Why Proper Drainage is so important on Low Slope Roofs from the Commercial Roofing Repair Technicians at Boak & Sons
Low slope, also known as flat roofs are extremely common on commercial buildings. If you own or manage a commercial building, you probably know how crucial it is to keep it properly maintained. Here at Boak & Sons, our commercial roofing repair technicians are experts in spotting potential problem areas on low slope roofs. One of the most common we see is the lack of proper drainage!
A traditional roof on a home is slanted. This allows water to run down the roof into the gutters. On a flat roof, you don’t get the same slope so the water has nowhere to go. Keeping the roof adequately drained can help keep water from sitting on the roof. Here’s a few reasons why that’s so important:
1. Leaks.
If water sits in one place too long, it can add too much stress and weight to the roof. If the roof is already older or otherwise compromised, leaks are bound to seep through. Plus, too much water can damage the roofing material which makes it more vulnerable to leaks! If a leak develops in an area that is holding ponding water, gallons upon gallons of water could end up pouring into your facility.
2. Internal water damage.
If a leak does happen, that water that gets into the building can cause a downward slope of problems. Not only does the water cause further and more expensive damage to the inside of the building, depending on what you have inside the building, your property could be ruined! Department stores, schools, offices, and thousands of other commercial buildings hold expensive equipment and valuable items inside. If water damages it, it could be ruined forever. Our commercial roofing repair technicians can help fix these problems before they happen!
3. Longevity of the roof.
Having drains in the right places on a flat roof that work properly keep water from sitting on the roof. Without those drains, as we mentioned before, water leaks and damage can set in. Another concern with sitting water is the toll it can take over the roofing materials over time. Standing water allows for mold and mildew to grow and attracts pests like mosquitoes. The longer that water sits, the worse the roof is going to get. Having proper drainage can help keep the roof dry and clean, which can also help increase the lifespan of the roof!
4. Shape of the roof.
If your roof is completely flat, there are options to add a slope to portions of your facility or even over the entire roof! This can help direct water away from the roof to help avoid leaks and damage. Have a commercial roofing expert from Boak & Sons complete a free roof evaluation to see how we can improve your roof structure.
There are many important components that go into a commercial roof. We have a very own online Roof Asset Management program that includes inspections and repairs with our commercial roofing department. It also allows you to report problems, track leaks and view photos of repairs right from your computer or mobile device. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with one of our commercial roofing repair technicians, visit our website or call us at 330-793-5646!