Flat Roof Leaking After Snow

This article will discuss three of the most common causes of flat commercial roof leaks.

Flat roof leaking after snow.

How to figure out if the leak is from ice dams or from something else. Flat roofs have a lot of advantages but they may suffer during the winter months. Ponding water leads to leaks. I have a flat roof which is fine most of the time.

What you need to know about flat roof houses and snow flat roofs known for being stylish modern and efficient hit a lot of items on your home bucket list. Damages snow causes to flat roofs ponding bowing. But they also come with a reputation for leaks cracks and collapse. While traditional peaked roofs are designed to allow rain snow and ice to slide off of the structure flat roofs do not have this feature.

As discussed in ice dam company case study 03 ice dams can form in many locations on the typical home the eave lowest edge of the roof is the most common area for ice dams but we find them around other areas including skylights in valleys and in low pitch roof pans and saddles. Once the water backs up to the high roof it has nowhere to go. If it s still raining. The only time it leaks is after cold weather and when the snow ice begins to melt.

If you own a commercial property that has a flat roof and would like to educate yourself about the threat of roof leaks then read on. In other words skylights stack lines chimneys and valleys are the most common places to see a leak if the tiles themselves are in good shape. At roofslope we want to provide you with all the information you need in order to best care for your flat roof during the winter. When a roof is not properly maintained leaks can lead to a long list of additional problems.

As snow falls it can accumulate on your flat roof putting unnecessary weight on the. Where the low roof meets the high roof. I believe thats why it doesnt leak when it rains it doesnt leak when the snow melts but it does leak when a lot of snow is melting and it freezes at night. 4 common sources of winter roof leaks.

A flat roof is no more or less likely to leak than a pitched roof it all comes down to the design and the competence with which it is installed. Three causes of leaks in flat roofs ice and snow. It is now leaking at the same place it used to leak. Flat roof leaks are among the most common and the most undesirable.

The majority of roof leaks especially on new roofs take place around protrusions in the roof. Inches of snow adds weight to your flat roof as the extra weight can cause sagging and leaking before it ultimately collapses from too much distress. Flat roofs must be installed on a very specific mild slope so that the water can drain off properly and if the drains and scuppers aren t cleared regularly this increases the chance of a leak or roof damage.