Solutions to Flat Roof Problems

Installing roof crickets often solves the problem of water ponding near chimneys and large vents.

Water ponding can be a problem for commercial flat roofs. Standing water attracts insects, leads to mold and algae growth, and creates interior leaks. In addition, it can accelerate the deterioration of the roofing materials, reducing the roof’s longevity. Ponding can also invalidate roofing warranties and compromise a building’s structural integrity.

Commercial property owners whose building has a flat roof may face various challenges, from preventing water damage during the rainy season to heat loss during the winter. Fortunately, professional roofing contractors have workable solutions for eliminating or preventing heat loss and water pooling on commercial flat roofs. There are various flat roof coverings available, including membrane roofs. Additionally, more commercial clients are opting to install a taper system.

Following is a look at the most common commercial roofing concerns and how a property owner might want to consider resolving them.

Fix low spots

Despite the common perception to the contrary, commercial flat roofs aren’t completely flat. Instead, they have subtle slopes to facilitate drainage. If a flat roof has low spots, water ponding can quickly occur. During the wettest seasons, water pools on the roof and can significantly damage a building. In summer, puddles of standing water act as breeding grounds for mosquitos and other harmful pests.

A professional roofing contractor can fill low areas with roof plaster to better direct water toward drains.

Flush existing drains

Just like the drains in a home, debris can clog the drains on commercial roofs. In some cases, a severe clog can lead to standing water. However, frequently removing leaves, sticks, and other rooftop debris from the drainage system is sufficient to allow rain and melting snow to flow away as they should.

Add more drain lines

Flat roofs in areas with high precipitation often need additional drains, which the building owner may only realize once water ponding becomes a problem after a heavy storm. Professional roofing contractors can install extra drain lines or widen the existing drains to direct water away from the rooftop.

Install roof crickets

Installing roof crickets often solves the problem of water ponding near chimneys and large vents. Crickets are rigid structures that divert rainwater and melted snow around roofing obstructions. Adding crickets can also help when standing water is associated with a transition between roof areas.

Taper the roof

Any commercial property with a flat or dead-level roof can use a taper roofing system. These can be used on new construction or during a re-roofing process. Installing a taper system will help moisture drain properly from the roof.

Energy benefits of commercial tapered roofing include additional insulation to the roof, directly affecting a property owner’s energy costs by eliminating the amount of energy that escapes. Increasing insulation lowers winter heating bills and decreases the cost of air conditioning and climate control in the summer.

While commercial taper systems vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, they have essential similarities. Tapered insulated panels are placed beneath the membrane or final roofing solution to create slopes in the roof. Design plays a vital role in the process of adding a taper system. There are numerous potential slope designs. The one used should consider a building’s layout, factors such as skylights and HVAC units, drainage locations, and the specific concerns the property owner is trying to address.

Re-pitch the roof

With some commercial roofs, the pitch was improperly designed or installed the first time. Without adequate sloping, water can’t drain, and pooling is likely to occur. Though the process is complicated and can be costly, re-pitching a flat roof is sometimes the only way to solve a ponding problem.

For commercial building owners who have noticed standing water on the building’s roof, hire a commercial roofing specialist to help determine the cause and advise the best solutions. A professional roofing company should install a commercial taper or pitched roof system, as proper installation is essential to the system’s success and avoiding future roof problems.

Commercial property owners looking for a cost-effective way to avoid the problems associated with a flat roof should contact a professional commercial roofing contractor for information and solutions.

Roof X Inc. offers commercial and residential roofing for customers in Brandon, Pensacola, Tampa, and surrounding areas. We install and repair metal, tile, shingle, TPO, and more. Gutters, ventilation, and insulation are also available. Family-owned-and-operated