How To Stop Water Ponding On Roof

We explain some causes of ponding water how you can stop it from damaging your roof.

How to stop water ponding on roof.

Ponding water is defined by the industry as water that stands for 48 consecutive hours following rain. While it s true ponding water may not be an imminent emergency it is certainly a cause for concern over time. Roofs with higher slopes are less prone to this issue as the water is able to drain down the roof rather than sitting stagnant as it does with some flat roofs. Ponding water is known in the roofing community as water that stands in a puddle on the roof for more than 48 hours at a time.

When speaking about ponding on roofs we are referring to the pooling of water in areas of the roof that doesn t drain or evaporate. Ignoring ponding water on a flat roof. On a performing flat roof ponding water is not a problem as it will drain or even evaporate away. While every circumstance is different an insufficient roof pitch or slope is usually the source of water ponding.

There are a variety of methods we can use to stop water ponding on a commercial flat roof without having to do a full roof replacement. Whichever solution you choose the goal is the same. How to stop a water leak in a steel roof ponding can occur on flat and low slope roofs that are installed using tarpaper roofing tar and fine gravel or a similar built up system. After any rainfall lands on a flat roof water will begin to pool.

Ponding water might not be an immediate threat but if it is allowed to persist over time that water can begin to wear on the roofing membrane. Water may accumulate on a low slope roof due to rain snow or runoff from rooftop equipment. Every flat roof will collect some water during periods of heavy precipitation. Does your roof have issues with ponding water.

If you have some water on your roof after a heavy rain for instance but the water is gone in a couple of days your roof is doing just fine. However when your flat roof has uneven areas due to sagging an insufficient slope or drainage issues the ponding water doesn t dissipate. Managing ponding water is essential to properly maintaining a roof. Air conditioning units skylights or vents placed around the flat roof may stop the intended flow of water and cause pooling or ponding in their vicinity.

To divert water away. The problem is when the water sticks. Ponding water can have major negative consequences regardless of the type of roofing system.