Causes and Risks of Standing Water on Commercial Roofing

Flat roofing offers many advantages for commercial facilities. In addition to being a cost-effective roofing option, flat roofs are also relatively low maintenance while providing plenty of space for utility equipment. Although flat roofing is often the right choice for commercial buildings, it does have one potential downside: standing water.

Of course, flat roofing is not genuinely flat. Instead, this style of roof uses a low-angle slope to provide drainage. Proper slope and drainage should prevent standing water on any flat roof, but this may not always be the case.

What's the Source of Standing Water?

Standing water on a flat roof can have several potential underlying causes, from structural damage to debris accumulation. Simple drainage problems are a likely source of standing water on any roof. After a storm or a windy day, leaves or other pieces of debris can clog drainpipes or gutters.

If there are no evident issues with your existing drains, then the source of the standing water may be more severe. An improper pitch, low spots, compressed insulation, and poor drainage design can all leave water sitting on your roof.

Why Should You Take Action?

Standing water presents three significant hazards for any roof: water weight, potential leaks, and material degradation.

If enough water pools on your roof, the weight of the water can damage the underlying structure or even lead to a collapse. More common issues include leaks and degradation of the upper layer of the roof.

How Can You Address Standing Water?

Once you've identified a problem, a professional can inspect your roof and help you to discover the cause. Depending on the severity of the problem, additional repair options include adding more drainage, leveling the roof with plaster, or adjusting the pitch of the entire roof.

If you have standing water issues with your commercial flat roof, then Econo Roofing can help you determine the most cost-effective solution to keep your roof dry.