Ponding, or water pooling, can happen after heavy rains or storms. It can also occur when the snow melts. Of course, any roofing system isn’t designed to hold water. So when water has collected on your flat roof, you should act quickly and figure out why the water isn’t draining.
In this article, State Roofing, a trusted expert in roofing and decks, discusses the consequences of ignoring ponding on a flat roof.
What Happens
Flat roofs are typically built to have a slight slope that enables positive drainage. If you notice ponding water after a heavy rain, this could mean a drainage problem that must be addressed immediately. Otherwise, ponding water on your flat roof can result in any of the following scenarios:
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Dirt may collect on your roof, and this buildup can further cause vegetation growth or mud cracking. Ponding water can attract insects too.
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Ponding water can lead to the premature deterioration of the roof membrane, flashings and coatings.
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Ponding water can compromise the integrity of your roofing system as it weakens the adhesives used to make field-fabricated single-ply laps.
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Ponding water can act as a magnifying glass, which increases your roof’s exposure to ultraviolet rays. Over time, these UV rays can damage that area of your roof and make the entire roofing system vulnerable to deterioration.
What You Can Do
As a homeowner or building owner, you should carry out routine maintenance on a regular basis. Whether you’ve had your flat roof for years or you’ve recently replaced it as part of a home improvement project, you should inspect it for signs of problems — specifically clogged drains.
It’s also your responsibility to maintain positive drainage. You must ensure that no amount of water remains on your roof for 48 hours under dry conditions. Otherwise, your roof’s warranty may be considered void.
State Roofing is a family-owned business with expertise in decks, roofs, windows and siding. Call us at [company_phone] or fill out our contact form to get a free quote. We serve residents of Seattle and Tacoma, WA.