On a performing flat roof ponding water is not a problem as it will drain or even evaporate away.
Ponding water on roof.
The asphalt roofing manufacturers association is joined by many reputable organizations such as the national roofing contractors association the midwest.
The adverse effects of ponding water on roofs can include.
Ponding occurs when after a storm or heavy rain water collects in pools on the roof.
Reduce the longevity of the roof increase exposure of the ponding area to damaging ultraviolet rays collect dirt lead to faster deterioration of the roof s coatings and materials encourage growth of vegetation such as moss algae and plants lead to a leaking.
Determining the root cause of ponding water regardless of the formula roof coatings should never be an excuse to ignore ponding water issues.
However when your flat roof has uneven areas due to sagging an insufficient slope or drainage issues the ponding water doesn t dissipate.
Ponding water can substantially increase the load on roof decks.
Flat roofs by their very nature will collect some water when it rains.
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.
Ponding or standing water is where the water collects on the roof and has not drained within a couple of days.
Ice formations develop and move constantly with changes in temperature.
After any rainfall lands on a flat roof water will begin to pool.
Every roof needs positive drainage which means water should flow off the roof within 48 hours.
This is a particular concern for older built up and modified roofs.
Collecting dark colored.
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.
Ponding water is defined as water which remains on a roof 48 hours or longer.
It may also void your warranty.
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.
So if your flat roof is collecting water that doesn t drain or evaporate within 48 hours you will need to fix it.
Roofs should be constructed in such a way that all water drains within 48 hours of the rain stopping.
How to fix ponding on a flat roof depends on the cause of the ponding.
Damage to the roof surface.
However excessive ponding threatens your roof.
The ponding or standing water can.
On modern white roofs the water focuses the sunlight that passes through it like a prism.
Deformation of the deck structure.
If the water does not drain within a 48 hour period it is highly likely that it will stay even longer and there will be a larger amount of water standing.
Degrading the roofing material itself.