Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

What Causes a Flat Roof to Leak?

  • 03/01/17

Many campus buildings feature flat roofing. Because there is no pitch, these systems rely heavily on a combination of product quality, membranes and initial installation. Some reasons your flat roofs may develop leaks include:

Clogged Drainage
A flat roof relies on a drainage system to remove rain water. If the drainage system is clogged, water will pond on your roof. Ponding water eventually leads to excess strain on the roof, and inevitably the water will start to seep inside.

Damage to the Perimeter Flashing
Flashing is installed on the edges of the rooftop as well as the interior parapets to protect the roof’s membrane. Moisture and water can seep underneath this flashing and into the building if it is not installed correctly, or becomes damaged.

Open Penetrations
Penetrations are common on rooftops, including as drains and pipes. When these are not installed properly, they leave a roof prone to leaks. They should be kept watertight with flashing, wraps, rain collars and pitch pans.

Damage to the Membrane
When a roof’s membrane becomes damaged, it allows water to enter through the opening. Membranes can become damaged for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is just a matter of age.

The Age of Your Roof
Flat roofing in areas that experience hot summers or harsh winters will eventually start to fail due to age. Most systems deteriorate at about 15 to 20 years post-installation.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Preparing for the Next Era of Healthcare Education, Innovation

    Across the country, public universities and community colleges are accelerating investments in healthcare education facilities as part of a broader strategy to address workforce shortages, modernize outdated infrastructure, and expand clinical training capacity. These projects, which are often located at the center of campus health and science districts, are no longer limited to traditional classrooms.

  • UNT Dallas Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for $100M STEM Building

    The University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated the opening of its new, $100-million STEM Building, according to local news. The ceremony on Dec. 2 preceded the first day of classes in the facility on Jan. 12, 2026.

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.

  • Spaces4Learning Trends & Predictions for Educational Facilities in 2026: Part II

    As education leaders look toward 2026, the design of K–12 and higher education facilities is being reshaped by powerful, converging forces. Survey respondents point to the rapid growth of Career and Technical Education, deeper alignment with workforce and industry needs, and the accelerating influence of AI and emerging technologies.

Digital Edition