Why Pooling Water Is Dangerous For Your Company's Flat Roof
As a business owner, maintaining your building is as important as growing your business. One factor that many business owners overlook when it comes to building maintenance is the roof. Especially on commercial buildings with flat roofs, maintenance and inspections are essential. One thing that these routine inspections and maintenance appointments can help to identify is the presence of pooling water on the surface of the roof. If you're not sure why pooling water would be such a big deal, here are a few of the biggest reasons why you shouldn't ignore it.
Pooling water collects dirt
If you have pooled water on your flat roof, it can collect dirt from the air and the roof's surface. Ultimately, this can lead to the growth of moss and other vegetation, and it can also cause mud buildup on the surface. Mud cracking can actually damage the roofing as well, leading to leaks that threaten the building's structural integrity. Having your roof cleaned regularly can help reduce some of this risk, but it will never completely eliminate it.
Pooling water concentrates the sun's rays
The surface tension of pooled water creates a magnifying effect through the water. Water also traps heat for longer on warm days. Unfortunately, when water pools on a flat roof, that magnifying effect of the water results in the concentration of the sun's ultraviolet rays on that spot of the roof. The UV rays can cause deterioration and other damage to the roofing surface.
The water pooling and sun magnification can also lead to premature damage of the flashings, the roof coating, and the roofing membrane itself. This type of damage ultimately leads to cracks and broken seals that cause your roof to leak.
Pooling water deteriorates roofing adhesive
When water is left to sit on a flat roof, it will eventually saturate the membrane on the roofing surface. Passing through that membrane, it will reach the adhesive beneath and eat away at it gradually. This will cause the roofing membrane to separate from the roof. As this adhesive deterioration progresses, it will lead to the entire membrane separating from the roof, which will need to be replaced.
Talk with a commercial roofing contractor near you for more information about how to spot problems like these as well as how to prevent them. The more proactive you are, the longer your company's roofing investment will last, saving you money in the long run. For more information, contact a business like Rocky Mountain Roofers & Gutters.