WINTER IS A CRUCIAL TIME TO STAY ON TOP OF YOUR ROOF’S DRAINAGE
Research clearly shows that frozen over, clogged roof drains are a leading cause of roof and interior building damage. Government winter advisory sites along with the largest risk management companies recommend the inspection and regular housekeeping of your flat roof drains on a monthly basis. It can take something as small as a plastic sandwich bag that makes its way up to the roof to cause thousands of dollars in damages and unleash havoc of all kinds.
Our reversible drain flag maintenance markers quickly reveal the identity of the drains allowing for a safer work environment. Just locating the drains in itself can be inherently dangerous. Being able to reverse the direction of the marker is key to flagging a drain in need of service, and or a sure way to be certain no drains were missed during the inspection of them on large roofs.
Poor drainage on your flat roof will lead to ponding, and a pressure head of water pushing into the smallest cracks and holes on your roof as it fails to properly drain off. Continuous freezing, thawing and refreezing of the ponding water breaks up the roofs surface. Left untreated and unmaintained water penetrates the roof’s barrier. Unseen, the water can now travel under the roof’s surface eventually appearing in the form of water leaks into the building. Water damage claims to the interior ceilings and walls can cause businesses to have to shut down during repairs, and ultimatley drive up your insurance premiums.
Ponding water also causes sagging on the roof where it becomes soaked underneath the roof surface only encouraging a larger area of ponding water. The weight of ponding water is approximately 5lbs per inch. A 20′ x 20′ area of just one inch deep water can weigh close to 2000 lbs threatening the stability of your roofs structure! This is why most roof companies void their warranties when ponding water was the reason behind the roof’s damage.
Never underestimate the importance of your commercial flat roof. It may represent only 10% of your building cost, but it protects 100% of your important business assets from the elements. Save yourself the money and trouble by maintaining your flat roof and drains now. The life expectancy of your flat roof is proportionate to your maintenance of it. It’s just good old common sense.