After a rainstorm, walk your roof (safely). Do you see dark stains or debris lines on the membrane? That scum line shows where water sat for more than 48 hours.
When we think about roof maintenance, we usually picture missing shingles, cracked flashing, or rusted gutters. But there is a hidden menace lurking just out of sight that causes more catastrophic water damage than almost any other roofing issue: clogged roof drain
Because flat roofs aren't perfectly level (they have a slight pitch toward the drains), the water begins to pool. This is called . After a rainstorm, walk your roof (safely)
You don't need to wait for a rainy day to spot trouble. Look for these red flags: When we think about roof maintenance, we usually
Clogged roof drains are one of the most common and damaging problems for flat roofs. When debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt accumulate, they create a bottleneck that prevents rainwater from draining, leading to water accumulation and significant structural pressure. In fact, 93% of water damage claims are considered preventable with proper maintenance. Identifying the Problem
If the metal strainer over the drain looks like a beaver dam of leaves and mud, water isn't getting through.
Wind-blown dirt, sand, and even bird nests can obstruct flow. Over time, algae and moss can grow in the drain, creating a slimy barrier.