Is your business’ flat roof experiencing damage from ponding water? Damage to commercial roofing is expensive to repair, and can significantly impact your profits.
If you want to keep your roof in good shape and prevent ponding, contact professional commercial roofers immediately. Roofers identify the cause behind the ponding and prevent water damage through:
- Clearing drainage systems
- Performing structural intervention
- Adding protective coatings
At Matick Construction, we provide commercial roofing services for businesses across Southeast Michigan. Contact us today to get an estimate for your project.
What is Ponding Water?
Flat-style roofs are a popular choice for commercial buildings, but these roofs should never be truly flat. For Michigan businesses, in particular, flat roofs are vulnerable to damage from heavy snowfall and spring rain. These weather conditions are why commercial roofing needs a slight pitch to direct water runoff toward drainage points.
Ideally, water is supposed to dry completely within 48 hours of rainfall. If you notice water sitting on your roof for longer than this window, it’s considered ponding.
If left unaddressed, this standing water can damage your roof and the rest of your building. Prolonged exposure to water can actually damage the chemical bonds in roofing materials.
This allows water to penetrate deeper into the main structure, which is particularly dangerous during the winter when water freezes and expands into ice.
What are the Signs of Ponding?
Ponding is usually a symptom of other maintenance issues. Commercial roofing contractors can identify these problems, which include:
- Roof Sagging: As buildings naturally age, it causes decks and joists to settle, creating flat areas where water collects.
- Compressed Insulation: Heavy foot traffic or improper supports can crush insulation, leading to flat spots.
- Inadequate Roof Slope: Roof slopes need to be at least ¼ of an inch. Otherwise, water won’t be able to reach the drains.
- Clogged Drainage: Drainage systems blocked by leaves, debris, and gravel leads to water pooling on the roof surface.
How Commercial Roofing Experts Prevent Ponding Water from Damaging Your Facility?
Commercial roofing experts can prevent damage from ponding water in a few ways. First, they’ll start by clearing any debris and silt off the drains and scuppers. If clogs are deeper within the downspouts, they’ll use a high-pressure hose to remove it.
If debris isn’t causing the problem, they’ll address the building’s structure. One technique is to add roof crickets, which are small, peaked structures that divert water around HVAC units, chimneys, and other areas. It’s also possible to install new drains or scuppers to increase the overall drainage on the roof.
Finally, commercial roofing experts can add specialized, silicone coatings that can withstand the effects of water. These coatings can be applied to areas of the roof that are prone to ponding but can’t be easily repaired.
They protect the underlying roof material from hydrolysis and UV damage, which extends the life of the roof until it’s time for a full replacement.
In addition, commercial roofing experts can make sure the weight of equipment is evenly distributed across your rooftop. That way, nothing causes sagging or compression.
Contact Our Commercial Roofing Experts Today
If you need professional commercial roofing help for your Southeast Michigan business, reach out to our team at Matick Construction. Our team handles interior and exterior construction services for commercial businesses in the area, including roofing.
With over 20 years of experience, owner Jim Matick and our entire team are dedicated to providing high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.
Is your roof in top shape? Give yourself peace of mind today by calling us at (734) 838-5900 or contacting us online for an estimate.