Water Pooling On A Flat Roof

Water pooling on flat roof.

Water pooling on a flat roof.

The water pools after days or hours of steady precipitation due to a variety of causes such as a clogged drain or structural issues that inhibit drainage. Ponding water is defined by roofers as water that stands in a puddle on the roof for longer than 48 hours. These areas typically are near chimneys or around large vents. These areas that pool also accumulates dirt and leaves that accelerate the growth of algae and moss which is also harmful to the roof.

The first option is to change the design of your roof. While this is not an immediate threat over time ponding water will begin to wear on the roofs membrane thus shortening its lifespan. Pooling water on a flat roof causing structural damage when you have a flat roof water pool for extended periods of time it could have negative results in the membrane and structure. However when your flat roof has uneven areas due to sagging an insufficient slope or drainage issues the ponding water doesn t dissipate.

The best way to battle water ponding in these areas is to install roof crickets in those areas. This is especially prevalent after a lot of rainstorms. I ve recently had two flat roofs replaced with a 3 layer torched bitumen system. Contractors installed new flat roof above shower room and kitchen extension with no insulation.

This can be done professionally or by homeowners who have access to a ladder and a power washer or a hose with. Your goal is to prevent damage to the flat roof. This is done by not allowing the water to pool. As a result flat roofs are notorious for developing ponding water.

If water is backing onto the roof clean out the gutters to restore proper water flow. Pooling water on flat roofs can damage rubber membranes and cause leaks. On a performing flat roof ponding water is not a problem as it will drain or even evaporate away. One method of getting rid of the water on a flat roof is to install a channel.

Long term effects of ponding water on a flat roof if your commercial building has a flat roof sometimes there is a problem with ponding water. Puddles or ponding water is water from rainstorms and snow melts that collects on a flat roof and doesn t drain or evaporate after 48 hours. When it comes to pooling on your flat roof you might find that the water ponds in specific areas. As such you need to get rid of the water that is on the roof.