If you notice that water is pooling on your flat roof after rainfall, you probably have an uneven or sagging area. This structural problem is often the main culprit causing leaks inside the building.

When cold weather comes, an uneven roof surface can generally promote ice build up on the decking, causing a heavier load on the structure. In addition, ice build-up on an uneven roof can obstruct the flow of water to the roof drain. A great way to counter this problem is to redo the roof with even slopes.

According to the standards established by the National Building Code, the roof should slope ¼” per linear foot, or 2%, toward the drain. To do this, simply build a frame with the proper slope over the existing roof. Install high quality plywood such as “Aspenite” over the frame. It is a little more expensive than other wood panels available on the market but it is so much stronger and more durable that it is worth the money. Before doing the work, make sure the insulation and ventilation in your attic comply with National Building Code standards. This way, you’ll have a solid and reliable foundation on which to install your chosen roof system.

Finally, remember that a roof system is like a chain, and a chain is only as strong as its weakest link…

For more advice and flawless execution, contact us.