If water tends to build up on your roof after it rains, do something about it fast. The water sitting on your roof can cause serious harm to your roofing system over time. Learn why water becomes stagnant on your roof and what you can do about this major issue below.

How Does Stagnant Ponding Water Affect Your Roof?

If your roof has a flat or low-sloped surface, it may be one of the reasons rainwater builds up on it during the year. The flat surface prevents water from running or channeling off your roof after it stops raining. If rainwater sits stagnant on a roof for longer than 48 hours, it can form small bodies of water called ponds. 

Ponds can do a number of things to your roof during the year, including:

  • break down the grainy surfaces of your shingles
  • encourage algae, mold, and other organic life to grow on the surface of your roof
  • warp or damage the wood deck and frame sitting below your roof 

If you think ponding water damaged your roof, contact a roofer for services today.

How Can You Fix the Damage on Your Roof?

Before a roofer can repair the damage on your roof, they must find a way to keep water from ponding on it in the first place. To do so, a roofer will need to add a slope to the surface of your roof. The slope will allow water to slide down the sides of the roof when it rains. 

A roofer may also need to install various drainage pipes around the outer edges of your roof. As rainwater slides down the surface of your roof, it collects inside the drainage pipes. The drainage pipes empty the water into a large collection site near your home or somewhere out in your yard.

A roofer may need to install replacement shingles, felt, and wood on your roof as well. If possible, ask a roofer to use waterproof shingles on your home. Instead of absorbing water, waterproof shingles completely block it. You may also want to use water-resistant felt on your roof as well. If your roof experiences ponding in the future, the new shingles and felt will help protect it from damage.

If a roofing contractor needs to complete any other repairs to your roof, they'll discuss it with you before they do so. 

Learn more about stagnant ponds and how they affect your roof by calling a roofing service today.

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