Back to glossary

Ponding

Ponding is water sitting on a roof surface instead of draining off.

Waterproofing and Building Envelope

Why it matters

Standing water increases leak risk and can shorten roof life.

Where people get this wrong

Ponding is most common on low slope roofs. A small depression can create a big pond over time.

Real-world example

After a rain you still see a shallow puddle on the roof the next day. That is ponding and it deserves attention.

Where this hits your build

This affects how your home handles water. Water damage is one of the most expensive problems to fix, and it often starts with details that seem small.

Most people do not just struggle with terms. They struggle with the decisions tied to them.

See how HouseChalk helps with the decisions behind terms like this