slope or isn’t properly installed.
The easiest way to see if standing water is a problem on your roof is to take a look at your roof after a rainfall. If pools of water are still on your roof 48 hours later, then it’s time to find a solution.
It’s vital to not ignore standing water on your roof because water is heavy and roofs are not designed to carry large amounts of weight. By letting water sit on your roof for a long period of time, you can cause even more problems, including leaks, sagging, and damage of roofing materials. Large pools of water could also attract mosquitoes and other undesirable insects, as well as encourage growth of mold, mildew, moss, and algae.
Make sure water leads to the drains: Even though a flat roof may look completely level to the naked eye, they actually have a very slight angle. This helps water flow towards the drains. But sometimes there are shallow areas on the roof that collect water. To prevent water from collecting in these low spots and to help lead water to the drain, you may be able to fill in those areas with roofing plaster.
Keep drains clear:Â Another important drainage solution is to make sure your drains are clear of debris. If you have a clogged drain, then water will collect on your roof and cause damage.
Add more drainage: If all of your drainage systems are working but there is still water collecting on your roof, it may be because you don’t have enough drainage to handle the amount of precipitation in your area. You can solve this by widening your existing drains or adding new ones to accommodate the excess water.
Repitch roof: Repitching your roof is a more complicated process than other roof ponding solutions, but it may be necessary if your existing roof wasn’t properly installed or the previous solutions haven’t worked. Repitching your roof will take more time and be more costly, and it also may require a permit. It’s best to consult with your local roofing contractor if you are considering repitching your roof.
Standing water is a roofing problem you want to deal with swiftly. If you notice pools of water on your roof that are not going away, call your local roofing contractor! IBEX has experience with both residential and commercial roofing, and we can offer the right roof ponding solutions for you.
