Have you ever had a clogged toilet? If so, then you know how frustrating that can be. Now imagine if that clogged drain was costing you money for every second it was happening. Now you know what it’s like to have your flat roof clogged as the water pools or ponds. That stuff costs you money and it’s very important that you unclog the drains and make sure your roof is watertight.
What is Ponding Water
Ponding is where water remains standing over 48 hours after a rain. It occurs:
-in depressions where puddles form
-if the drains are clogged
Either way it ends up damaging your roof and eventually requiring action in some form. Does ponding water always cause damage? The answer is no. The problem occurs when water refuses to drain due to various issues, and it continues to happen
Clogged Drain Causes Ponding Water
Ponding can occur for a variety of reasons and often is the result of more than one issue. Some of the most common problems occur when:
-direct damage to your roof(storms, tree branches, etc.)
-incorrect installation
-building defects
-wear and tear
-weight and debris (multiple layers & plant matter)
-poor or occluded drainage
Water must flow, or it stagnates. Stagnate water causes damage, and all the above-mentioned conditions are prime offenders when it comes to costing business owners money.
Fix for Clogged Drain on your Flat Roof
There are several options for a business owner if they are dealing with ponding water which is starting to cause damage.
1. Perhaps the first place to start is to check that your existing drains are flushed out. This can be a simple fix, and the only additional cost is the manpower to check it regularly.
-You can also add more drain lines
2. The quickest and least expensive option (in the short-term) is to patch over, the affected area. You can use membrane patches and/or sealant adhesives. This is definitely not the best option as it can hide damages still occurring.
3. One option which is a little more involved would be to fix any low-lying spots on your roof. Make sure you go with an experienced contractor to do this. If done improperly, it can do more damage than good.
4. You can also “re-seal” over your existing covering. This comes with a 10 to 20 year warranty, but can be costly and rarely does the seal last as long as the warranty.
5. The most effective method of fixing a roof that has damage from ponding is to replace the damaged membrane.
A properly applied, maintained, and warrantied flat roof is the best way to extend the life of your structure and give you peace of mind.
The Final Word on Ponding
Get it fixed ASAP! Water that stands on a roof for over 48 hours is NEVER good. It will eventually cause damage, which in turn will eventually have to be fixed or replaced. Either way you are spending your hard-earned money on something that could be taken care of with minimal effort and care. If you are interested in more Flat Roof information, check out some of the information here.
And if you are worried about your Commercial Roof, call Flat Roof Services and schedule a Complimentary Inspection
FRS – Your Flat roof Partner 270.703.0993