How A Commercial Roofer May Fix Your Flat Roof That Has A Problem With Standing Water

Standing water on your flat roof can be a serious problem that leads to a roof leak and water damage. When your commercial roofer checks your roof during a maintenance call, they'll look for signs of standing water and take steps to fix the problem. Here's why water on your roof is not a good situation and the repairs that might be needed.

Why You Don't Want Water Pooling On Your Roof

Water can speed up the deterioration of membrane roofing, plus it can affect the cover boards and other materials underneath the membrane. Standing water can also allow plants to start growing on your roof. Plant roots can cause further destruction and attract pests. In the winter, ponding water can freeze, and the ice can cause damage too. You want your roof to last as long as possible, so fixing a ponding water problem is important.

How Your Roofer May Fix A Ponding Water Issue

The problem could be with your roof drain. Water rolls toward a drain, but if the drain is clogged, water puddles up around the drain. The roofer may need to unclog leaves, twigs, and other debris to get the roof drain flowing again. Another thing that might cause water to have difficulty draining is when obstructions are in the way, such as a skylight. Your commercial roofer can fix this problem by installing crickets or diverters that channel water away from the obstruction to an area where it can drain freely.

When commercial roofers initially install membrane roofing, they put down insulation boards under the membrane. Some of the boards are shaped to create slopes so rain flow can be controlled on the roof. Your roofer might need to replace some of these boards to restore the slope on your roof. This would entail pulling up part of the membrane and old boards and replacing them with new materials.

If your roofing membrane is old anyway, the roofer may opt to replace it instead. They can put down new insulation boards and ensure the slope is proper and then install new roofing over it. The approach your roofer takes to making the repairs depends on whether the ponding water is localized or widespread and whether it's near time to replace the membrane.

One thing that can cause the insulation boards to lose their shape is when heavy equipment is placed on the membrane or when there is a lot of foot traffic on your roof. After repairs or the roof replacement is done, you may want your roofer to put down walking mats so your roof has protection from contractors and employees walking on the membrane and insulation.

If there is standing water on your roof, reach out to a commercial roofer in your area. 


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