Steps You Can Take to Improve Flat Roof Drain Systems in Chicago.

Flat Roof Drain

If you’re a business owner or a homeowner and you’ve been asking yourself that all-important question regarding the steps you can take to improve flat roof drain systems in Chicago, we have a few steps that could seriously help you in that endeavor:

Flat Roofs Can Become Ponding Roofs

There’s nothing really wrong with roofs that are completely flat, however since they don’t have even a slight slope for directing water either to a central drain system or to the perimeter, a flat roof can develop ponding issues. Any roof that still has water on it even 48-hours after rain storms have ended is considered to be a ponding roof. The bigger problem is that in the long run, repeat ponding episodes on a flat roof can cause the inevitable compromising of the roof in time. Identifying a ponding roof is as simple as examining the roof surface, looking especially for areas that contain algae or some other form of vegetation or dirty circles. These are all indications of roof ponding on a flat roof. Ponding water on a flat roof can end up causing severe damage, so you’re better off not letting it have the chance just because you didn’t get those drainage issues fixed.

Ponding Causes on Flat Roofs

 

There are a number of reasons that a flat roof could pond, including:

A. Poor design with no slope or one that is insufficient,

B. Sagging that is disrupting the slope,

C. No drains,

D. An insufficient number of drains,

E. Blocked drains,

F. Damaged drains,

G. Drains that are installed at the roof’s high points.

 

Improving Drainage

If your flat roof does not have proper drainage, the simplest way to correct it is via the addition of more components to the drainage system of the roof. It’s rather obvious that the gutter system is fairly easy to correct just by installing more downspouts and bigger gutters. Interior drains, on the other hand, are a bit more difficult and require some serious repairs. It could be considerably easier to simply opt for installing water barriers. They will help by directing the water to the edge of the roof.

And, remember that even if you have a properly installed gutter system, it can only do its job if it’s kept clean. So, don’t let leaves or other debris clog your gutters or you can end up with no drainage at all. I know from experience that clogged drains can turn a flat roof area into a swimming pool within minutes in a storm. Then, the only place for the water to go is down and into your home, causing severe water damage in a very short time.

Contacting a Professional

In the event that your roof doesn’t have proper drainage or the proper size and number of drainage fixtures, your best bet could be contacting a roofing professional. With the help of a roof analysis and inspection, a professional can advise you regarding any repairs that are necessary prior to any catastrophic events like a downpour that could cause your flat roof to leak. A leaking roof can cause damage to your home and its contents in a very short time, so it’s probably better not to take a chance if you have a flat roof that hasn’t been recently inspected.

So, we hope that these steps you can take to improve flat roof drain systems in Chicago have helped enlighten you regarding your flat roof and how to improve on its maintenance. Remember that old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure because it especially rings true when it comes to flat roofs.

James Scott

James Scott was born in Missouri and studied at the University of Central Missouri. Currently working as Manager at ActoutLoud, James Scott helps readers learn the fields of Law, Marketing, Construction, Education, Health, etc hone their skills, and find their unique voice so they can stand out from the crowd.