Flat roofs are one of the most popular roofing choices for commercial buildings among business owners because they’re affordable, simple to install, and offer great potential with their extra usable space. But like any other roofing options, they come with challenges, and one of the most frustrating is ponding water. If you keep ignoring it, this standing water can cause leaks, weaken your building’s structure, and lead to expensive repairs that no business wants to deal with.
As a property owner, it is essential for you to understand why water ponding on flat roofs happens and what you can do about it. In this guide, we’ll break down what causes it, explain the risks, and show you how to fix ponding water on a flat roof. Taking these steps will help you protect your property, save on expensive repairs, and keep your operations running smoothly.
What Causes Ponding Water on Flat Roofs in Commercial Buildings?
Here are some of the causes behind ponding water occurring on your flat roof.
Poor Drainage Systems:
Commercial roofs are often larger than residential ones and need a well-designed drainage system to handle rainwater. But if you do not have the right gutters required for proper drainage, the water may become clogged and form ponding water on your roof.
Sagging or Low Spots:
Over time, roofs develop dips along the surface due to the weight of equipment like HVAC units or solar panels. During times of heavy rain, rainwater collects in these uneven areas, which begins to slowly degrade the roofing material and damage the interior of the building if it’s not removed.
Improper Installation or Lack of Upkeep:
If your roof wasn’t installed with the proper slope or hasn’t been sufficiently maintained, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll deal with ponding water at some point.
Weather and Debris:
Things like fallen leaves, branches, and severe weather can clog drains and make water pooling worse. The larger the roof, the bigger the problem can become.
Understanding these factors can help you spot issues early and take action before ponding water on flat roofs becomes a major headache.
The Risks of Ponding Water on Commercial Flat Roofs
Having ponding water on your roof is a major risk. Here is what you can expect if you do not handle this problem.
Structural Damage
Standing water can add a significant amount of weight to the roof, which can strain its structure over time. This additional weight may lead to sagging, cracks, or even a roof collapse if it’s not addressed promptly. That’s what makes it necessary to take immediate action and keep you and your family from any possible hazards in the future.
Roof Membrane Degradation
Prolonged exposure to water can destroy the roofing membrane and reduce its capacity to protect against leaks. Which can cause issues like blisters, cracks, and loose adhesive that can lead to further damage in the future. We always advise homeowners to use a high-quality roofing membrane in order to protect against prolonged ponding water.
Increased Risk of Leaks
Ponding water often seeps into small cracks or seams, causing leaks. Water intrusion can damage the building’s interior, including insulation, walls, and ceilings. If left unresolved, leaks can escalate into severe issues, such as mold growth and structural weakening.
Reduced Lifespan of the Roof
If your roof is exposed to ponding water for a longer period of time, it can tear down the roofing membrane and reduce the lifespan of the flat roof. This can also result in frequent repairs or premature replacement, increasing long-term costs.
Pest Infestation
Standing water attracts pests like mosquitoes and birds, which can cause further damage to the roof and create an unhealthy environment. Pests may also disrupt building operations, especially in commercial settings.
Health and Safety Risks:
Ponding water is the perfect environment for things such as mold and mildew to develop. These organisms will grow rapidly on the surface of your building and start causing health issues for your employees if you don’t take any steps to get rid of them.
How to Fix Ponding Water on Flat Roofs
Effectively dealing with ponding water requires a mix of proactive steps and professional help. Here’s how you can address the issue and protect your commercial roof:
Keep Your Drainage System in Check:
Proper flat roof drainage is essential. Make sure your drains are clear and working well by inspecting and cleaning them regularly. For more significant buildings, you might need to add more drains or scuppers to handle the extra water.
Add Tapered Insulation:
Tapered insulation is a great way to guide water toward the drains and eliminate those troublesome low spots. It’s beneficial if your roof has been dealing with ponding water for a while.
Fix Sagging Areas:
Low spots on your roof can often be leveled out by a roofing professional. By reinforcing these areas, you can prevent water from pooling there in the future.
Use Waterproof Coatings:
Use protective coatings on your roof to shield it from water damage and create a protective layer around your roof from any further issues.
Schedule Regular Maintenance:
Commercial roofs often have a lot going on, from HVAC units to other equipment. Routine inspections can catch minor issues before they become more significant problems, keeping your roof in good shape.
Consider a Roof Replacement if Needed:
If your roof is older or has recurring ponding water issues, it might be time for a complete replacement. A new design with better drainage could save you money in the long run.
Preventing Ponding Water on Commercial Flat Roofs
Prevention is always better than making repairs or replacements later on, especially when it comes to commercial properties, where downtime can be expensive. Here’s how you can stay ahead:
Schedule Professional Inspections:
Regular inspections by roofing experts ensure minor issues are fixed before they escalate.
Clean and Clear Debris:
Keep the roof free from leaves, branches, and other debris that can clog drainage systems.
Why You Should Act Fast
In a commercial setting, the risks associated with ponding water on flat roofs extend beyond the roof itself. Delays in addressing the issue can lead to disruption to daily operations, legal liabilities, and damage to your company’s reputation.
When to Call a Professional
While regular cleaning and inspections are manageable in-house, significant issues like structural sagging or improper drainage designs require professional expertise. A trusted roofing contractor can assess your roof, recommend solutions, and implement them efficiently to minimize business disruption.
Partner with Prestige Roofing LLC for Reliable Solutions
At Prestige Roofing LLC, we use our experience and knowledge regarding the issues caused by ponding water on flat roofs to provide solutions that will work best for your situation. Whether it’s improving your flat roof drainage, fixing sagging spots, or finding long-term fixes for ponding water, our team has the expertise to get the job done right.
To save your flat roof from ponding water problems, give us a call at (920) 791-0414 and get a free consultation. Let us help you protect your property with professional care and reliable solutions.