Expert: Michael J. Owen - 6/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: MY FRONT DOOR DIVERTER THAT IS ANGLED DOWNWARD ON BOTH SIDE WITH A MIDDLE STRAIGHT 5-6 FOOT PIECE IS POOLING WATER IN THE STRAIGHT PART.IT STAYS THERE DESPITE AREA BEING LEAF AND DEBRIS FREE. I BELIEVE THE STRAIGHT PART IS BENT SLIGHTLY FORWARD WHICH ALLOWS FOR IT. THE ROOFER WHO DID A NEW ROOF IN 2008 SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND POOLED WATER WILL NOT CAUSE DAMAGE AS IT IS NOT OVER THE INTERIOR OF THE HOUSE.

ANSWER: Hi Elaine. Any water diverter should not allow water to pool. It is possible that it can get back up the hill and under the shingles and therefore leak into the decking and, over time, cause mold and rot.
However, if the roof has a fairly good slope, it may not be a problem. If you live in one of the Northern States ice and snow may be a problem.
My main concern is with the roofer saying it is O.K. and there is no excuse for that.
Hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: WHY would it not be a problem or become one if it pools every time it rains which it does. We have frequent heavy rains in this southeast area. What is your suggestion ,if you will kindly give one ,regarding my second approach with this roofer ? Thank you very much

Answer
Hi again Elaine. I thought my answer was quite clear. "Any water diverter should not allow water to pool. It is possible that it can get back up the hill and under the shingles and therefore leak into the decking and, over time, cause mold and rot." and "My main concern is with the roofer saying it is O.K. and there is no excuse for that."
Get him to fix it so there is no chance of pooling.