The Rain is Coming…
With spring right around the corner, the rainy season is getting ready to rear its ugly head in many parts of the country. As the rain comes, leaks will become more prevalent in your building. Additionally, ponding water will begin building up. In this blog, we will look into what we consider the three biggest issues that can arise from ponding water on your roof and how to address them.
Erosion of Roofing Materials
The number one problem for roofs with ponding water is the erosion of roofing materials. As water sits in one spot, it will slowly deteriorate certain roof substrates over time. If ponding water gets into the roofing deck, it can create major issues and costly repairs. Luckily, all of PM silicone’s topcoats withstand ponding water and can hold up for decades in these conditions.
Roof Weight
Another issue with ponding water can be the overall roof weight. As you know, water can get very heavy very quickly. Too much ponding water on your roof can ultimately lead to a roof collapse which would lead to a hefty construction bill for your company; not to mention possible safety issues for your staff.
In this case PM silicone’s SL-850 is here to help. This thick, concrete-like silicone is designed to fill in ponding areas on commercial roofs. You can learn more about this product on our website here, or click this link to see a short video on how SL-850 works.
Plant and Animal Life on Your Roof
The final issue with ponding water we will address in the blog is the growth of plant life and uptick of animal life on your roof. Unless designed specifically for plant growth, your roof should never have plants growing on it. The root systems will wreak havoc on your roof and will greatly accelerate its break down. This blog does a good job of looking at how algae can affect a roof. Although it is geared towards residential roofs, the same logic applies for flat roofs.
Ponding water can also attract birds and mosquitoes on your roof. Mosquitoes can just be an annoyance, but birds can peck at certain roof types, destroying them over time.
To stop plant growth and eliminate mosquito hatching ponding, SL-850 is again your best option. For birds or any animals that might peck or chew at a roof system, we have a special roof coating designed to deter wildlife. It is made with a proprietary ingredient that will keep animals from eating the roof without harming them. You can find out more information on that product by clicking here.
Conclusion
If you notice leaks on your roof, it’s always best to have a professional check it out. Your local Regional Manager can identify any trouble areas and walk you through solutions on your roof. If you would like to schedule this free service, you can reach out to your local Regional Manager here. They will be able to help identify any ponding water areas and let you know the most cost-effective solution for your company.
