Why Is Water Ponding On Your Roof?
If you have a flat roof on your home, then it can't deal with water the same way as it would if it were pitched. Water runs naturally down a sloped pitch but has nowhere to go if the surface is flat.
So, flat roofs have special drainage systems to deal with water. Some have a slight slope; others have specialist drains or spouts. All being well, these systems enable water to run off the roof. However, sometimes you can see pools of water on a flat roof that shouldn't be there.
Why does this happen?
Drainage Problems
If your flat roof has roof drains or collection spouts that take water off the roof into your guttering or drains, then these devices should prevent water from pooling. When water hits the roof's surface, it should automatically run down through these access points and drain away.
Sometimes, these devices develop problems that stop them from working effectively or at all. For example, if the cover breaks on a roof drain, then leaves could fall inside. If they don't move through the pipes, they'll block the drain.
When it rains, some of the water may drain away; however, the blockage might prevent all of the water from leaving the roof. Some may stay on there in pools and puddles if it can't run down the drain.
Sagging Issues
Flat roofs work most effectively when they have an even surface. Even if they have a slight pitch, the roof should be flat all over. This facilitates water flow through the drainage system.
However, a flat roof doesn't always stay flat. Sometimes it sags. If a roof has a dip or hollow on it, then water will naturally pool in there. The water can't escape out of the sagging area so it stays where it is.
Some flat roofs sag as they get older. This is a natural process. No roof, pitched or flat, lasts forever. Its materials degrade, and its structure may move or lose some of its strength.
However, sometimes a roof will sag because it develops a specific structural problem. For example, if the roof has a leak, then water might get into the insulation underneath. Wet insulation gets heavier; it might pull the roof down in places. It may also become too compressed to hold its position. So, the roof will sag.
If you see pooled water on your home's roof, then call out a residential roofing specialist. They can take a look at the roof, diagnose the problem, and find a fix for you. Contact a company like Pro Tech Roofing Inc to learn more.
