Water Pooling on Your Roof: What It Means, and What to Do

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Water Pooling on Your Roof: What It Means, and What to Do

​When you have a flat roof, you’re probably going to see puddles and pools of water on your roof from rain or melting snow. Any homeowner might find themselves alarmed by the possibility of water damage and leaks. Water damage is one of the major hazards of homeownership.

​Pooling water can range from nothing to worry about to an urgent concern. Here are some tips to assess the severity of water pooling, mitigate issues, and determine if repairs are necessary for your roof.

Should You Be Worried about Water on your Flat Roof?

Puddles on your flat roof aren’t necessarily a cause for alarm. The point where you should be concerned is 48 hours after rain or snowfall. If the puddles haven’t evaporated after two days of dry conditions, it means that too much water is accumulating and there is a serious issue that you need to rectify immediately.

​Pooling water can collect dirt, insects, mold, and even vegetation, all of which can compromise the integrity of your home. Excessive moisture can also do significant damage to your roof. Photo-oxidation can prematurely deteriorate the membrane, flashing, and coating of your roof, and adhesives may dissolve under excessive moisture. Puddles can even act as a magnifying glass, increasing the damage of ultraviolet light to that portion of your roof.

If left untreated, pooling water can reduce the longevity of your roof or damage your home.

Maintenance Steps

​In a lot of cases, pooling can be resolved through effective upkeep and maintenance. The most common cause of pooling is an issue with drainage. Check all of your gutters and roof drains for blockages like leaves, debris, or sediment. You can clear on your own with a pressure washer, or with the assistance of a professional.

Fixing the Roof

​If you’re not finding any blockages, that means the issue is with the roof itself.

The first possibility is a sag or low spot within the roof. Over time, dips can appear within the structure of your roof, preventing water from draining properly. Luckily, a professional can resolve these using roofing plaster, quickly patching low spots.

Another cause may be lack of drainage. If your home is exposed to a lot of rainfall, it may need extra drains. You can also improve the ones you have already, adding wider entry points to increase their capacity.

​Ultimately, the issue may come down to the pitching of your roof. Flat roofs come with a subtle slope, and these can be compromised by wear and tear or improper installation. If this is the case, you’re looking at a considerable roofing project, and will need the guidance of a professional contractor.

Finally, you should check your roof for any points that feel spongy, or easier to push down. If you catch any, that means that water damage has already taken its toll, and you’ll need to ask a professional to assess whether you need a major overhaul of the structure.

If you’re concerned about water pooling on your roof, we can assess and implement the maintenance or repairs necessary to protect your home. Contact us to begin discussing your roofing options today.