Skip to content
forebot.
Sign inBook a demo

Flat roof ponding, blisters or open seams.

A trained low-slope crew should do roof work, and an engineer should look at any deepening pond.

Customers put it like this

  • water sits on my flat roof
  • the rubber roof has bubbles
  • the seams are opening up
  • the roof drain is backing up
Prepare this job in ForeBotFind another guide

Stop first if

  • A pond deepens mid-bay, or the deck deflects.Keep people off and call an engineer.
  • There is ice, a wet surface, frost, high wind or lightning.Stay off the roof. Log the conditions and that nobody went up.
  • Anyone proposes open flame on a single-ply membrane.Stop the work and check the maker's repair rules.
01

Ask on the call

6

Homeowner? These are the questions a good technician will ask you. Having the answers ready makes the first visit count.

  1. Where does water sit, and how long after rain?
  2. What is the roof made of, if you know?
  3. Where does the water drain: roof drains, scuppers or gutters?
  4. What equipment is on the roof, and who services it?
  5. Has it been patched or coated before, and with what?
  6. Is it still under a maker's warranty?
02

Bring

6
  • Awl or probe
  • Tape measure
  • Roof plan sketch sheet
  • Flashlight
  • Phone for photos
  • Fall protection
03

Check on site

6
  1. Inspect about 48 hours after rain. Map ponds against drains, bays between supports and equipment.
  2. Check strainers, then run a hose flow test at each drain.
  3. Note spongy blisters and the weather at install.
  4. Once cool, probe seams, T-joints, cut edges and bridged flashing.
  5. Check edge metal, equipment supports and traffic wear.
  6. Record any coating or patch material. Cement on single-ply is a concern.
04

Keep on the record

4
  • Map of ponds, drains and equipment
  • Pond depth and time since rain
  • Seam and blister locations
  • Coating and patch material

General guidance for a qualified person, not a finding about any home. The person on site decides.