Ponding is the phenomenon of water pooling on flat roofs after storms snow melts or heavy rains.
Ponding water on flat roof.
Flat roofs by their very nature will collect some water when it rains.
Roofs should be constructed in such a way that all water drains within 48 hours of the rain stopping.
Puddles or ponding water is water from rainstorms and snow melts that collects on a flat roof and doesn t drain or evaporate after 48 hours.
However excessive ponding threatens your roof.
However when your flat roof has uneven areas due to sagging an insufficient slope or drainage issues the ponding water doesn t dissipate.
This is especially prevalent after a lot of rainstorms.
After any rainfall lands on a flat roof water will begin to pool.
Most pools of water will quickly drain off or even evaporate but owners should be aware of the signs that ponding has become an issue.
The water pools after days or hours of steady precipitation due to a variety of causes such as a clogged drain or structural issues that inhibit drainage.
When can it damage the roof.
No matter the reason for the ponding a professional roofing contractor will be able to help you fix the problem.
Pools should drain away without causing any damage to the structure but owners and managers should know when to take action how to identify the cause of the ponding and how to resolve it.
Common problems caused by flat roof ponding.
Ponding water is known in the roofing community as water that stands in a puddle on the roof for more than 48 hours at a time.
3 use the utility knife to cut a 12 inch diameter circular patch out of the rolled asphalt roofing.
It may also void your warranty.
Why should you be concerned about ponding water.
The water may seep into the roofing material and cause damage inside cause.
This is because the flat roof can hinder drainage from rainwater which results in standing water on the roof.
On a performing flat roof ponding water is not a problem as it will drain or even evaporate away.
Ponding water might not be an immediate threat but if it is allowed to persist over time that water can begin to wear on the roofing membrane.
Your flat roof might also have drains which have become blocked by debris meaning that the water has no choice but to accumulate on the roof.
Ponding occurs when after a storm or heavy rain water collects in pools on the roof.
Dry the puddled water with old rags or towels and allow the roof exterior to completely air dry.
Ponding can wreak havoc on your roof if you ignore it.