Is Standing Water on a Flat Roof a Problem?

If you can easily climb onto your flat roof and look at it, do you notice ponding water? Is standing water on a flat roof a problem? The truth is water pooling on a flat roof can indicate problems with the roofing materials that can lead to structural issues over time.

In the paragraphs below, flat roofing contractors in Falls Church, VA, from Low Cost Roofing, LLC., explain what to look for on a flat roof after heavy rain, identifying structural issues causing the ponding water, and when to hire a professional roofer for flat roof issues.

When is Ponding Water a Problem?

When water remains on your roof two days or longer after heavy rain, it can affect the structural integrity and reduce the expected lifespan of your roof. While a single instance of ponding water may not threaten your roof, recurring instances of water pooling for long periods can lead to deterioration of the roofing materials and cause leaks.

Other issues include your roof becoming a mosquito breeding pool or nesting ground for other pests. Standing water can grow mold and mildew, which could penetrate through your roof into your home or business and cause health problems for your family, employees, or customers.

What Does Pooling Water Indicate Could Be Wrong on a Flat Roof?

Water pooling on a flat roof could indicate any of a few key problems, including:

• Blocked drainage system. Flat roofs have built-in drainage systems that occasionally require clearing of debris like leaves, pine needles, moss, and other blockages.
• Poor design or installation. If the roof doesn’t have the appropriate drain points or slope at installation, heavy rain could lead to water pooling every time due to structural issues in the design.
• Compression in insulation layers. Over time and heavy use, the insulation layers of your flat roof can form depressions that collect standing water, such as near rooftop HVAC units or other equipment.

Hire a Professional Roofer to Fix Structural Issues Causing Ponding Water

A professional roofer can inspect your entire flat roof system to determine why water is pooling on your roof and write an estimate to correct any issues, including:

• Clearing the drainage system of debris or blockages
• Fixing installation or design problems
• Correcting the slope of the roof
• Fixing low points on the roof
• Replacing affected materials from the standing water

You need a trained eye to inspect your flat roof and all its connected systems to determine the cause and best course of action to address standing water.

Contact Low Cost Roofing in Falls Church, VA, for Issues with Your Flat Roof

So is standing water on a flat roof a problem? Yes. If you have standing water on your flat roof in Falls Church, VA, call Low Cost Roofing, LLC. They serve residential and commercial properties as members of the National Roofing Contractors Association.