Flat roofs are a dominant characteristic in the commercial world for good reason. They are affordable, easy to install, and energy-efficient. However, ponding is a common disadvantage which occurs frequently on flat roofs that you should be aware of. Ponding is when water accumulates on top of the building, rather than draining off of it. This adds weight to your building and can cause damages that need roof repair. Keep reading to learn more about ponding and why it happens. 

What Is Ponding?

A flat metal roof is easy to maintain, but when it rains, it needs some extra attention. Since a flat roof doesn’t have a steep slope, rain water can get stuck rather than draining off, forming a puddle of standing water. Ponding is also called puddling. Standing water is heavy and can make the roof start sagging, and could eventually collapse. In addition, ponding can cause leaks, mold growth, water damage to the building, and will erode the roofing materials. Allowing ponding to continue to happen on your roof will wear out the roof faster than it should.

Why Does Ponding Happen?

While it’s tempting to blame the weather for dealing with standing water on top of the building, there are other factors that can cause this problem. Although they are called flat roofs, many of them are not completely flat. It’s important for every roof to have at least a slight pitch to redirect water into a drainage system and off the building. If your drainage system, or gutters, are clogged with debris and leaves, the water will get backed up and pool on the roof. A well-designed roof with regular maintenance on the drainage system will ensure that ponding doesn’t cause further problems on your building.

If you are looking for roof repair for your building, reach out to Marty Robbins Roofing Co. in Dothan, AL. This commercial roofing company has 41 years of experience offering long-lasting solutions and exceptional customer service. Whether you need roof repair, gutter installation, or maintenance, no job is too big or too small for their team. Call (334) 794-8120 to speak with a team member, or visit them online to learn more about their services.