FRSA LEGAL COUNSEL Trent Cotney, PA
Ponding Water and Manufacturer Warranties Ponding water can be a problem on roof systems and a routine justification for non-payment. Standing water can degrade roof materials, cause the collection of debris and muck and increase the UV degradation by focusing sunlight through water to the roof system. It is usually caused by problems in the roof deck, lack of or improper roof drains or scuppers, damaged insulation or materials, and improperly flashed rooftopped HVAC units or vents. Ponding water is commonly defined as water remaining on the roof 48 hours after a rain during conditions conducive to drying. Most building codes, manufacturer warranties, and roof association guidelines call for commercial roofing systems to provide positive drainage to allow for water to drain from the roof and prevent the ponding of water. Ponding water, over time, can lead to an accelerated aging of the roof membrane causing leaks, growth of algae and vegetation, as well as potentially causing a roof to fail from excessive standing water weakening the roof deck. The International Building Code states that a minimum slope of 1/4:12 is required for membrane roof systems on low-slope commercial buildings. Similarly, NRCA recommends that roof systems be sloped to provide positive drainage for a finished roof system. Proper slope for drainage is achieved when there is no ponding water on the roof 48 hours after
a rain during conditions conducive to drying. It is interesting to note that NRCA’s definition is based primarily on Midwest conditions where lower humidity and higher winds may be a factor. The Florida Building Code has multiple provisions which govern ponding water (special thanks to Mark Zehnal): 2014 FLORIDA BUILDING CODE SECTION 202 DEFINITIONS POSITIVE ROOF DRAINAGE. The drainage condition in which consideration has been made for all loading deflections of the roof deck, and additional slope has been provided to ensure drainage of the roof within 48 hours of precipitation. 1502 DEFINITIONS POSITIVE ROOF DRAINAGE. The drainage condition in which consideration has been made for all loading deflections of the roof deck, and additional slope has been provided to ensure drainage of the roof within 48 hours of precipitation. [P] 1503.4 Roof drainage. Unless roofs are sloped to drain over roof edges, design and installation of roof drainage systems shall comply with Section 1503 and Chapter 11 of the Florida Building Code, Plumbing.
Manufacturer and Distributor of Quality Metal Roofing Products Since 1993 Metal Roofing Systems
• Standing Seam • Radius Panel • 5-V Crimp
• Domes & Frames • R-Panel • Awnings & Frames
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Metal Roof Ridge Vent
DCSM continuous ridge vent is a new alternative to the “off ridge” style vents. Two vent profiles, standing seam and 5V crimp, can be matched to the color of the roof system. Both ridge vent styles allow heat to escape from the attic.
Dan’s Custom Sheet Metal, Inc. See our full product line at www.DCSM.net
5700 Washington St | Naples, FL 34109 P: 866-989-DCSM | F: 239-594-2064 E: info@dcsm.net
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