“Flat roofs make sense for office buildings, manufacturing, malls and larger structures,” explains Darren Impson, President of Paul Davis of Tampa, Florida. “They cover bigger expanses, economize on materials and take up less space than peaked designs. But don’t skip regular inspection and maintenance after winter ends and as summer begins. Now is the time to fix problems like water ponding.”
There is literally no good reason for water to pond on a flat roof. “As a wise construction person once said, ‘water is both tiny and huge,’” Impson says. “’It sweeps away enormous features and also finds the most infinitesimal crack to seep through.’ Rectify ponding ASAP because water will find a way inside if you don’t.”
Ponding water leads to serious problems:
- Leaks and interior water damage
- Vegetation growth
- Damaged roofing materials
- Insect breeding
- Ice damage
Why might water pond?
Improper sloping. Flat roofs aren’t really flat. They feature very slight sloping that quickly channels rainfall off surfaces. If your new flat roof ponds, contact your installer to confirm the pitch is correct for your roof’s size and footprint.
Flashing problems. If your roof is new or recently updated, the edge of the roof may be too high, trapping the water before it can run off. Contact your installer or roofer to evaluate the area.
Debris. Leaves, branches and other debris may be blocking gutters and downspouts. Clear these carefully, hiring specialists to assist if removal is challenging. Scan roofing materials below the affected areas to ensure they remain sound.
Damage to roofing substructure. Flat roofs need strong support and sturdy underlayment to maintain proper sloping. Substructure damage can cause water to pond.
Damage to roofing materials. Sometimes, parts of the surface settle as roofing materials react to temperature extremes and physical contact (from hail, wind or falling debris). Qualified roofers can fix low spots; this is a common repair to these roofing systems.
Subsidence. It’s not very common but ground subsidence can shift the roof’s slope, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity. If the building’s foundation shifts, the flat roof shifts with it.
“If your flat roof does cause interior water damage? We’re here to help,” Impson reassures. “But with a little effort, you can prevent most trouble from your flat roof.”