Pooling water is a common issue for flat roofs. In short, it refers to any puddles of water you might see sat on your roof. As with many roofing problems, it’s best to nip it in the bud before it causes further issues. Read on as we explore how to stop water pooling on your flat roof.
What you need to know about pooling water
First of all, let’s be clear about what is classed as pooling water. While pitched roofs typically have a slope of between 25 and 45 degrees, flat roofs have a much lower slope of less than 10 degrees. Because of this, water will naturally take a bit longer to run off them.
If you simply notice water on your flat roof after it has rained, it might be completely harmless. However, when water forms a small puddle and stands on the roof for more than two days (or 48 hours), it’s probably a case of pooling or ‘ponding’.
How to eliminate pooling water
There are a few different ways to get rid of pooling water on your flat roof. These depend on what exactly is causing the water to pool…
Debris
Whether it’s sticks, stones or leaves, debris can make its way onto any roof. If it builds up on the surface of your flat roof, you might get a bit of water pooling around it – which can increase over time as the materials below wear away.
Alternatively, debris can build up in your gutters, making it harder for water to run off. Whatever the case, it’s important to make sure your roof and gutters are free from debris to avoid water pooling.
Low spots
Whether it’s down to poor installation or gradual wear and tear, low spots can develop on a flat roof over time. These are simply points where your roofing materials or underlying substrate have worn away.
In some cases, they can be eliminated by a professional roofer without the need for a complete replacement.
Roof cricket
Sometimes, ponding water can gather around areas where objects protrude the surface of your roof. That could be a skylight, chimney or flue, for example.
If that’s the case, a roof cricket can be used to divert water away from that area. Put simply, a roof cricket is a small, V-shaped peak or ridge that sits true to the protrusion.
Roof replacement
If water is pooling quite badly on your flat roof, or the problem continues to come back after small repairs, it might be time for a replacement.
Flat roofs generally have a lifespan of up to 20 years with the right maintenance. Re-pitching the roof, replacing the membrane, and then re-covering is the best way to stop water pooling for years to come.
Flat roofing repair and replacement
Based in Huddersfield, DPR Roofing has a wealth of experience in all types of flat roofing. Whether it’s a standard flat roof felt or a high-performance liquid roofing system, we’ll repair your problems or install a new flat roof to stop water pooling for good.
Get in touch with us on 01484 866 772 or email [email protected] for a no obligation quote.