Is Water Ponding on Your Flat Roof? Here's How to Know
Flat roofs are the most inexpensive and versatile roofing systems available today. Unlike pitched roofs, the flat ones come with a low installation cost due to the ease of laying down the materials. Also, the design of the roof allows you to lay air conditioning units, install solar panels or even start a roof garden. The options are overwhelming. However, even with these advantages, flat roofs have one drawback; they are often prone to ponding of water during the rainy season. Pools of water on the roof can spell disaster for your home. They can weaken the structure, cause leaks or even lead to caving of the roof. To protect your investment, you need to look out for ponding water by following these tips.
Look out for leaks
As water pools on the roof, it may penetrate the shingles and leak into your home. The first evident sign that the roof has an issue with ponding water is a leak in your attic. Small leaks will appear as streaks along the walls. If you see a pond of water on the floor directly below the ceiling, you should know that there is a severe leak in your roof. Get any minor or major leaks repaired before they cause water damage to your home.
Inspect the ceiling
The ceiling is always the first place to look if you suspect that water is pooling on your roof. This is especially true if your house has an uninhabitable attic that you can't access for inspection. Look for wet spots on the ceiling. Feel for any wet spots with your hand. If the ceiling is wet, note the area and check the exterior of the roof. You will most likely find a pool of water there. Fix it immediately to protect your damp ceiling from growing mould.
Climb up the roof
If you have the right tools and equipment to access the roof, you can easily spot water without having to inspect the interior of the home. Find a ladder, safety gear and a harness to facilitate a safe climb to the roof. Once there, check the entire area for pools of water. You can do this a few hours after the rain for proper inspection. However, don't climb up on a wet roof as you can easily slide and fall.
Ponding water on flat roofs can cause premature damage to your roof and other fixtures in the home. Contact a roofing contractor for proper inspection and roof repairs to improve the performance and durability of the roof.
