The design of a flat roof can sometimes prevent rain and precipitation water from draining properly, making standing water a common problem. There can be a host of reasons why ponds of water may appear on your roof after bouts of rain, so it’s important to know what remedial action to take if your property is suffering. This article will explain the consequences of your flat roof collecting standing water, so you know what signs to look out for to catch the problem before it escalates.
What is standing water?
Standing water is typically defined as a collection of water on a roof which hasn’t drained within 48 hours after rainfall. If this is the case, there is a high chance that the ponding water will stay on the roof for a long period of time, causing the collection of water to become bigger. As a result, this can lead to roof repairs or an entire roof replacement to rectify the problem.
There can be several reasons why standing water may collect on your roof, such as:
- The roof has not been pitched correctly
- There are blockages in the drains or guttering
- Excess roofing material has been used on the roof edge
What are the effects of my flat roof collecting standing water?
While it may seem relatively harmless, ponding water on the roof can indicate a problem with draining which, in turn, can have major, costly consequences. Standing water on a flat roof could cause:
- The roof starts to sag
- Increased leaks
- Plants and moss start growing
- Roofing materials deteriorate much faster in the water
What action can I take if my flat roof is suffering from standing water?
The first step is to clearly identify where the standing water is located on your roof and what may be stopping it from draining properly. Start by checking the gutters for any buildup of debris which could be preventing the water from draining. If there are signs of blockages, your gutters will need to be cleaned out thoroughly to correct the water flow in your guttering system. Any debris or loose granules blocking the drainage system in your roof can be simply cleaned and removed using a ladder and a power washer.
If your roof is experiencing pitching issues which has caused ponding water, there are a variety of methods which can help rectify the problem. These include:
- Fitting additional drains
- Widening your existing drains
- Adding a sloping material to redirect ponding water in the corner of the roof back towards the drain
Before undertaking any remedial work or repairs yourself, you must first consult with a professional to ensure you are taking the right course of action. Safety is paramount when carrying out roofing inspections and repairs, so hiring the expertise of a professional will ensure all work is handled safely and efficiently with minimal disruption to daily operations.
Here at Morgan Asphalte, we offer a thorough roofing repairs service to ensure a fully functional, safe roof for many years to come. No matter how large or small the problem, we have the skills and equipment to carry out roofing repairs to the highest possible standard. We offer a comprehensive service which covers a variety of faults and issues to help save you a great deal of hassle and money in the long run. So if the roof of your commercial or private property requires small or large scale roofing repairs, simply contact our expert team today for further information or to organise a free, no obligation quote.