Durable and low-maintenance, flat roofs appear on numerous commercial buildings. Unfortunately, because this type of roofing has such a small incline, rainwater can easily collect on it instead of draining off to the gutters. This issue, called ponding, poses a variety of risks to a building. Learn more about the problem, including how to identify and treat it, below. 

Risks

Because pooling water erodes materials and coatings, it often reduces a roof’s life span. It also attracts insects, mold, and dirt and makes the roof more hospitable to algae, moss, and other vegetation. Moreover, when forced to hold the weight of ponding water, a flat roof faces an increased risk of leaking, sagging, and even collapsing. 

How to Identify It 

To protect your roof from the dangers of ponding, inspect it for puddles after every heavy rainfall. Also, keep an eye out for concentric circles, which puddles may leave after evaporating, as well as low spots. Leaves and dirt often collect in low spots. 

Even if your roof looks fine, check for signs of ponding and low spots inside your building. The most common symptoms are moldy smells and a stained or sagging ceiling. If you notice any signs inside or outside, call a roofing contractor to diagnose and treat the issue. 

Solutions

Depending on the state of your roof and the source of the ponding, your contractor will recommend one of the following solutions:

• Unclogging Drains & Gutters: Cleaning out your drains, gutters, and downspouts may solve ponding by ensuring that water can easily flow off your roof. 
• Filling Low Spots: If low spots caused the ponding, your roofing contractor can fill them in with plaster, so water can no longer settle inside them.
• Adding or Widening Drains: Some flat roofs need wider or more drains to remove all of the water they receive.
• Repitching: A roof that isn’t pitched properly will have a poor slope that can’t adequately facilitate drainage. If your contractor determines that your roof has poor pitching, they’ll repitch it to prevent ponding. 

Concerned about ponding? Turn to the team at Surface Shield Roofing Co. Based in Honolulu, HI, these roofing contractors have over a decade of experience installing and repairing commercial and residential roofs. They also offer protective coatings, including waterproofing, to keep your roof in top-notch condition. To learn more about how they can revitalize your building, visit them online or call (808) 739-9599.