Flat Roofs and Water Ponding

Most people cringe at the thought of having a flat roof – the name conjures images of stagnant ponding water, leaking, mould and subsequent health problems. Whilst heavy rain can indeed cause ponding which can lead to roofs collapsing under the extra weight the solutions to this problem are relatively simple.

Ponding or standing water on any flat roof is a serious issue, not only to the life of the roofing system but to the structure of the building. Ponding water during or after heavy rain can weigh heavily on your roof, and your mind. For example, a 20’x20′ area on a flat roof with only 1inch of standing water weighs 2000lbs. So what can you do?

1) You Could Ignore It: It’s only a cause of premature roof deterioration, health issues with pigeon faeces and algae and of course the dangers of roof collapse!

2) Re-pitch and re-deck: The most expensive option but the most thorough for peace of mind. Remove the existing roof, re-pitch the deck with proper flat roof drainage and install a new roofing system.

3) Install an ‘in-roof’ drain: Drill a hole in your flat roof, add a roof drain and run piping to the outside of the building.

4) Install a Roof Pump: A fairly cost-effective way of solving the problem as it appears. Place the auxiliary or solar powered pump in the middle of the standing water on a flat roof, run a garden hose to the drain and flip the switch.
Don’t let standing water put you off the idea of installing a flat roof on your home!

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