Concerned about ponding water on a flat roof? This is a common issue that plenty of homeowners deal with, but it is important to address it quickly. If ponding water is left unaddressed, you could end up with damage and expensive repairs, or the worst case scenario – a full roof replacement.
To properly maintain your flat roof, you need to understand what ponding water is, its causes and the potential consequences that come with ignoring it for too long!
What is Ponding Water?
When we refer to ponding water, that means water that stays on your flat roof for an extended amount of time, forming puddles. Typically pooling water on your flat roof would be classed as ponding water around 48 hours after rainfall or snowfall.
Temporary water accumulation should drain away and evaporate fairly quickly, but if it remains after 48 hours, it could be a sign of structural issues or inadequate drainage. Ponding water on a flat roof is fairly easy to identify. Simply examine your roof for large, shallow puddles. If the puddles stay there even after the bad weather has passed, you could be dealing with a ponding water issue that needs looking into.
Why Does Ponding Water Occur?
There are a few things that can cumulate, leading to ponding water on a flat roof. They include:
Improper Drainage is one of the most common causes of ponding water, as the water has nowhere to go. Evaporation can occur, but drainage is essential, too. Flat roofs require a well-designed drainage system to allow water to be quickly removed from the roofing surface before it can cause damage. Clogged drains, poorly placed drainage outlets, and incorrect drainage capacity can all cause this issue.
Structural Issues: In flat roof building, a slight slope is an absolute essential to allow for proper water runoff. That’s right, flat roofs aren’t totally flat! If a flat roof doesn’t have this essential sloping or it has structural damage that has reduced this slope, water won’t be able to drain. Over time, as the joist work in your flat roof settles, it can cause ‘deflection’ or sagging, creating low areas leading to ponding.
Weather Conditions: The obvious cause of ponding water is seriously bad weather. Even the best flat roof might struggle to drain all the water from a prolonged period of wet weather or heavy snowfall. The weight of snow or ice can also cause sagging, worsening the problem of ponding water over time.
Consequences of Ignoring Ponding Water
You certainly shouldn’t ignore ponding water on a flat roof with traditional roofing waterproofing materials such as mineral felt, mainly because of the serious consequences you (and your bank account) would face:
Roof Damage: Ponding water only occurs when there is an underlying issue. So leaving ponding water without addressing that underlying issue means it will inevitably get worse. The constant presence of water will eventually weaken the waterproofing layer, causing leaks with water infiltrating deeper into the layers of roof. This can turn into severe structural damage if left long enough, posing a risk to anyone inside of your building.
Increased Maintenance Costs: If you’re tempted to ignore ponding water, be aware that you will likely end up paying out more in the long run. With more frequent repairs to the damage being carried out over time, to higher maintenance costs because you’re not addressing the root cause, your roof will end up costing you more. Patching leaks and replacing degraded materials could even lead to an eventual and costly full roof replacement.
Solutions for Ponding Water
The most effective way to deal with ponding water on a flat roof? It’s no surprise that you should seek a professional assessment. Experts in flat roofing, like the team here at Proactive Flat Roofing, can provide tailored solutions that take into account the full picture, including your budget and roof condition.
There are a few crucial reasons to get a professional in rather than going it alone:
Expertise and Experience: Flat roofing professionals have the experience and knowledge base to diagnose the root cause of your ponding water with accuracy. They’ll also know which solutions will be right for your flat roof specifically.
Long-Term Solutions: Investing in a permanent solution, offered by a reliable professional, means preventing future ponding water issues. Rather than choosing temporary or unprofessional short-term fixes, you address the issue itself, not just the symptoms.
Peace of Mind: Professional intervention ensures that the problem is dealt with effectively and efficiently, giving you the peace of mind that you don’t have to worry about your flat roof sustaining damage. Using a professional’s expertise means extending the lifespan of your roof and saving yourself paying out for recurring problems in the future.
Solve Your Ponding Water Problem
Ponding water on a flat roof isn’t something to ignore. It requires prompt and professional attention to identify the root cause and ensure your flat roof is watertight and structurally safe.
Worried about your flat roof health? Contact Proactive Flat Roofing today for a free roofing survey and 10-point condition report worth £250. Let our team of experts help you ensure your flat roof remains in top condition and free from ponding water issues.