Flat roofs are common across Los Angeles because they provide an affordable, low-profile design that complements both modern commercial buildings and older structures. However, one of the most persistent challenges with flat roofing systems is ponding water, where rainwater collects instead of properly draining off. Over time, this standing water can lead to leaks, structural decay, and costly damage if not corrected promptly.
At Shark Commercial Roofing Systems, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing these issues for facilities of all sizes, including complex buildings with older construction methods. Call 213-466-0074 today and schedule your consultation.
The Problem: Why Ponding Water Forms
While the term “flat roof” suggests a perfectly level surface, every functional flat roof should have a slight slope to allow water to flow toward drains or scuppers. Over time, a variety of factors can disrupt that slope:
- Settling and structural movement: As older buildings shift or settle, low points may form that trap water after every rainfall.
- Clogged or undersized drains: Without a clear drainage path, even a small depression can accumulate inches of water.
- Poor initial design or installation: Some older roofs were constructed with minimal slope or limited drainage planning.
- Heavy rooftop equipment: HVAC units, ductwork, and conduit lines often create barriers that block normal runoff.
In Los Angeles, where older commercial buildings often mix modern systems with vintage construction, these issues are compounded. The result is a roof that retains water for days after a storm.
Why Ponding Water Is a Serious Issue
It may seem harmless at first glance since a puddle on the roof doesn’t appear urgent. But ponding water accelerates several destructive processes:
- Premature membrane breakdown: Prolonged moisture exposure weakens the topcoat or membrane surface, making it brittle and vulnerable to UV rays.
- Increased leak risk: Even small punctures can let water infiltrate the roof deck, leading to insulation damage or mold growth inside the ceiling cavity.
- Added structural weight: Just one inch of standing water adds more than five pounds per square foot. Over large areas, that can put immense pressure on roof framing.
- Energy efficiency loss: When water reflects sunlight differently than the surrounding roof, it can create hot and cold spots that affect insulation performance.
Unchecked, ponding water shortens the lifespan of a roof that otherwise could have lasted decades.
The Solution: Professional Flat Roof Repair with Crickets and Drains
At Shark Commercial Roofing Systems’ Los Angeles facility, our team regularly demonstrates how to correct ponding water using advanced flat roof repair methods. In one of our recent projects, we installed 13 new roof drains and 18 custom-built crickets, the tapered structures that redirect water toward those drains.
Here’s how the process works:
- Comprehensive inspection and layout:
The first step involves mapping the roof’s drainage pattern. When an architect is involved, as on this project, they identify ideal drain locations based on existing roof slope and load-bearing capacity. - Careful integration with older structures:
Many Los Angeles commercial buildings feature wood joists or non-standard spans from decades ago. Our crew collaborates closely with engineers to avoid cutting or notching beams that could weaken the structure. - Building the crickets:
Crickets are carefully framed and covered with plywood, then tapered with insulation materials to form subtle slopes. The goal is to guide water naturally toward each drain without altering the roofline or interfering with equipment. - Drain installation and sealing:
Each drain is cut in precisely, connected to the internal plumbing, and sealed with high-performance roofing materials to ensure watertight protection. - Final detailing and waterproofing:
The team finishes by applying new membrane sections and sealing around penetrations, ducts, and conduits, which is especially important on busy roofs with a lot of mechanical systems.
This process restores effective water flow and protects both the roof surface and the building structure below.
Preventing Future Ponding Issues
Flat roof repair isn’t just about fixing the current problem; it’s about preventing recurrence. Shark Commercial Roofing Systems emphasizes ongoing maintenance and periodic inspections. Our team checks drains for debris, verifies the integrity of seams, and ensures the roof slope remains intact after each heavy storm season.
For property managers, scheduling regular inspections every spring and fall is the most reliable way to avoid emergency repairs later.
Flat Roof Repair Professionals
Ponding water may seem like a minor inconvenience, but over time it can become a major structural concern. Professional correction using properly designed crickets, drains, and slope adjustments ensures your commercial roof performs as intended, protecting your investment year-round.
If your building in Los Angeles, CA is showing signs of ponding water or early roof deterioration, reach out to Shark Commercial Roofing Systems at 213-466-0074 for a thorough inspection and long-term flat roof repair solution.
FAQ
How long can ponding water safely remain on a flat roof?
Ideally, water should drain completely within 24 to 48 hours after rainfall. If it remains longer than two days, the area likely has improper slope or drainage issues that require professional attention.
Can adding more drains solve all ponding problems?
Not always. While additional drains help, proper roof slope is equally important. Without correcting the surface grade through tapered insulation or crickets, water may still pool in other areas even with new drains installed.
What is the best time of year for flat roof repair in Los Angeles?
The dry months between late spring and early fall are best. Scheduling repairs before the rainy season ensures materials can cure properly and your building remains watertight when storms arrive.