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Why Flat Roof Drainage Problems Can Lead To Leaks

A flat roof is not entirely flat, or at least shouldn’t be.  The roof should be slightly sloped towards the draining points.  If flat roof drains are clogged with debris, stormwater will start to pond and over time will create divots in the roof material.  Causing sagging that will continue to allow water to accumulate. This could potentially create enough pressure to where the roof will cave in and collapse if there’s not enough support. It’s at this point where the damages may be too extreme for a repair and a flat roof replacement may have to be done.

Flat Roof Repair vs Replacement

The course of action you take with your flat roof problems pivots directly with why it’s leaking.  If your flat roofing is less than 15 years old and is leaking because of a puncture in the membrane.  Then a flat roof repair may be all your home needs.  Now, if a flat roof is over 15 years old and water is leaking throughout the home or building.  An immediate repair is necessary but you will want to get ready to replace it.  When in need of any and all roofing services be sure to hire a professional roofing contractor.

Top Reasons Why Flat Roofs Leak

Roofing Penetrations – including chimneys, vents, air conditioning units are the most common leaky areas.  If you a roof that is less than 15 years old, re-sealing or flashing around the penetrations may cure the leaks.

Ponding Water – When water starts to pool on your flat roofing system, it can be caused by one of two things.  Either over time the roof has settled in a way where the membrane has sunk-in.  Or the drainage system is not efficiently designed shed water off the roofing system.  Roofs are not bathtubs, they are not 100% waterproof.  If water stands on the roof long enough it will seep into the structure.  If debris is blocking the gutters, downspouts and drains, water will back up on the roof and enter the structure as well.  Whatever the case may be, you will need to contact a flat roofing specialist ASAP.  Sometimes repairing a roof may be as easy as cleaning your drains.

Damaged Membrane – If the flat roof on your home is made of a single ply membrane, it is vulnerable to damage that is caused by either heavy foot traffic, standing water, weather and age-related wear and tear.  A damaged membrane will allow water to enter through the insulation, causing a more serious leak.

Poor Structural Design of The Roof – If the framing in a flat roof system is not properly designed, the roof will start to sag and collapse in areas where there’s not enough support.  Often times this will lead to standing and ponding water.  Roof grading problems will require hiring an engineer and are very complicated and expensive to fix.  If a roof has grading issues neither roof repair or replacement will correct the problem. A roof that does not drain properly will always leak.

Age – the most common cause of flat roof leaks.  All roofing materials have a limited lifespan. However, as technology has advanced over recent decades, newer systems were introduced which have a greater longevity than systems of the past.  Your flat roof may simply be leaking because it has reached the end of its natural life.

Modern flat roofs are designed to take movement into account, but your flat roofs may not have had the benefit of decades of flat roofing development.

Why flat roofs leak: Lack of expansion joints and design for movement.

Flat Roof Leaks Can Be Difficult To Find

When it comes to a roof that is flat, sometimes the most difficult part of repairing the roof is actually locating the source.  Because flat roofs have a slow slope, water is able to travel a long distance under the membrane before finally making its way into your home or commercial building.  With a correct and proper installation, flat roof can last approximately 20 years, but after 15 years, repair costs can mushroom.