The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.
Lori Silva
Any roof will eventually begin to leak, including flat roofs. However, a flat roof can come with it's own unique problems. With a sloped roof, the moisture naturally travels down the slope of the roof through the power of gravity. However, with a flat roof, you will need your roof to have a slight pitch so that it doesn't develop an issue with standing water.
The Problem with Standing Water
A flat roof develops standing water when there is standing water on the roof and it doesn't have anywhere to go. Under these circumstances, the water that has accumulated on the roof will eventually damage it and cause holes to form that allow water to seep through your roof. Your roof will need to be designed properly and well-maintained to prevent this from happening.
Your Roof Needs a Pitch
To prevent standing water on your flat roof, it will need a pitch. Even flat roofs need to have a slight decline so that the water can travel to a nearby drain. This is especially true if your property exists in a climate that has a lot of rainfall.
Problems Caused By Standing Water
If there is a problem with your roof, such as if the roof is damaged and uneven, the water might not travel to the drain and might instead accumulate at a specific location on your roof and cause damage over time.
Another problem is when the drain has become clogged. This could be a result of the drain not being designed properly or it could be the result of poor roof maintenance. Ponding water is always a problem for a flat roof and needs to be addressed even if your roof is not leaking. Standing water can be a sign that there are structural problems with your roof and the weight of the standing water will only make the problem worse over time.
How to Prevent Ponds on Your Roof
To prevent these problems, it's important to consult with a roofer who specializes in flat roofs. These professionals will be able to install a roof that will be unlikely to develop an issue with ponding water and will also be water-resistant.
In addition to hiring an experienced flat roof installation specialist, you will also need flat roof experts to inspect your roof on a regular basis to make sure that no cracks have formed and to perform repairs when necessary and clean out clogged drains. A company like Commercial Solutions, Inc. has more information.