Flat rooftops can be more vulnerable to leaks during times of wet weather because they can't shed water in the same way that graded rooftops can. To protect against leaks, flat roofs have drainage systems that transport water from the roof down to the ground. However, leaves, dirt and debris can clog drainage systems over time—especially in autumn and winter when dead leaves fall from the trees.

This natural debris fills pipes and causes rooftop drainage problems.  Drainage issues are especially common in spring because of the melting snow and frequent rain storms. If your business has a flat roof, knowing how to clear your roof's drainage system can help you take care of your roof and prevent leaks this spring. The following tips will help.

Inspect Your Flat Roof

Inspect your flat roof for signs of drainage clogs. Look for standing water or old water stains around the drains. If the drain covers are blocked by leaves resting on top of the covers, clear away the leaves so that the drain covers are fully visible. If you suspect that the leaves around the drain covers might have been the source of the clog, run a hose up to the roof and fill the drainage pipe with water. If the drainage pipe is clear, then the water will rush through quickly. If the drainage pipe is clogged, the pipe will fill with water then drain slowly.

Clear the Drainage Pipe with a Snake or an Auger

Remove the drainage cover from the pipe, then insert the tip of an auger or a plumbing snake into the pipe. An electric snake will be more powerful and will have a longer cable to clear the pipe, but if the clog is close enough to the top of the drain, then an auger will be sufficient.

When the tip of the snake or the auger clears the clog, any water in the pipe will immediately begin to drain. When you extract the snake or auger from the pipe, you will also see a clump of debris on the end of the cable.

Once you've cleared the clog from the pipe, flush the drain with a strong jet of water from the hose. This will help you ensure that the clog has been cleared. Once this is done, put the drain cover back on the pipe and sweep the rest of the debris from off of the roof. Doing this will help you protect your commercial roofing this spring.

If your roof needs some repairs, check out websites like http://www.kcmetroroofer.com to find a company that can perform the repairs.

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