Repair Ponding Problems
Some Suggestions
Customers with flat (low-slope) roofs often have questions about standing water. Premium Elastek elastomeric roof coatings are highly resistant to all but the most prolonged standing water situations. Over time, water standing on a roof surface will damage roof coatings and roofing materials. Standing or “ponding” water eventually leads to roof leaks, damage to roof and deck materials, and damage inside the structure.
By definition, all properly designed and constructed roofs should have adequate and proper drainage. This means at least 0.25 inch per foot roof slope with proper grading and placement of drains or outlets. Roofing practice forbids and roofing material manufacturers usually will not guarantee, any roof subject to prolonged ponding water.
Ponding water is often defined as water that will not drain or dissipate from the roof surface within 48 hours after precipitation. Ponding water may also result from other water sources such as leaking cooler lines and pans, AC-condensate lines and pans, and similar sources. Water condensation, a cool weather problem, can also occur frequently in winter weather.
Recommended Solutions
Eliminate any water leaks coming from AC units, coolers, or drain lines. Check around drain areas for roof debris or roof patching materials that may be blocking drain exits and remove them. On granulated roofs, remove all loose mineral granules as they trap moisture.
Refer all other ponding problems that you wish permanently fixed to a qualified roofing contractor. The contractor may suggest repitching the roof, installing crickets to redirect water, additional drains, the opening of existing drains, or other procedures. Professional solutions are always best.
Other Ponding Control Strategies
If you are unwilling or unable to get professional roofing assistance, we offer several less permanent strategies to help control the leakage that can result from ponding water.
Reduce the depth of ponding areas with Elastek 505 Puddle Plaster. This material is used in smaller areas to reduce pond depth up to 1-to-2 inches, helping the water to move to a drain or helping to reduce the time necessary for water to evaporate.
Increase the water resistance of the roof within the ponding area by applying two liberal coats of Elastek 120 Solar Tek Extreme™. These coatings may be used on top of the cured 505 Puddle Plaster.
Laminate a single-ply of our polyester roof fabric to the ponding area with a thick coat of 120 Solar Tek Extreme™ (at 100 sq.ft. per gallon) under and over the fabric. Apply two finish coats of 120 Solar Tek Extreme™ over the treated area.
See specific Elastek Product Sheets for further details.
Note: The suggestions offered here are not roofing specifications. Roofers should follow accepted roofing practices.