Unique Roofing Challenges in Summer

Summer is here and with it comes some unique roofing challenges. One primary concern in the warm months is ponding water on flat roofs. Ponding water is defined as any water that stands for more than 48 hours. Standing water on a roof can be dangerous and damaging. It is important to understand the consequences of ponding water in the summer, what causes it, and how to fix it. Here, we will examine all these points.

• Mosquitoes - Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes in the summer months. In fact, new york health codes prohibitponding water from April 1 to October 31. Mosquitoes carry a variety of diseases, including the west Nile virus. Because of this,ponding water on flat roofs is a health hazard first and foremost.
• Algae and vegetation - Plant life thrives in warm moist environments. Stagnant water on a roof in the hot summer sun is a perfect place for plant life to grow. Algae and vegetation growth is accelerated during the summer months. This is not just unattractive; it can often cause significant damage to a roof.
• Leaks - Ponding water on a roof can create devastating leaks. Even a small leak can create enormous problems. If a leak goes undetected for a long period of time, it may cause the roof to lose its structural integrity. Water damage can also spread to other areas of a home or building causing further injury.
• Reduces lifespan - Ponding water significantly decreases the performance and lifespan of a roof. In fact, many roof manufacturers void their warranty in the circumstance of ponding water. This is because the flat roof membrane is especially vulnerable to standing water.

Causes

There are a number of factors that lead to stagnant water to pool on a flat roof.

Insufficient drainage

This is the most common reason for a roof to hold water. It is generally not difficult to fix inadequate or obstructed drainage. Scheduled maintenance can help to avoid this situation. However, when it does occur, a thorough cleaning of the gutters and drains will typically correct the problem.

Design

Sometimes pooling water is caused by a design flaw in the roof. This is a more complex problem to solve.These design flaws include poor deflection, sag in the roof structure, incorrectly sized roof, and improperly placed drainage.

Insulation

Compressed or saturated insulation is another common cause of stagnant water on flat roofs. Compression usually occurs when roofing materials are too heavy or during construction when hefty equipment is placed on top of it. Saturation generally occurs because of a leak. Insulation is often very sensitive to water and quickly deteriorates when it becomes wet. The compression or saturation of insulation causes an indentation in the roof where water can pool.

Correcting the problem

The key to correcting a stagnant water problem on a flat roof is to act quickly. You will need to diagnose the problem in order to determine the optimal solution. Some of the most common corrections include:

• Adding roof drains

• Using tapered insulation

• Selecting the best membrane

Standing water on a flat roof can cause significant damage. In summer, it becomes especially important due to increased health risks and rapid growing algae and vegetation. Allowing ponding water to go unchecked in the summer is a serious health hazard and can create enough damage to compromise the structural integrity of the roof. Stagnant water should not be taken lightly and should be dealt with immediately, especially during the warm months of the year.