You may think that flat roofs are the only roofs that fall victim to ponding water or poor drainage, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Whatever the design or type of roof you have, almost all of them can be subject to serious water and ice damage if they’re not properly maintained.
Roof Slopes: Why They Matter
Roof slope is the steepness or pitch of a roof, calculated in inches/feet of vertical rise for every 12 inches/feet of horizontal run. Most importantly, they guide water runoff from your roof quickly, through the gutters and downspouts and safely away from the foundations of your home. With a properly sloped roof, rain, snow, and ice slide off the surface, minimizing the risk of water pooling.
A low-slope or flat roof installation (any roof that’s less than two units (inches/feet) of vertical rise for every 12 units of horizontal run), commonly found on commercial buildings, often needs extra attention for water drainage, usually in the form of installing a specific roofing material. Without an adequate slope, water can accumulate.
Drainage Systems: Why They Matter
Gutters and downspouts are part of your roof’s drainage system. Even with a properly sloped roof, if your gutters are clogged or compromised in any way, water may back up, leading to further damage. Regular roof maintenance—clearing leaves, dirt, other debris, etc.—is needed to make sure that water can flow freely off your roof. Downspouts, too, should be strategically placed to direct water away from your foundation. If water is not carried far enough away, it could lead to soil erosion, foundation weakening, or basement flooding.
Water Runoff
For a happy roof, you need efficient water runoff. When water doesn’t drain properly because of a poorly designed slope, it can seep into the roofing materials, leading to leaks, mold, mildew, and even damage to your home’s foundation over time.
Don’t forget: well-designed drainage systems work hand in hand with your roof installation to ensure water is directed away from the house!
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heat from your attic causes snow on the roof to melt and refreeze, trapping more water behind the ice. With poor drainage, extensive damage to both the roof and the inside of your home can happen. Along with a proper roof slope and drainage system, think about better attic insulation, roof heating cables, and proper ventilation as solutions as well.
How Ponding Water Hurts Roofs
Ponding water happens when water accumulates on the roof due to an improper slope or clogged drainage. If lingering longer than it should and not addressed in time, ponding water can lead to:
- Susceptibility to cracks and leaks in your roof
- Extra weight, leading to sagging or even collapse in extreme cases
- Growth of mold, mildew, and algae, harming not just your home but the occupants inside it as well!
Signs of Improper Roof Slope and Drainage
Check the perimeter of your home from the ground up. If any of the following apply to you, get a roof inspection done by professionals ASAP, as this may mean your roof doesn’t have an adequate slope or drainage system installed!
- Water pooling in certain areas after rain
- Frequent leaks in the attic
- Mold/mildew on the roof or inside your home
- Uneven or sagging roof surfaces
Protect Your Roof with Qualis Roofing & Construction
Don’t let roof slopes and water runoff management run you dry. With Qualis Roofing & Construction, our team will help you address issues like ponding water early on, saving you from costly repairs.
Designing a new roof or maintaining an existing one? Prioritize proper roofing services with Texas’ leading contractor in order to care for your home. Call today!
