The A to Z of Roof Waterproofing

Posted by Tatum Napier on
Roof Waterproofing

Firstly, an essential thing in every homestead, especially when rainy seasons or winter is approaching, is a quality waterproofed roof. You don’t want to place buckets strategically in your house every time it rains. Or worse, having to fork our tens of thousands to repair damaged structures. Therefore, it’s vital to know everything about roof waterproofing.

A waterproofed roof protects the house from rain damages, and your belongings will be safe despite heavy, ongoing rains. Roof leaks are preventable through proper maintenance and roof installation.

Roof Waterproofing Guide

You may be wondering what roof waterproofing entails. It is the layer that’s added to the roof to guarantee that no water leaks occur. As much as many roof leaks causative agents exist, poor roof waterproofing is among the significant causes.

There are cities where heavy rains are typical, and storms occur often. That’s why it’s essential to have proper roof waterproofing.

Roof Repairs

What happens to a house with poor roof waterproofing;

  • The roof structure goes through damages, and this can get dangerous if it goes unattended for a long time. The dampness in your rooms will become extreme, causing mould growth within no time. Such damages end up causing a break down in the house due to insufficient support.
  • There will also be stains on your ceiling and walls when you have poor roof waterproofing. Removing the stains can be challenging. Mould growth also leads to health issues. Especially with those who already have complicated respiratory problems.
  • Interior damage to your furniture and other precious personal belongings. Should your office roof be leaking, this could cause significant damage to computers, servers, office furniture and more.

Materials Used To Waterproof Roofs

Now the best part of roof waterproofing is that it doesn’t require complex waterproofing systems. Unless in severe cases.

A lot of people presume that the tiles, shingles or membrane on their roof mean that their roof is watertight. Although, they help and prevent water from leaking into your home, it takes more than that to have a waterproofed roof.

The essential materials for waterproofing your roof are;

  1. Acrylic Waterproofing

This is a cost effective and durable compound, which is used in conjunction with SBP membrane. It is designed to waterproof ridge capping, parapets, roof screws and lap joints on metal roof sheeting.

  1. Barge Boards

Barge boards are fastened to the projecting gables of a tiled roof o give them strength and protection. They also conceal the exposed end of the roof. Therefore, preventing water from leaking in under the roof.

  1. Flashing

Roof flashings are a metal sheet that is installed in vents, chimneys, skylights or other vertical wall joints. The purpose of roof flashings is to divert water. Therefore, preventing the accumulation of water. The metal used in roof flashing include; aluminium, stainless steel, copper, and galvanized metals.

  1. Gutters

Gutters help in roof waterproofing, and they divert roof water to a place far from home. However, they need maintenance practices to prevent sagging or clogging. When installing a gutter, you need a professional plumber because incomplete or incorrect installation causes roof rotting.

  1. Roof Foil Underlay (Tiled Roof Waterproofing)

Underlayment is commonly used in roof installation as a water-resistant material for protection during harsh climatic conditions. There are many forms of underlayment materials, and they differ for flat or sloppy roofs.

  1. Torch On Membrane

torch on waterproofing membrane is made up of a combination of modified bitumen layers coated with various sticky, viscous organic liquids. Bitumen, a hydrocarbon made from crude oil, is one of the primary components of this membrane.

The multiple layers create a waterproof surface that is also resistant to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. Torch on membrane is installed on flat roofs, balconies and retaining walls.Waterproofing Options

  1. Shutter Boards (For Boarded Roof Waterproofing)

The boards are essential when you are installing a boarded roof system. These sheets act as a roof foundation, and they follow the rafters to seal them appropriately, so in rainy weather conditions, you will be safe.

 

What To Do Before Waterproofing Your Roof:

It’s not easy deciding on the best solutions. Nowadays, you have to be careful when hiring a roofing contractor or waterproofing contractor for the installation of the best roof waterproofing.

Consider the reliability, expertise, and material choices because when you are choosing the best roof waterproofing, you should consider these factors;

  • Compatibility of the roof surface matters a lot when it comes to roof waterproofing solutions. You must know what material the waterproofing contractor will use.
  • Clean the substrate thoroughly before applying the new roof waterproofing solutions. This increases the performance of the new waterproofing system.
  • You need to prime the surface to improve the adhesion of the membrane.

Lastly, the big question. How much does roof waterproofing cost? It’s okay to tense about how much the process will cost you. However, there are certain things you need to know as a homeowner.

The cost of waterproofing a roof depends on your roof system. The material and skillset involved are worth it and the roof benefits in more ways than one.

Keep in mind that quality matters a lot, so don’t go for low priced services and expect to get productive results from it. However, this is normal as every structure requires maintenance at some point.

We hope this roof waterproofing guide gave you some more insight on what to expect. Please contact us should you require any advice or assessments. Info@apexwaterproofing.co.za