Flat Roof Ponding and Its Consequences

When your commercial roof suffers from storm damage, your first order of business is to address it as soon as possible. But sometimes, the damage won’t be significant enough to warrant a professional repair, but may still cause water ponding on some areas of your roof. If it dries out after a short while, then your roof should be fine, but if you still notice ponding on your roof even after a few days, it must be addressed by a professional contractor. Otherwise, it can lead to costly roofing repairs and further damage to your commercial property. 

Ponding Water Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Roofing systems aren’t meant to hold water, especially flat roofs that still have a slight slope to maintain positive drainage. While ponding water can often come from rain and melted snow, it can also have other causes that may need attention as well. For instance, ponding water could come from the HVAC system installed on your roof because the weight can sometimes cause a dip in where it’s placed. It could also indicate a leak from the outdoor unit itself, which would require a thorough inspection by a trusted HVAC technician.

Other causes of ponding water can include improper installation, which means the slope wasn’t properly calculated to allow proper drainage. If your flat roof has an inconsistent slope, you’re more likely to get ponding in the lower areas. Even structural issues can be a culprit when buildings settle over time which can affect the precise drainage system of your flat roof.

Addressing the Issue

No matter the cause, ponding water is a sign that something’s wrong with the drainage system and must be repaired by a professional to avoid further damage. When under the sun, ponding water can act as a magnifying glass and increase the UV exposure to the affected area and lead to premature deterioration over time. It can also collect more dirt and debris which allows vegetation growth or telegraph mud cracking that can penetrate the surface. To avoid this, make sure to have your trusted roofers make the necessary repairs!

To determine the cause of your water ponding problems, consider doing a quick inspection of your flat roof. Check the drainage system for any signs of clogs or debris from tree branches and trash. Clear them out and see if this solves the problem. If you’re still having issues, this is when you’ll need to call in a trusted roofing contractor to help you out.

At Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc., your water ponding problems on your flat roofing system will be addressed with speed and efficiency. You can reach us by calling (731) 589-7663, (901) 430-1974 or (870) 736-7663 to get started. You may also fill out our convenient online contact form to get a free estimate.