Protect your property with smarter drainage maintenance

By The Coffee Shops™. 

A spring drainage review can help identify roof issues before standing water turns into leaks, interior damage or costly repairs. 

Water damage on commercial roofs often starts quietly; it might be a clogged drain, some debris build up or just a low spot on the roof. These all can lead to standing water on a roof which, over time, stresses seams, weakens roofing materials, soaks insulation and increases the risk of interior leaks. So, what might start out as a small issue can quickly snowball into expensive problems and even dramatic roof failures. This is something that the team at Kodiak Roofing & Waterproofing sees every year, which is why they recommend inspecting your low-slope roof every spring. 

Why spring? Spring is a critical time to look for these issues because winter often leaves behind debris and hidden wear. Leaves, branches, dirt, gravel and windblown material can collect around drainage points, slowing runoff just as seasonal rain increases. Storms may also loosen strainers, damage gutters or push debris into openings. 

A practical spring checklist begins with clearing visible drainage points and checking for standing water after rainfall. Drain covers and strainers should also be inspected. Make sure to watch how water moves where it is safe to do so, check downspouts for blockages and look for interior stains or damp areas near known drainage locations. Roof areas around drains, scuppers and edges should be reviewed for cracks, seam separation, punctures or other wear. 

As you go through this inspection, keep in mind these warning signs in particular:  

• Persistent ponding 
• Slow drainage 
• Overflowing gutters or scuppers 
• Interior leaks 
• Recurring moisture 

These are signs that need closer attention as they may indicate a drainage system that is not working as intended.  

Overall, routine inspections in the spring can help property managers know when water damage is occurring before disaster strikes. This gives them time to call in a commercial roofing professional to further evaluate and subsequently repair the issue.  

Learn more about preventing water damage with a spring commercial roof drainage checklist.

Original photo source: Kodiak Roofing and Waterproofing