Preventing Ponding Water

Commercial buildings have roofs that appear flat but actually slope. They are usually a 1:12 to 2:12 pitch. Because it must be able shed water after a storm, a roof cannot be flat. Your commercial roof’s drainage system will keep your building watertight.

What Is Ponding?

After a rainstorm, the water should drain from your roof in one to two days. You could have problems if your roof has ponding water or pools of water after a few days. Having water on your roof can cause mold growth and eventually lead to roofing system degradation.

Standing water can also cause weight problems. Water can be very heavy and cause roof collapse.

Commercial Roof Drains

There are many types of drains you can install on your roof. You will find the typical roof drain installed at low points of your roof. If your parapet walls are thick, there may be thru-wall scuppers to direct water away from your building into a downspout.

Drains are located at low points on your roof so leaves and other debris could be carried in the water while it attempts to leave the roof. Although most drains are covered to keep debris from clogging, if the cover is not maintained, debris can build up around drains and block the water’s exit, creating a problem with ponding water.

Keep Your Drains Clear

In order to prevent water from ponding on your roof, it’s a good idea for your roof drains to be inspected in the fall and spring. Many manufacturers require that your warranty be maintained and inspected on a regular basis. Failure on commercial roofs can be caused by lack of maintenance.

Rain and water are essential for our health, but improperly managed and drained can cause damage to commercial buildings. Contact KCG Roofing if you believe that water is not draining properly from your roof.

This post was written by a roofing professional at KCG Roofing. KCG Roofing is a premier roofing contractor in Florida! KCG Roofing has the experience and expertise to replace or repair your roof with quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. All our roofs are backed by a 15-year leak-free guarantee, the highest in the industry. We have been family-owned and operated for over 40 years.