Roofers: They're Number One

Ponding water on flat roofs occurs when you have poorly installed drains, low spots due to crushed insulation, and structural issues when joists or beams deform. A clear sign of ponding water issues is when water sits on your roof for more than two days after a snowstorm or heavy rain. If left unchecked, the excess moisture damages your roof system and lowers its reliability.  

You're likely to experience the following consequences if ponding water on your commercial roof remains untreated. 

Vegetation Growth

Rooftop gardens may be a dream come true for many people, but not when the vegetation includes unwanted vegetation. Standing water collects dirt and debris on the roof, which creates a perfect environment for weeds, grass, fungi, and other plants to grow.

The vegetation can inflict severe long-term damage to your roof. For instance, the plant roots may force their way through imperfections on the roof (like cracks or crevices) and ruin your roofing membranes. Worse still, the extra weight from the unwanted plants can cause structural collapse if you don't take quick action.

Indoor Leaks

If water pools on your flat roof for an extended period, leaks are a consequence you can't escape. Water decays the roofing materials and creates a pathway for moisture to penetrate the interior of your building. 

Moisture also infiltrates your roof through weak points in your roofing system, which results in extensive water damage to your building's walls and ceilings. Even worse, wood rot due to water exposure affects the structural integrity of your roofing system. If left alone, your roof can cave in. 

Leaks also promote mold and mildew growth that expose your tenants to respiratory issues when they inhale the mold spores. Also, since water and electricity don't go together, fire breakouts can happen if water comes into contact with exposed wiring. So, treat roof leaks promptly to avoid disastrous consequences in your building. 

Pest Infestation

Warm, ponding water provides the ideal habitat for mosquitoes, flies, bugs, and insects. Mosquitoes, in particular, use standing water as a breeding ground. Termites and beetles can gnaw through your roof decking and weaken it, which puts your roof at risk of collapse. 

To make matters worse, insects can invade your building and force you to use a ton of money for extermination. Standing water is also a bird's magnet, which adds to your roof's maintenance costs due to the bird debris like eggshells, nests, and excrement. 

If your commercial roof has ponding water issues, enlist a roofing contractor to fix it to avoid the above problems. Also, conduct regular professional roof inspections and maintenance to catch roof problems early and save yourself a headache. 

Contact a company like Kerry Roofing LLC to learn more.