28 Feb Ponding Water: Why Is It a Concern for Metal Roofs?
Roofs need proper drainage to prevent leaks and keep your building dry, safe, and comfortable. Unfortunately, this can be a major issue with flat roofs. Without proper drainage design, flat roofs can gather standing water—also known as ponding water—that creates bigger problems over time. It’s important to learn why ponding water is a concern for metal roofs so that you can identify and respond to this issue in a timely manner. Learn more about what causes ponding water and what it means for your roof with this brief overview.
What Is Ponding Water?
Ponding water occurs when water sits on a roof for more than 48 hours. This is a problem for flat roofs, which don’t have a slope to naturally drain water from rain and other precipitation. The biggest issue with ponding is that it leads to large pools of water that can’t drain or evaporate from the roof. With nowhere else to go, the water seeps into the roof and leads to erosion, structural damage, and other issues.
Causes of Ponding Water
One of the biggest reasons why ponding water is a concern for metal roofs is that it often indicates deeper structural issues that can cause other problems for your building. Many of the potential causes of ponding revolve around improper roof design.
For example, an uneven roof slope that stems from poor initial design or depressions in the insulation that occur over time makes it easy for water to pool without draining. Ponding water can also occur as a result of the foundation settling. Because these issues affect the structure of your building, it’s important to contact a roofing expert to identify the source of your ponding water so that you can take effective action quickly.
The Dangers of Ponding Water
Many serious problems can stem from ponding water. Roof leaks are among the most obvious concerns. Ponding water can also cause a buildup of dirt and debris. Similarly, algae and other plant growth can occur where the water sits on your roof. These issues can damage the surface of your roof, increase your risk for leaks, and clog drains and exacerbate the issue of standing water.
Another major concern that stems from ponding is damage to the roof deck. The weight of standing water puts pressure on the roof and can lead to sagging and other serious structural damage.
Proper roof installation is the key to draining water and preventing ponding on your building. When you need expert metal roofing contractors in Raleigh, NC, turn to the team at McCarthy Metal Roofing. With dependable design and professional service, we ensure you have a roof that works great and serves its purpose for years to come.