Some roof coatings work better than others in wet conditions. To help you sort through your options, Roofer’s Guild put together the following guide on the best roof coatings for ponding water.
Ponding water can wreak havoc on any roofing system. Of course, you never want standing water or liquid on your roof, but sometimes, it’s just unavoidable.
If you live in a particularly rainy or snowy area of the country, the problem could be even more of a headache.
The good news is that while no roof is 100% waterproof to standing water, roofing systems were explicitly designed to provide better protection against this threat.
Key Takeaway
Silicone and acrylic roof coatings are best at protecting your roofing system from ponding water and its negative long-term effects.
Best Roof Coatings for Ponding Water
A good roof coating may negate the need for a complete (and expensive) roof tear-off. But, of course, that’s assuming your roof is already in pretty good condition and has not been damaged by standing water.
If that’s the case for you, here are a couple of the best roof coatings to protect against ponding water:
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone roof coatings are a great choice when a large portion of your roof is susceptible to ponding water. They’re naturally non-water-based, so they offer good protection against moisture penetration—good but not perfect.
To get the most substantial protection, you have to ensure that a proper primer is applied. One of the good things about silicone is that it can be recoated.
So, after a few years, you can quickly shore up a silicone roof coating and ensure it is still well-suited to resist ponding water.
Silicone roof systems are also relatively quick and easy to install, making them an attractive option from a financial standpoint.
Acrylic Roof Coatings
Acrylic roof coatings reinforced with polyester are very resistant to standing water. So, even if your roof has poor drainage (which is probably why you have standing water in the first place), acrylic roofing with proper reinforcement should provide adequate protection.
Acrylic roofing systems can reflect many UV rays, saving you money on your cooling costs. They also last a long time and can be applied to many different roofing structures.
Impact of Water Ponding on Roofs
You have probably seen ponding water on rooftops before. Maybe you thought nothing of it because it is so common.
While seeing a small puddle of water on your roof now and again is not cause for immediate alarm, you should still address it within a reasonable timeframe.
If water is left standing on your roof for more than a couple of days, it can cause irreparable damage to the roofing materials.
Here is just some of what can happen when you let standing water on your roof go unchecked:
Premature Aging
Even the best roofing materials can’t withstand constant submersion in water. In addition, standing water will prematurely age your roofing materials, causing parts of your coating to fail before others.
Water Damage
One of the most common types of roof damage comes from water exposure. When ponding water builds up on your roof and stays there for days, it can seep in through the exterior materials and start to rot away at the substructure.
Mold
Once the water has permeated the outer structure, mold can quickly form in the interior system. The interior structure will be dark and damp, the perfect conditions for mold to grow uninterrupted.
Mold can cause respiratory problems; on average, mold abatement will cost you over $2000.
Water damage is one of the worst types of roof damage. Now that you know why dealing with this problem is vital, let’s look at the best roof coating for ponding water.
Additional Measures
While roof coatings are the most cost-effective method for protecting your roof against ponding water, there are measures you can take to keep water from building on your roof in the first place:
Maintain Drainage
Poor roof drainage is one of the most common causes of ponding water. If your drainage system was soundly constructed and still intact, ensure it’s clear of blockages.
Be sure to regularly clean your roof drainage system and ensure no leaves and debris are blocking the flow.
Patching
If one or two small areas on your roof regularly gather water, it may be more economical to patch or reinforce them.
Building them up will help prevent water from pooling, and replacing damaged roofing materials will help shore up the defenses.
Increase Drainage
Sometimes, roofs are not built with sufficient drainage routes. Before repitching or replacing your entire roof, consider installing additional drainage. It may be all you need and can save you thousands of dollars.
Overall, it simply pays to be mindful of your roof. Observe your roof when it’s safe. When you are unsure, call a professional for an inspection.
Professional inspections should be a regular part of your routine as they can help spot minor problems before they become large catastrophes.
Final Thoughts
Neglecting standing water on a roofing system can have harsh long-term implications, including water damage, material degradation, and mold growth.
Identifying a sustainable roof coating is, therefore, essential to maintaining a roofing system’s performance and longevity.
Silicone and acrylic roof coatings are generally considered the best for ponding water. For coating applications of any kind, it’s important to work with a licensed and insured roofing contractor.
