You may already know the primary problems they may face with their flat roof system. It is your responsibility to impart that knowledge in a clear, concise, and understandable fashion to your current or potential customer. What is the best way to do that? You can share the information on your company social media (think Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). You can share expertise via your website blog. You can have a flyer made to provide various details. There are many options. What is not an option is failing to support your commercial clients with the information they desperately need to make good financial decisions.

In case you are newer to flat roof systems or are looking for more information about their potential issues, we are sharing the top 5 reasons ponding water on a roof is a problem.

Why is Ponding Water a Concern?

The very nature of a flat or low-slope roof causes ponding water problems. Without a significant slope to remove it from the roof, the water will pond in low areas. Why is this a problem? There are several reasons to consider.

Gravity. If moisture has nowhere else to go, gravity will cause it to seek any tiny imperfection in the roofing system to move downward. This leads directly to leak development and resulting structural damage.

Vegetation. Stagnant water is a petrie dish for the development of mold, mildew and other forms of vegetation. Many of these use a root system, which can penetrate the roofing system and cause the very defects that lead to the development of leaks. Additionally, some of this vegetation is extremely unhealthy for the people the roofing system is designed to protect.

Pests. Standing water provides the opportunity for pests to gather. Not only is it a breeding ground for mosquitoes, it provides a gathering location for birds, rodents and other pests to find their necessary water.

Weight. Depending on the size of the ponding area, it could be adding unanticipated weight to the roofing structure. A single gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. You can quickly see how large areas of ponding can add substantial weight to specific structural locations. Those locations may not be sufficiently reinforced to support that weight.

Collapse. Over time, left unchecked that ponding water will lead to system failure and will eventually get into the structure. The structure will weaken and collapse. No roofing system or substructure can withstand the damage of unchecked water year after year.

How to Address Ponding Water Issues

There is no point in identifying a problem if you aren’t willing to offer some solutions. Here are a few ways to identify and address water ponding.

Inspections. Scheduled inspections help identify the existence of a ponding water issue. Simply put, you can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. The NRCA states water found standing on flat roofs for longer than 2 full days after a storm should be examined by a professional commercial roofing contractor.

Maintenance. Appropriate maintenance of the flat roof system is paramount. This is how those small defects that may exist are corrected, reducing the risk of system compromise from the accumulated water.

Repairs. Any repair should be made promptly and correctly. Though it doesn’t stop the water from ponding, it does reduce the likelihood of more extensive damage from occurring.

Restoration. The application of a coating, spray foam or single-ply membrane improves the waterproofing of the system and helps seal any existing defects. If the ponding is due to collapsed insulation or other “low spot” in the roofing structure, it can also help fill in the area for a more even roof.

Gutters. Gutters need to be cleaned and inspected at least twice a year. Debris build-up is another common reason water can begin to pond on a system. This is such an easy fix. There is no excuse for it ever occurring.

Drains. The installation of drains may become necessary. Experts recommend a drain every 80 feet to allow for proper and efficient water removal.

Replacement. If the problem is extensive or caused by issues like collapsing insulation, weakened structure or even a foundational issue, the only answer to the problem may be a full tear off and replacement to address the deficiencies.

Remember, more than just an eyesore, ponding water is truly a hazardous condition to any flat roof system. Left unchecked, it will ultimately lead to system failure and the risk of a catastrophic loss to your client. Do them a favor, and make sure they know the risks. They will appreciate it.

Here are some of the benefits of roof coatings:

No dumping in landfills: One of the major environmental concerns today is the growing amount of garbage disposed in landfills. With roof restoration, you do not need to be concerned about the remains of your roofing system going to landfills. You also save money as transporting the waste materials to landfills is quite expensive and you also do not need to pay for labor.

Little upkeep and maintenance required: Traditional roofing systems require maintenance and upkeep to avoid costly repairs in the future. Opting for a Conklin roof coating means that you get a roofing restoration solution that will require little maintenance or upkeep for optimal performance. That will save you time and energy in the long run.

Savings on maintenance and repairs: With their maintenance and upkeep requirements reduced, re-covered roofs give you savings in maintenance and cost repairs. That is money you can reinvest in your business or put aside for other building improvements that you have been waiting to upgrade.

Greater environmental responsibility: Yet another advantage of a coating an existing roof is the environmental stewardship you will espouse. As the roof is restored, the Conklin coating that is installed over it has tremendous reflectivity properties, meaning it will bounce back almost 90 percent of the sun’s energy. That will be less taxing on your air-conditioner, so that it emits less carbon dioxide into the air.

Longer roof lifecycle: When restoring your roof, you get a layer of protection that is leakproof, stays resistant against hurricane-strong winds and harsh inclement weather, and performs well year-round. It has been tested and confirmed to last for 40+ years or longer, whereas a traditional roof might be at greater risk for needing expensive repairs in the future.

Easily repairable: Should your reinforced roofing system require any repairs, they are easily applied and in a short time frame, cutting down on disruptions to your business. In addition, you will enjoy the benefits listed above and more with the reapplication, while adding even more years of life to your roofing protection.

How can you go wrong when a Conklin roofing system has so many advantages? Take a cue from the many property owners who have opted for roof restoration rather than replacement and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.

Steel Decks

• Narrow rib (maximum 1”)
• Intermediate rib (1¾”)
• Wide rib (maximum 2 ½”)

The rib is considered the width of the channel between the flat upper sections of the metal sheet. Steel decks are typically installed onto steel framing and fastened by means of welding or mechanical fasteners. Corrugating allows greater spans and amount of load per square inch (psi). Rib style and type are determined by a structural engineer and are given in specifications details. Another type of deck or roof is standing seam metal roofs. These roofs are classified as either structural panels of architectural panels. For specific details on stand seam roofs, contact the Conklin Building Products Department.

Wood and Plywood Decks

The panels are also assigned span ratings indicating the maximum distance allowable between supporting rafters. To ensure that plywood meets Conklin specifications, an APA rated board, rather than a mill-certified board, is needed. Mill-certified boards are not tested as thoroughly as APA-rated boards and may be more subject to buckling or delamination.

Plywood Under Special Coatings

Chemical coatings for roofs have increased the range of design possibilities, particularly in larger commercial structures where contoured or steel-pitched roof surfaces are exposed to view.

Exterior plywood is recommended for use under special coatings for roofs. When the coating requires a very smooth base, use APA A-C Exterior or APA B-C Exterior plywood. When maximum smoothness is not essential, use APA C-C PLUGGED Exterior. Tongue-and-groove plywood (½” or thicker)or lumber blocking at panel edges is recommended. A 1/8” space is recommended at all edge and end joints unless otherwise indicated by panel manufacturer. If high-performance coatings are to be used for finish, check coating manufacturer’s recommendations for panel joint treatment.

Grades should also be specified when the structural wood deck is to be overlaid with a separate plywood layer to serve as substrate for special roof coatings. A 1/8” space is recommended at all edge and end joints unless otherwise indicated by panel manufacturer. Although minimum ¼” plywood may be used over structural decks, 15/32” or thicker panels should be considered for best performance over uneven surfaces or when rain or high humidity is anticipated prior to application of roof coating.

APA – The Engineered Wood Association has several publications available containing extensive information on plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and its uses.

They can be obtained at the following location:

APA – The Engineered Wood Association
P.O. Box 11700
Tacoma, WA 98411-0700
(206) 565-6608
www.apawood.org

Precast Concrete Deck Systems

Typically, precast concrete deck systems are concrete slabs, most commonly found with metal edges or tongue and groove edges. The slabs are reinforced with wire fabrics or preformed steel bars and are either slipped to the steel frame members or welded to concrete frames by means of metal plates. Depending on the design of the slab, they span anywhere from four to twelve feet. The joints between the slabs are sealed with flexible grouts or other seals.

Gypsum Concrete

Gypsum concrete is a poured system composed of a mixture of gypsum, wood chips, and shavings combined with water. After mixing at the job site, the substance is poured over a wire mesh, which is supported on form boards of either fiberglass, gypsum board, or other material. The minimum acceptable thickness of a gypsum concrete deck is 2”. One advantage of this system if the feasibility of varying the thickness to provide slope for good drainage.

One cautionary note: Because the material is applied in a wet state, it is very important to allow sufficient drying time before installing a roofing system over a new gypsum.

Further, gypsum concrete is not suitable for direct application for Conklin coatings because its chalky surface prevents proper adhesion. Before roofing over this system, some method of moisture detection must be used to ensure that the deck is dry, followed by a recommended “divorcing material” to act as a buffer between the concrete and coating.

Cement-Wood Fiber Panel Roof Deck (Tectum)

Cement-wood fiber roof deck panels are composed of treated wood fibers that are bounded together with Portland cement or other binder and compressed or molded into flat panels. The panels provide both acoustical and thermal insulation. They are furnished either as tongue-and-groove planks suitable for application directly to joists or with rooted edges, which must be secured with bulb-tees.

Reinforced Concrete Roof Decks

Reinforced concrete is produced by mixing aggregate (usually stone or crushed gravel and sand) with Portland cement, water, and in some cases, chemical additive. Steel bars, welded steel mesh or both are used to reinforce the concrete. Then, the surface should be finished to a texture equivalent to either a light power-trowel finish or a firm wood-trowel finish. The density of these decks is from 100 to 150 pounds per cubic foot. Reinforced concrete should not be confused with either lightweight structural concrete or lightweight insulating concrete.

Lightweight Insulating Concrete

Lightweight insulating concrete is usually made of perlite or vermiculite and Portland cement. Occasionally, a foaming agent is also added to create bubbles within the concrete, lessening its density. Minimum standard density is twenty-two pounds per cubic foot. This is a poured system, which is installed over wire mesh or form boards much like the gypsum deck. The material used in making these units can also be used as a fill over pre-cast and pre-stressed deck systems at a minimum thickness of 2”.

Note: Lightweight insulating concrete is not suitable for direct applications of Conklin coatings due to its high water absorption properties. Before roofing over this system, use some method of moisture detection to ensure that the deck is dry. Then, use a recommended “divorcing material” to act as a buffer between the concrete and coating. Conklin Building products Department will provide specific recommendations for this procedure.

Do not apply Benchmark or Rapid Roof III where temperatures exceed an ambient of 100o F and a surface temperature of 120o F. Do not apply at temperatures below 40o F, during inclement weather, when temperatures may drop below 40o F within forty-eight hours of when the temperature is not at least 5o above the dewpoint.

We have assembled a nationwide team of experienced roofing contractors, and we have made it super easy for any commercial real estate owner to find and locate these highly trained commercial roofing specialists in their area. We are proud to introduce our easy to use interactive roofing contractor map. It gives commercial building owners a bird’s eye view of the entire United States. From Florida to Washington and from California to Maine, there is an experienced local commercial roofing company within our network.

Commercial property owners can search by city, state or zip. It is as simple as clicking on the contractor closest to you. From there, you can contact the Choice Roof Contractor by either phone or a contact form. Now it is easier than ever to locate an experienced commercial roofing contractor in your area.

What Type of Commercial Roofs Do You Service?

Our nationwide group of contractors perform repairs and restore every single type of commercial roof that exists including:

● Metal roofs
● Flat roofs
● Slate roofs
● Low slope roofs
● Built-up or BUR
● Asphalt both rolled and shingle
● EPDM rubber roofs
● Hot tar and gravel
● Thermoplastic TPO

Every type of commercial roof is covered!

Why Choose a Choice Roof Contractor?

All of our members use Conklin roofing products not because they have to, but because Conklin roofing products are the best within the entire commercial roofing industry. Conklin has been leading the roofing industry for over 40+ years when they introduced their first commercial roofing products way back in 1977. Since then, Conklin roofing products have been applied to over 2 billion square feet of roof.

The Conklin Benefit

Conklin roofing products offer several great benefits that are very difficult to ignore. A Conklin roof coating can extend the life of an existing commercial roof system by as long as 20 years with just one application, and our members back this with up to a 20-year, non-prorated guarantee. There is no need for expensive roof replacement or costly tear-off expenses!

Conklin roofing products are also ENERGY STAR® compliant. This means that Conklin roofing products have met or exceeded the strict standards put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency for energy conservation.

Conklin roofing products are leading the industry in energy efficiency. They have been labeled “cool roof” systems because they reflect as much as 85% of the sun’s heat from the roof. This can reduce the temperature of a roof by as much as 90 degrees. A cooler roof can equate to massive energy savings. In fact, the entire roof can pay for itself in as little as 7 years’ time!

Finding a trusted commercial roofing contractor in your area is no longer a problem. Our new interactive map will help you find the right local roofer for the job in a matter of seconds! To access our map, click “Find a Local Contractor” on the top-right corner of any page, or visit http://www.choiceroofcontractors.com/find-a-commercial-roof-contractor.