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  1. #1
    mathew stouffer's Avatar
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    Default Water pooling on flat roof

    Do you report this, water pooling on EPDM flat roofing.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    Typically if the water is gone within 24 hours then it is not an issue. That is how design specs usually read.


  3. #3

    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    I would consider it a failure of the preparation of the under deck. There really should not be any pooling if the roof were sloped correctly. That's a pretty big "birdbath". Any pooling puts an additional strain on the roofing system. The accumulation of silt as a result of the pooling can become acidic as well, at least around here in Los Angeles. That can attack the roof covering and weaken it IMHO.

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  4. #4
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    Quote Originally Posted by Henry Henchal View Post
    Typically if the water is gone within 24 hours then it is not an issue. That is how design specs usually read.
    I've heard this and similar guidlines over the years and they always kind of bug me. 24 hours when? Summer? Winter? In the shade? Sun?

    Of course, just about every flat roof I've seen collects water that lasts more than a day or two. I usually write them up and explain it increases the chances of leakage and can wear out the roof quicker. In my experience, every flat roof leaks. It's not a question of it but when.


  5. #5
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    I see it all the time, and write it up all the time. It's kind of a "don't call me if it leaks there" kind of thing. I look for leaks under the area, which there are signs of frequently. I then explain that if it's not leaking now it may in the future if water is collecting there.

    Also, I believe that is a PVC roof in your photo, not EPDM.

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    I think that the ponding there is notable. There also seems to be deflections between the support framing. I would have recommended that it be checked out. It would at least take any potential monkey off my back.

    Eric Barker, ACI
    Lake Barrington, IL

  7. #7
    mathew stouffer's Avatar
    mathew stouffer Guest

    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    A duck could have bathed in that. Deflection indeed, and the roof is only 4 years old.


  8. #8
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    Oct 2010
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Robinson View Post
    I see it all the time, and write it up all the time. It's kind of a "don't call me if it leaks there" kind of thing. I look for leaks under the area, which there are signs of frequently. I then explain that if it's not leaking now it may in the future if water is collecting there.
    Perfect, always write it up!


  9. #9
    David Valley's Avatar
    David Valley Guest

    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    All flat roof pooling gets written up in my reports.

    A professional roofer would have built up the underside of the EPDM so that all roof water gets conveyed off the roof surface.


  10. #10
    James Duffin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    Here is the roof a a condo I did a while back. The roof had been converted to a duck pond.

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  11. #11
    mathew stouffer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    That thing is an assisted living complex for geese


  12. #12
    Daniel Mummey's Avatar
    Daniel Mummey Guest

    Thumbs up Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    That's the good thing about PVC membrane, which this is, on flat roofs. As with another comment to ponding duration (i.e. not more than 24 hrs.) that's good too. You don't want a masquieto pond. Seriously, it's never desirable to pond water, but flat roofs do that in spots (I hate that). It's when it ponds enough, and towards the center of roof spans, to cause a loading problem - this doesn't.


  13. #13
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    Yes, I call it out...but call it ponding...not pooling. I don't try to indentify the exact material, choosing instead to refer to it as a single ply membrane roof covering. Here's a pic from one this past week.

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  14. #14
    James Duffin's Avatar
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    I'm surprised how many people think these roofs are walkable surfaces. Also how many leaks did you find around those post?


  15. #15
    Tom King's Avatar
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    Quote Originally Posted by James Duffin View Post
    I'm surprised how many people think these roofs are walkable surfaces. Also how many leaks did you find around those post?

    I've seen it a lot and it rarely ever goes well.

    The OP's picture also shows staining proving this ponding happens regularly and certainly lasts 24+ hours.


  16. #16
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    Default Re: Water pooling on flat roof

    Quote Originally Posted by mathew stouffer View Post
    Do you report this, water pooling on EPDM flat roofing.
    I believe the international building code states flat roofs should be dry with in 48 hours after precipitation ends. it does not say for which season.


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