When your commercial flat roof works properly, the slope in it causes it to drain properly after a heavy rain. But if you find water on your roof 2 days or more after a storm, you’re dealing with the costly problem of ponding water.
If your commercial roof was either poorly designed or incorrectly installed, ponding water can result. Severe storms can also impact a good commercial roof so much that they create ponding water on your roof. If water sits on your roof too long, it can decrease the effectiveness of your roofing system and cause it to fail.
The Negative Effects of Ponding Water
Ponding water can have serious consequences on a commercial roof.
1. Decreases roof longevity
Ponding water can shorten your commercial roof’s lifespan, creating the need for you to invest in a new roof earlier than planned.
2. Breaks down your roof coating
The longer water sits on your roof, the more it impacts the stability of your roof coating. When the hot sun beats down on ponding water, even more harm results.
3. Damages your membrane seams
When water pools, your flat roof’s membrane seams can deteriorate. When ponding water is heated up repeatedly, roof leaks result.
4. Adds weight to your roof
When the weight of ponding water is added to your roof, it can cause a damaging depression.
5. Creates the environment for things to grow
Weeds, algae, and other organisms can thrive when water ponds on your roof.
6. Invites pests to your building—inside and out
Insects and birds may invade not only your roof, but also your building as a result of ponding water.
7. Results in ice damage
In the winter when ponding water is a problem, ice damage can result, causing your roofing material to deteriorate.
How to Spot Signs of Roof Damage
With some knowledge of what to look for after a storm, you can spot signs of roof damage.
Ponding water
After heavy rains, if you see puddles of water on your flat roof, it’s likely your roof drainage system has failed. Call a professional roofing company to minimize potential damage.
Water spots
If you look on the top floor of your commercial building and see water spots on the ceiling, you likely have a leaking roof and you should have your roof inspected.
Mold
If your commercial building smells, it may be the result of water infiltrating your roofing system. Mold isn’t healthy to breathe and needs to be dealt with promptly.
Cracks
If you notice cracks in your commercial roofing, serious damage can occur. Contact a roofing company to minimize damage.
Ripped Roof Membrane
If your EPDM rubber roof is noticeably ripping, its watertight seal is broken and your building’s protection from leaks is compromised. When a flat roof membrane rips, call a roofing contractor promptly to minimize damage.
Loose Roof Fasteners
If you observe bumps on your flat roof membrane, your roof fasteners are loose.
Damaged flashing
Without flashing to cover your commercial flat roofing’s seams, they can become vulnerable to water infiltration. If your flashing gets loose, water can penetrate your roof seams. If you spot this type of problem early on, it’s a minor repair. If you don’t see it until it has been going on for a period of time, it becomes a major repair.
Loose EPDM Membrane
If your EPDM flat roof membrane is not attached like it should be, your roof is not protecting your building like it should be. If you catch this situation early on, the solution is a simple roof repair. If a loose EPDM membrane goes unnoticed, it can cause a lot of damage and cost you in major repairs.
Roof leaks
If water is pouring into your commercial property during or after a storm, you have a roof leak that needs immediate attention from a roofing company.
Promptly Repair Damage from Ponding Water on Your Flat Commercial Roofing
If you’re a property or business owner experiencing problems with your flat roof, contact a roofing company promptly to resolve the problem.
Replace Your Commercial Roof with a Durable TPO Roof
If your commercial roofing is too worn out to be repaired, Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing is a good replacement solution. This popular single-ply roofing membrane is used on commercial roofing surfaces, and is the top choice for your roofing replacement needs. It gives you dependable protection for the protection of your building and your business.
GAF has one of the best roofing systems for your commercial needs. GAF TPO commercial roof replacement lasts up to 25 years, improves energy efficiency, is cost-effective, and is available in light gray, white, or black.
Hire a Top Certified Roofing Company in Kansas City
At Christian Brothers Roofing, we not only install your commercial roofing with precision, we also offer a maintenance program to protect your warranty with regular inspections. Benefits of a maintenance plan include:
- Ensure your commercial roof performs at its best by scheduling inspections to target small damage so it won’t get more costly.
- Boost the durability of your commercial roof with a maintenance plan that includes cleaning, clearing away debris, and checking for waterproofing and drainage to ensure your roof’s longevity.
- Stay on top of today’s maintenance needs, and keep an eye out for your need for a new roof in the future so you can plan ahead for roof replacement.
Get the best roofing company in Kansas City by looking carefully at reviews, references, and roofing installations completed by at least three different roofing companies in the area.
At Christian Brothers Roofing, we provide award-winning roof installation and customer service. Learn more about commercial roof replacement, and contact us for answers to any questions you have about top performing TPO roofing from GAF.
