Positive drainage, whether in new construction or applied in re-roofing jobs, is just plain good roofing practice. The goal of positive drainage is to reduce, if not eliminate, any standing water that results from what is called “ponding.” This effect is the result of a dead-level roof deck where there is no slope in the design to allow positive drainage. The drainage solution for a flat roof is the latest in modern materials that has produced a professional and effective system design for any project: Tapered Roof Insulation.
Benefits of Using Tapered Roof Insulation
There are advantages to using tapered roof insulation:
- It is a value-engineered system and has been proven all over the country in both new and reroof applications
- It has a high thermal performance improving the interior comfort for occupants while reducing energy costs associated with keeping a building warm or cool
- It is high-quality architectural insulation with superior moisture resistance and a high-drying potential
- It offers maximum design flexibility for the roofer as it also cuts down on time and labor
- It meets code requirements for a direct-to-deck application without the need for a thermal barrier
Ensure Your Angle is Right
When tapered roof insulation is properly designed and installed, it not only solves the positive drainage issue, but it also works to extend the life of the roof construction and materials. The negative effect of pooling water need only be correlated with the damage standing water can do. It is the greatest threat to the roofing membrane, which has everything to do with potentially voiding any warranty.
There are more serious problems that may result from pooling water. It can lead to structural deflections such as bacterial growth or unwanted growth of vegetation, both of which will eventually deteriorate the roofing structure, attract insects, which will then draw the birds feeding on the insects. This slippery slope is not the preferred angle you want to effect on your flat roof.
Tapered Roof Insulation is Good at Satisfying Code Requirements
The professional agencies as well as well as the code groups require a minimum roof slope in all roofing projects. Designers and roofers are able to satisfy these slope requirements through the use of tapered roof insulation. It is certainly one option that can best ensure the longevity of an entire roof assembly. Tapered insulation provides for the gradual, low slope to your flat roof surface for proper rooftop drainage. It is useful on built-up, modified bitumen or even on some single-ply roofing systems. The advances in roofing technology have produced an environmentally-friendly product using recycled materials.
If you have a flat roof and you experience pooling water or an area of your membrane roof has sunken in and is holding water whenever it rains, it may be time to talk to our qualified roofing contractor as to whether tapered roof insulation might not be the best option for your roof. JBS Roofing is both licensed and bonded with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a respected member of the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association.
The best approach to evaluating your risk of damage from pooling water is to have your roof inspected by an experienced, licensed and insured roofing contractor. The preventive measures made today save you a lot more than having to shell out the big bucks following damage from unrelenting rains tomorrow on a roof with negative drainage. JBS Roofing also offers financing for your residential roofing job.
