Here at Enviroply Roofing, we are industry leading roofing experts. We provide a variety of top quality roofing services and installations to companies and businesses across the North West. This includes finding solutions to ponding problems for flat roofs. But what is ponding on a flat roof? And what kind of issues can it cause?
What is ponding?
Rainwater on a roof should be directed towards the gutters and pipes, to carry the water away from the roof. However, this isn’t the case for all flat roofs. As a result, water can end up building up on your roof, causing small bodies of rainwater to become an almost permanent feature. This is known as ponding, and it can bring a range of potential problems.
Ponding is caused by a range of factors, including:
- an insufficient slope
- a sagging roof deck
- lack of drains
- blocked drains
Ponding problems for flat roofs
So what are the problems associated with ponding on a flat roof? Well, there are many, including:
- Creating a permanently damp environment which is perfect for moss. A wet moss build up on your roof will make it dangerously slippy and hazardous, so if you regularly access your flat roof, you could be at risk.
- Water can freeze in winter and present a safety hazard. The ice can cause further unnecessary stress on the roof structure, leading to sagging and then consequently, more ponding. As a result, your ponding issue will just get worse!
- Standing water forms a reservoir on your roof. And this means that should your roof be damaged or split, even more water will enter your property, causing even more damage. This wouldn’t be the case if your roof was not collecting water.
- Enough standing water on your roof will provide suitable breeding areas for insects such as midges. These can cause an issue for employees and customers outside your business.
- The water itself can end up causing issues with the roof structure, as it struggles to cope with the additional weight. In fact, in some cases the roof itself may well collapse.
- Leaks can develop at the overlapping seams, as enough water can cause the membrane to lose it’s seal. This can cause many issues inside your property.
- Water on the roof will collect all the loose debris and litter, and this will then become clogged in your drains and pipes, making the ponding problem even worse.
- The material used to seal flashings on a roof are mostly tar-based products. This means that over time, and with the added water, the seals will deteriorate.
Tapered Insulation for drainage
One of the most effective ways to create a flat roof that will not encourage ponding, is to use tapered insulation. This works by providing a gradual low slope to the roof surface, allowing the water to move with gravity. Tapered insulation can be used with single ply membranes for refurbishments and new builds alike, and can be the perfect solution for roofs with ponding issues.
For more information or for advice about your own roof, get in touch with the experts today, here at Enviroply Roofing.