Tips to Prevent Water from Ponding on Your Roof
Natural ponds can be a thing of beauty. People are drawn to them for recreational purposes, relaxation, and to view wildlife. A pond, however, is not something you want to see on top of a commercial roof. Ponding on a roof typically occurs because water is not draining properly. Eliminating this issue is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your roof system structure, extending its lifespan, and preventing a potential emergency roofing repair.
Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to prevent water from collecting on your commercial roof. A facility manager should review the following checklist regularly to prevent roof ponding.
Proper Roof Design
The first step in preventing water from ponding on your commercial roof is a proper roof design. There are many different commercial building roof types such as single-ply, spray foam, metal, and shingle. For proper drainage to be achieved, a flat or sloped roof must have the proper drainage system installed by a professional commercial roofing contractor. This will ensure your roof has adequate slope and/or drainage systems in place to facilitate positive water runoff. The slope of your roof should also be designed so it meets local building codes and standards.
Clear Drains and Gutters
Throughout the year, many items can collect on top of a commercial roof as a result of storms and strong winds. Once anything falls onto a roof, it will stay there until it is removed and often this debris is not visible from the ground. As a result, you need to climb on top of your commercial roof regularly to conduct visual inspections to ensure the gutters and drains are clear of debris such as leaves, branches, and dirt that can obstruct the flow of water. These areas should also be cleaned regularly to ensure proper drainage.
Ice Dam Formation Prevention
In colder climates, inadequate drainage can contribute to the formation of ice dams which occur when melted snow re-freezes near the roof’s edge, forming a barrier that prevents proper drainage. The trapped water can seep into the roofing system causing leaks, water damage, and even compromising a building’s insulation. Adequate drainage helps mitigate the formation of ice dams by facilitating the proper flow of water off the roof.
Good Roof Drains
If you don’t currently have roof drains, you should consider having them installed as soon as possible as they help to strategically channel water off a roof. It is essential the drains are installed correctly by a professional and are inspected regularly to prevent clogging.
Appropriate Roof Coating
Many people are surprised to learn that a roof coating can assist with water drainage! Consider applying reflective roof coatings or membranes that can help improve water runoff and protect your roof from UV damage and other environmental factors. Hire a professional commercial roof coating company to assist with this effort.
Energy Efficiency
Proper insulation can help prevent ice dams and reduce the risk of ponding by maintaining more consistent temperatures across a roof’s surface. Standing water on a roof can negatively impact the insulation properties of a building. When water accumulates, it can create thermal bridges that allow heat to escape or enter the building more easily. Effective drainage helps to maintain the insulation’s effectiveness, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs.
Roof Maintenance
Implementing a regular commercial roof maintenance schedule is critical to ensure that your roof system functions properly. In addition to checking for low points where water can pond a regular roof inspection should include:
- Checking for loose rivets, bolts, and other components
- Examining seams and cracks for leaks
- Surveying the entire roofing system to detect signs of movement
- Checking other components, such as rooftop units and drainage systems, for signs of issues
- Removing potentially damaging debris.
If you don’t have a member on staff trained in conducting roofing inspections or if you are unsure about the best approach for preventing roof ponding, you should consult with a roofing professional. Capital Roof Care specializes in conducting industrial roof inspections for all types of commercial roofs and can provide a roof care service plan to protect your investment. By taking these preventive measures, you can help minimize the risk of roof ponding and ensure the longevity and performance of your commercial roof.