A lot of commercial structures have flat roofs, which are great for large buildings that consist of thousands of square feet. Flat commercial roofs may not offer the same water drainage that conventional pitched roofs do, but they are able to dispel rainwater if they are designed properly. As a commercial building owner, the best thing that you can do is to understand the way flat roofs work and how you can detect signs of a problem so that you can prevent potential moisture damage and costly repairs down the road.

Keep reading to learn what you need to know about flat commercial roofs and water drainage.

The Commercial Roof Isn't Actually Flat

At first glance, commercial roofing systems appear flat and level when walking on them. However, these systems typically have a slight slope to them, either gradually across the entire building's length or from the center. Though the grade of the slope may be virtually unnoticeable, it is more than enough to ensure that water does not pool on the roof and guide the water toward the edge of the roof and into the gutters or toward the built-in interior drains.

The Gutters Help to Control the Flow of the Water

Any water that runs over the edge of the structure's roof will fall into the gutters, which will then guide the water toward the drains. Many commercial roofs have gutters that will allow the water to flow through while stopping branches, leaves, and various other forms of debris. However, it will be necessary to ensure that the gutters are cleaned regularly throughout the year to ensure that a clog does not interrupt the flow of the water.

The Signs of Commercial Roof Drainage Issues

You should never at any time see water pooling or standing on your commercial roof, and this is true even after following a serious rainstorm. If you notice puddles on the roof, there could be an issue with the slope of the building, or there may be damage to the structure, which could eventually result in a roof leak. If there is water puddling around the building's foundation, this may be indicative of damage to the gutters or another type of drainage issue that may affect the structure's overall integrity.

For more information about the slope or drainage of your roof, get in touch with a commercial roofing service in your local area.