Working Through Wet Weather: Keeping Flat Roofs Dry and Projects on Track
Wet weather can be one of the biggest challenges for roofing contractors, particularly when working on flat roofs. Standing water, damp surfaces and unpredictable showers can delay repairs, disrupt waterproofing work and make it harder to keep projects on schedule.
With autumn and winter bringing increased rainfall and shorter working days, having the right equipment to manage water and prepare roof surfaces can make a real difference.
In this blog, we look at practical ways to manage wet conditions, including the benefits of the GRÜN Puddle Master and the role of specialist roofing gas torches.
Contents:
Why Standing Water is a Problem for Flat Roofs
Remove Standing Water With the GRÜN Puddle Master
Choosing the Right Roofing Gas Torch for the Job
Safe Torch Use in Wet Conditions
Get Ready for the Wet Weather
Why Standing Water is a Problem for Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are designed with a slight fall to encourage rainwater to drain away. However, blocked outlets, inadequate falls or uneven surfaces can lead to puddles forming, particularly after heavy rainfall.
Standing water can create several problems for roofing contractors:
Delays to repairs: Wet surfaces can prevent waterproofing products from being applied correctly.
Poor adhesion: Moisture trapped beneath roofing membranes can contribute to blistering and premature failure.
Difficult working conditions: Pooled water makes it harder to inspect surfaces and identify areas requiring attention.
Potential long-term damage: Persistent ponding may indicate drainage problems or defects that need addressing.
Removing standing water is therefore an important first step before carrying out many types of flat roof maintenance and repair work.
Remove Standing Water With the GRÜN Puddle Master
When rainwater collects on a flat roof, removing it quickly and effectively can help contractors prepare the area for further work.
The GRÜN Puddle Master is a specialist roofing and maintenance tool designed to remove standing water from flat roofs, balconies and other large outdoor surfaces.
Rather than relying entirely on traditional manual methods, contractors can use a purpose-designed tool to help clear accumulated water and make the surface more accessible for inspection, preparation and repairs.
This can be particularly useful following heavy showers, when water has collected in low spots or around roof outlets.
Removing pooled water does not necessarily mean the roof is completely dry. The substrate must still be checked for residual moisture and allowed to dry sufficiently before waterproofing products are applied.
Choosing the Right Roofing Gas Torch for the Job
When it comes to installing torch-on felt and bituminous waterproofing membranes or drying off a roof, choosing the right gas torch can make a real difference to the way contractors work.
Not all roofing torches are the same. Burner size, neck length, flame control and ignition systems all influence how suitable a torch is for different applications, from detailed work around roof features to heating larger areas.
Roofbase offers a selection of professional roofing torches from GRÜN, Sievert and CMS Ideal, with options to suit different working requirements.
GRÜN: Multi-Head Heating for Larger Areas
The GRÜN Roofing Torch is available as standard with one burner or can be fitted with either two or four 45mm burner heads, mounted on a 600mm tube.
The multi-head design provides a broader heating arrangement than a conventional single-burner torch, making it an ideal option for drying off larger areas.
Sievert: Professional Versatility and Flame Control
The Sievert range includes Economy torch kits in two sizes for detailed work or larger applications, alongside the professional Pro 88a modular system.
The modular system combines a Sievert handle with different neck lengths and burner sizes, including configurations for multi-head torches.
Its double-valved handle incorporates a gas-saving pilot flame and trigger control, allowing operators to switch between pilot and main flame.
CMS Ideal: Different Sizes for Different Applications
The CMS Ideal range offers three useful size options. A 50 mm burner head combined with either a 150mm or 350mm neck or a 76mm burner combined with a 600mm neck.
The Ideal Detail Torch Kit has a compact 150mm neck and 50mm burner, making it particularly suited to closer, more detailed heating work.
For larger applications, the Ideal Large Torch Kit features a 600mm neck and wider 76mm burner head.
Additionally, we now have available a 350mm or 600mm piezo self ignition torch system.
All kits include a 10m hose and regulator, providing contractors with the key components needed to connect to a suitable gas supply.
CMS Turbo: Convenient Self-Ignition
For contractors looking for the convenience of an integrated ignition system, the CMS Turbo Self Ignition Torch Kit is another option.
Featuring a head-mounted igniter, adjustable operation and a 50mm burner head, the torch is available in three lengths: 180mm, 380mm and 600mm.
The kit is available with either 5m or 10m hose lengths and 0–4 bar regulator.
Safe Torch Use in Wet Conditions
Although certain gas torches are designed for specialist drying and heating applications, contractors should never assume that applying heat will make a wet roofing system suitable for waterproofing.
Standing water should first be removed, and the roof assessed for moisture within the substrate and existing layers.
All hot works must comply with the roofing system manufacturer's instructions, relevant fire safety requirements and the NFRC Safe2Torch guidance. Where combustible materials or concealed fire risks are present, appropriate torch-free methods should be used.
Get Ready for the Wet Weather
As the wetter months approach, preparation is key to keeping roofing projects running smoothly.
From the GRÜN Puddle Master for removing standing water to specialist roofing gas torches for installing compatible waterproofing systems, having the right tools available can help contractors tackle seasonal challenges with confidence.
Contact your local Roofbase branch to place your CMS order and make sure you're equipped for the months ahead.
Comments