Standing water pooling on a flat commercial roof in New Orleans with clogged roof drain visible

Why Does Water Pond on Your New Orleans Flat Roof and How Do You Fix It?

May 28, 2026

Ponding water is any standing water that remains on a flat roof 48 hours after rain stops. In New Orleans, where annual rainfall exceeds 60 inches, ponding accelerates membrane deterioration, adds structural load, and creates leak pathways that worsen with every storm. The five most common causes are clogged drains, inadequate slope, structural deflection, compressed insulation, and HVAC equipment blocking water flow. Fixes range from clearing debris to installing tapered insulation or additional drain lines. Big Easy Roofing inspects and repairs flat roofs across the New Orleans metro area.

Last Updated: May 2026

Flat roofs are everywhere in New Orleans. The French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, Treme, Central Business District, and Warehouse District are full of them, on homes, apartment buildings, restaurants, and commercial properties. They handle rain differently than pitched roofs, and when the drainage system fails, water sits. In a city that gets thunderstorms 80+ days per year, a flat roof that holds water is a roof on a countdown. Big Easy Roofing works on flat roofs throughout Orleans and Jefferson parishes, and ponding is the most common problem we see on commercial and residential flat roof inspections.

What Counts as Ponding Water on a Flat Roof?
What Causes Water to Pond on Flat Roofs?
What Damage Does Ponding Water Cause Over Time?
How Do You Fix Ponding Water on a Flat Roof?
Why Is Ponding Worse in New Orleans Than Other Cities?
When Does Ponding Mean You Need a New Roof?
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does Water Pond on Your New Orleans Flat Roof and How Do You Fix It?

Why Does Water Pond on Your New Orleans Flat Roof and How Do You Fix It?

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