The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
Are you concerned about increased vegetation on the roof? Ponding water combined with the dust that collects on the roof usually provides growing space for such organic growth, including mold. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent this from happening, and they can be implemented relatively easily, depending on the type of roof you have. Here are five common causes of ponding water on commercial roofs and how to fix them!
1. Poor Roof Design
Poor roof design is a common cause of ponding water, but it's easily fixable. Have your commercial roof contractor review your design plans and make adjustments if needed. Then have them add insulation, flashing, and drainage over areas with heavy water collection. In some cases, the roofer may recommend replacing a roof section.
2. Aging Roof and Foundation Settling
Over time, a commercial roof may start to sag as its supports settle and weaken. In addition, the weight of snow or rain water falling onto a sagging roof can cause leaking.
These situations require professional attention and repairs, usually done by an experienced commercial roofing contractor. The contractor will compensate for the settling in other ways of raising the level.
3. Poor Drainage Design on a Flat Roof
One of the most common causes of ponding water is poor drainage design. This becomes more apparent on a flat roof. When the drainage is poor, water can't drain into gutters and downspouts as it does with steeply pitched roofs; instead, it pools into stagnant puddles that overflow onto your commercial building's walls, windows, and doors. The remedy is to relook at commercial roofing design to improve water drainage.
4. Unevenness From Heavy Objects
When commercial HVAC units are improperly installed, they can cause drainage problems when uneven weight pushes against a layer of water trapped between two shingles. If left unaddressed, these sections will separate over time and eventually cause leaking around vents and other components that pass through roofs. Be sure you talk with your commercial roofing contractor about removing any unnecessary items from your roof and get them properly installed!
5. Wear and Tear of the Roof Membrane
Ponding water occurs when a roof membrane is damaged by wear and tear over time. Wear and tear may be particularly problematic in older buildings, where a roof membrane may have experienced years of exposure to extreme weather conditions, including high winds, snow loads, and scorching sun. Periodic maintenance checks can help you spot roof damage and repair it before ponding water becomes an issue.
Ponding water on the roof can cause roof deterioration to the point you are forced to incur high costs to replace the roof. So, you should take quick action when you notice any ponds. Call a commercial roofing contractor to remedy the problem ASAP.