Another heavy Michigan downpour has blown through town yet again. You step out onto your commercial building’s roof and spot an unwelcome sight: pools of water glistening in the sun, refusing to drain. If you own or manage a building with a flat roof, chances are you have noticed water lingering on your roof after a storm.
Flat roofs, while sleek and functional, are magnets for water buildup, and ignoring it can spell disaster. Whether you’re managing a sprawling warehouse or maintaining a stylish flat-roofed home, pooling water is a problem that demands immediate attention, especially for commercial properties where the stakes are much higher. In this article, we will uncover why flat roofs collect water, the serious consequences of neglect, and practical steps to safely drain and prevent water issues in the future. To ensure your building stays dry and damage-free, keep reading to discover how to protect your investment from water collection with confidence.
Why Flat Roofs Collect Water
The Design: It’s no surprise where the name flat roof comes from, one just has to look at them. Flat roofs are not truly flat but are designed with a slight slope for drainage. Their modern design allows for the practical use of the space, such as room for HVAC systems, solar panels, or rooftop gardens. However, due to debris collection and design flaws, flat roofs can be prone to water ponding.
Below, you will find a list of the most common causes for flat roof water pooling:
Debris: Leaves, dirt, gravel, and other organic debris can accumulate on the roof and cause significant blockage of drains or scuppers, especially on commercial buildings with HVAC units and heavy foot traffic.
Inadequate Drainage System: Proper drainage during construction is vital to prevent structural damage, leaks, and premature roof failure. If a flat roof is not draining properly and lacks a sufficient drainage system (considered a design flaw), water ponding will be a chronic issue.
Aging: Aging buildings tend to create low spots where water can pool. As the flat roof ages, its material can weaken, and the underlying components may settle or deteriorate. These low spots collect water, creating pooling problems that worsen over time if not addressed.
Environmental: Environmental factors like heavy rains, snowmelt, and heavy foliage can overwhelm drainage systems. Here in Traverse City, we get frequent storms with dumping rain and dropping leaves that make environmental concerns a top priority for those with flat roofs.
Consequences of Pooling Water on a Flat Roof
Structural Damage: Serious structural damage can happen if pooling water is allowed to infiltrate the roof surface, causing leaks that harm ceilings, walls, and insulation. Over time, the constant presence of water weakens the roofing membrane and may cause it to crack. On top of that, the added weight of standing water can warp the roof deck and compromise the building’s overall structural integrity.
Interior Issues: If standing water is allowed to infiltrate the interior, commercial buildings, especially, are at risk for damage to inventory, equipment, or tenant spaces.
Mold, Mildew, and Other Health Hazards: Standing water will promote mold and mildew growth, creating health risks and expensive remediation. Pests attracted to water are yet another health risk to worry about. Standing water also creates slip hazards near the drainage overflow points.
Accelerated Roof Deterioration: Roofing materials that are constantly exposed to moisture will break down at a quicker rate than those that drain properly and efficiently. Constant contact with water leads to cracking, blisters, and membrane failure.
Residential vs. Commercial: While both residential and commercial buildings with flat roofs face pooling issues, commercial buildings face more significant issues. Commercial roofs are often much larger, have more equipment on the roof, and experience higher water volumes that amplify problems. Leaks that affect operations or inventory create a significant risk for revenue loss. Besides the loss of revenue and inventory, water exposure can also cost the business its heating and cooling systems.
How To Drain Water From a Flat Roof
Safety First: Commercial roofing contractors are the safest bet for large or commercial roofs. Being OSHA compliant and equipped with the proper safety equipment, such as harnesses, a professional contractor is well-equipped to safely and efficiently remove water from flat roofs. For the DIY drain, make sure to use fall protection, stable ladders, and avoid walking on wet surfaces. Pay attention to the weather and never work during rain, high winds, or icy conditions.
A Simple Step-by-Step Process for Removing Water: Whether you are the owner or property manager of a commercial or residential building, you can use the following process to temporarily clear the water from your flat roof.
Inspection: The first step will be to take a look at your roof after the last rain, look for water pooling, clogged drains, or blockages from debris.
Clear Debris: Using a broom, leaf blower, or gloved hands, clean dirt, gravel, leaves, or any other debris from drains, gutters, and/or scuppers.
Flush: Using a garden hose, run water through cleared drains, scuppers, and gutters, and check the downspouts to ensure proper water flow. For stubborn or hard-to-reach clogs, a plumber’s snake may be used to dislodge the blockage.
Temporary Removal: Temporary measures to be used to remove pooling water that does not drain after the drains are cleared include using a squeegee, water pump, or wicking rope to remove standing water until a more permanent fix can be made.
Commercial Considerations: Once water has been temporarily removed, a more in-depth inspection can be made. Larger and more complex commercial roofs benefit from professional equipment and larger crews to complete projects, along with their expertise. Consider hiring commercial roofing contractors in Traverse City who can provide a proper inspection and expert, quality workmanship.
Residential Considerations: While homeowners can often handle basic drainage issues with household tools, addressing larger, underlying issues like an improper slope may be best left to the professionals.
Flat Roof Water Prevention Tips
– Create a regular maintenance plan. This includes regular inspections, prompt removal of debris, routine drainage checks, and addressing repairs in a timely manner.
– If water ponding is a common problem on your flat roof, consider adding additional drains or scuppers to handle the higher volume of water.
– Hire a professional roofing contractor to address structural issues like low spots or to re-slope the roof for better drainage.
– Professional support is a phone call away. For those without the experience or the time to address water pooling themselves, a professional can inspect, maintain, and address any issues that may arise.
Dealing with flat roof water problems doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t have to let pooling water turn your flat roof into a liability. Whether you are overseeing a commercial building or maintaining a flat-roofed home, understanding why water collects and taking swift action can save you from structural damage, health hazards, and expensive repairs. By following the simple steps outlined above and implementing preventative measures like regular maintenance, upgraded drainage systems, or professional inspections, you can keep your roof in top shape and your building protected. Act now to clear those pools and invest in long-term solutions, guaranteeing your roof can stand strong against the weather, whatever storm comes next.