Saw this article about a local apartment complex with flat roofs that flooded after last week’s storm. Apparently their drains got clogged with leaves and the water just pooled up there, leaking into a bunch of units. I’ve always wondered why some places still go for flat roofs, especially in areas that get a lot of rain. Is it just cheaper or what? Anyone here ever deal with drainage issues like this?
I’ve always wondered why some places still go for flat roofs, especially in areas that get a lot of rain. Is it just cheaper or what?
Flat roofs are definitely cheaper upfront, but you pay for it later if maintenance slips. I’ve seen a lot of these “modern” complexes cut corners on drainage. Once did an inspection after a storm where the drains were so packed with gunk, water was ankle-deep up there. Owners were shocked—said they thought flat roofs were “low maintenance.” Not really. Regular cleaning is a must, or you end up with leaks and angry tenants. It’s frustrating, but not always a disaster if folks stay on top of it.
I get the appeal of flat roofs—modern look, cheaper upfront, and you can use the space for stuff like solar panels or even a little garden. But honestly, I’ve seen too many folks regret it after a few years, especially in rainy spots. My neighbor tried to turn his flat roof into a green roof, thinking it’d help with drainage and insulation. It worked... until he skipped maintenance one season and ended up with leaks everywhere. Flat roofs aren’t doomed, but you really can’t slack on upkeep or you’ll pay for it later.
You nailed it—maintenance is the big thing with flat roofs, especially anywhere that gets a lot of rain or snow. I see a lot of folks underestimate how much debris and standing water can build up. Even a small clog in the drains can cause pooling, and that’s when leaks start showing up. The green roof idea is great for insulation and runoff, but it adds weight and complexity, so you really have to stay on top of both the plants and the roof membrane.
I wouldn’t call flat roofs a disaster by default, but they’re definitely less forgiving than pitched roofs if you let things slide. Even with the best waterproofing, seams and flashing are weak points over time. I’ve seen some newer systems with better drainage layers and membranes, but nothing’s truly “set and forget.” If you’re in a spot with heavy rain, regular inspections—especially after storms—are just part of the deal. Otherwise, yeah... you’ll probably end up regretting it.
Even with the best waterproofing, seams and flashing are weak points over time.
- Maintenance is definitely the sticking point for me too. I looked into flat roofs when we were redoing our garage, mainly because the upfront cost was lower and it seemed simpler to build. But after reading about drainage issues (and seeing a neighbor deal with a nasty leak after a storm), I went with a low-slope instead.
- The thing that gets me is how easy it is for stuff like leaves or even tennis balls to block those drains. One bad storm and you’re dealing with water pooling, which can get expensive fast if it starts seeping inside.
- I get why some buildings go flat—cheaper materials, easier to use the space for HVAC or even a deck—but in a rainy area, it feels like you’re trading short-term savings for long-term headaches.
- For anyone sticking with flat, I’d say budget for regular cleanings and maybe even a camera inspection every year or two. It’s not just about the membrane—those little details like flashing and seams are where things sneak up on you.
- Not sure I’d call it a disaster waiting to happen, but it’s definitely not “set and forget.”
