Repairing Ponding Water on the Roof

What is Roof Ponding?

Ponding happens when water accumulates on flat roofs after heavy rains, storms, or snowmelt, but do you know the types of damage that it can cause when left unattended?

No roofing system is designed to hold water. Even “flat” roofs are built with a slight slope to maintain constant drainage. Water accumulation is typically a sign of a drainage problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible because if neglected, water accumulation on a roof can:

• Act as a magnifying glass on the surface under the pond, which increases the damaging UV exposure of that roof area.
• Cause premature deterioration of the roof membrane, flashings and coatings due to photo-oxidation.
• Generate dirt accumulation and build-up, which may favor the growth of vegetation or leave mud piles cracking on the roof.
• Challenge the adhesives used to do field-fabricated single-ply laps, compromising the roof integrity.

Fixing Common Roof Ponding Problems

Low Spots Caused by Crushed Insulation

Have a qualified roofer replace the crushed insulation below the pond as quickly as possible. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, monitor the liquid behavior. If the water simply moves to another location, this is a symptom of a more significant problem with the roof’s drainage, which may require a more complicated solution.

Major Structural Problems

When there are structural irregularities, the best way to determine the scope of this type of problem is to hire an experienced professional roof company in Colorado.

Unprotected Skylights or Roof Top Units

An easy and economical fix for this issue is to install crickets around RTUs and skylights. These are triangles of tapered insulation that divert the flow of water around.

Improperly Installed Scuppers or Drains

When fixing ponds of water near drains and scuppers, you have two options. You can install tapered insulation to redirect the drainage. Or, lower the insulation leading to the drains or scuppers, by cutting away some of the material to prompt water to move to the exit. Another scenario involves plumbing-related issues when the drains are not set at the correct height in the first place.

If you have noticed a ponding water problem in your roof, reach out the experts at Horn Roofing Brothers. We can help you assess the issue and repair your roof in no time. Call us at (303) 274-1111.