flat roof (Photo credit: happy via)
A flat roof under construction. Note the drainage pipes which that still need to be hooked up in the openings made for them. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Flat roofs have puddles (Photo credit: gregwake)
Frozen Flat Roofs (Photo credit: ‘S’)
Have you ever wondered why all the commercial buildings have flat roofs? The answer is easy; an average home is very small when you compare it to a flat roof, it is possible to fabricate custom roof trusses for a house but when it comes to a flat roof it is impossible. Flat roofs are designed with steel frames and support beams and the houses are made out of 2×4’s and osb/chipboards. When the flat roofs are being constructed the builder can install drainage or scuppers to get rid of the water. Some flat roofs are designed with slope so water will always drain on its own.
There are many different types of flat roofing system that require gluing, steaming, mopping or torching. If the existing roof was tar and gravel and now it is being converted to a torch-down roofing system, the slope, drainage or scuppers must be installed or addressed to eliminate water damage that could lead to a disaster. It is normal for a flat roof to have some water pooling but not a lot. During summer months water will evaporate eventually but if it rains again back to square one.
My personal recommendation would be to re-frame a new slope for water to run off or install drainage or install scuppers. To extend the life of your flat roof you must maintain it. Clean all the drain filters, remove all the leaves and debris away from the drainage and scuppers to get water moving, remove heavy wet snow to eliminate structural damage that can be fatal.
We are a fully insured and registered flat roofing company in Ottawa Ontario offering residential, commercial and industrial flat roofing, flat roof repairs, flat roof replacements and flat roof snow and ice removal services.
If you have a question or concern about a flat roof, you can contact us by phone @613-255-2323 or by e-mail ottawaflatroofing@gmail.com and we will be more than happy to assist you. We can also provide you with a free flat roofing quote or an estimate.
