How To Fix Concrete Roof Leaks

How To Fix Leaking Gutters

Your guttering system is one of the most vital components of a happy, healthy home. Leaking gutters can lead to rotting timbers, mould or mildew build-up, unsightly staining, and more. Not only are these unpleasant, but these can seriously compromise the safety and value of your property. If theres an issue with your guttering, its imperative to get it fixed ASAP.

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How To Waterproof A Flat Roof

Making sure that your flat roof is fully waterproof is crucial, particularly as the wet and colder months approach. Flat roofs can be susceptible to a number of issues such as pooling water and nightmare leaks caused by adverse weather. Thanks to the leaps made in roofing technology in the last few decades, homeowners have a number of ways to waterproof a flat roof available to them. These include patch repair kits, waterproof sealants, and rubber membranes. The right solution for you will depend on your exact needs, which well talk more about below.

The solution:Liquid rubber

Flowing and flexible, liquid rubber membranes are the painless way to completely waterproof a flat roof that has lots of complex features. Totally eco friendly and with a long life expectancy, Roofing Superstore has plenty of options to choose from. Theres all-purpose brush-on Cromar whose Rubber Roof is specifically designed for hand application, making it perfect for DIY-ers. Or go for top-of-the-range EcoProof which is well-known for its exceptional adhesion properties, meaning it will fully bond to whatever roof covering you already have. Finally, there are Soudal products which are great for emergency rubber repairs.

How does liquid rubber work?

Liquid rubber is suitable for:

Liquid rubber can be used over any flat roof covering, even concrete, cement and asphalt.

How to apply liquid rubber:

So Why Do Some Roofs Only Leak In Heavy Rain

Some roofs are strange. It takes heavy rain to produce a leak. Just the light shower does not do the trick

I get a lot of enquiries through this website where homeowners make a mention that their roof leaks only during heavy rain

In my experience, roof leaks can be separated into 3 categories:

On this post, I will examine the second category of roof leaks.

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How To Stop Leaking Concrete Roofs In India

A concrete roof is highly durable, cost-effective, weather and fire-resistant, and simple to clean. On the other hand, a concrete roof is more prone to water leakage due to the creation of scales and fractures over time. It just has to be serviced regularly if an issue arises.

As a result, if you have a concrete roof, you must pay close attention and engage in prompt repairs. Waterproofing is also a worthwhile investment since it teaches you to stop leaks in concrete roofs simply. Continue reading to understand dos and donts while using this home roof water leaking solution guide.

If you are wondering how to stop leaking concrete roofs in India, follow these steps:

• Find the source of the leak.
• Fill in the cracks
• Caulk can be used to repair a damaged roof.
• Use roof leakage products.
• Using tar, you may repair the patch yourself.

Like any other type of commercial roofing, a concrete roof is a significant investment. Find a reliable roofing contractor to make the most of your time and finances. Along with regular maintenance, proper installation is critical to extending a roofs lifespan.

Best Membrane For Concrete Roof Slab

Findlay-Evans Waterproofing recently completed a particularly challenging roof remedial waterproofing project close to Melbourne CBD.

As shown in the image above, the height and condition of the existing roof made access difficult.

However all our Team are “Working at Heights” & “Confined Spaces” compliant.

And our spray apply waterproofing system is mobile and easily transported to rooftops.

The Team successfully installed – on time and on-budget – a UV stable waterproof membrane on a concrete slab roof.

Prior to the new membrane, this rooftop had an extremely deteriorated existing polyurethane roof sealant that was causing quite extensive water leaks.

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How To Conduct Ceiling Leakage Treatment

Ceiling leakages are common especially if the weather is high in moisture such as during monsoon. So how do you treat a ceiling leakage at home? Well, your first instinct should be to call your local plumber, building contractor or painter, as these people can guide you on how you can redo your interior or paint over it with waterproof chemicals. Or instead of simply treating symptoms, you can root out the main cause of the leakage by ensuring the remedial repair is done as early or through regular maintenance checkups. Let us now understand the various ways to prevent water leakages from different surfaces.

Other Solutions If The Roof Cannot Be Sealed

So you have a flat roof that can’t be sealed, you have torn your hair out, shouted at the missus and kicked the cat, now what can I do? Well you may consider going back to basics and installing a pitched roof over the top. There are several options available from fully pitched tiled roofs to lower profile roofs using zinc alume or Onduline sheeting.

In Bali there is a notable gap in the range of building contractors available. There are large professional construction companies at one end of the scale and small private builders at the other with few medium scale operators in between. The large contractors are generally very capable however, as we have said, the vast majority of small builders simply do not have the understanding or the supervisory capacity to build reliable flat concrete roofs.

It is probably best to avoid flat concrete roofs in the first place. Traditional roofs are cheaper, more effective and well within the capabilities of local builders. They are also a lot cooler than pitched roofs which collect a lot of heat which is transferred into the house beneath.

Phil WilsonCopyright © Phil Wilson March 2016This article, or any part of it, cannot be copied or reproduced without permission from the copyright owner.

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Tips To Prevent Water Leakage From The Roof

As you saw finding the spot of leakage and fixing it is not very complicated and can be done easily if you have little knowledge of handling the tools and mixing the chemicals. However, prevention is always better than cure and the same holds for roof leakage. Following these simple tips can help you prevent water leakage from the roof and make it more durable.

Keeping these simple tips in mind can help you make your roof more durable and resistant to physical wear and tear.

How To Fix A Leaking Conservatory Roof

A conservatory is often a fantastic addition to a home, increasing your square footage and letting in plenty of natural light. Like all structures however, conservatories can be susceptible to roof leaks. Due to the fact that conservatory roofs are constructed by joining several sections together, each of these seams presents a potential vulnerable spot for water to get in. If your conservatory is leaking, it needs to be sorted, and fast.

Learn More: How to Fix a Leaking Conservatory Roof

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Concrete Flat Roof Leak Repair

Although they are not too common these days, concrete flat roofs are still around in British homes and commercial premises. As you may have guessed, concrete flat roofs are incredibly hard-wearing, but can still suffer from leaks if there are cracks or splits in the concrete. The best way to handle a leaking concrete roof is first to try applying a thin layer of bitumen primer onto a cleaned surface, followed by bitumen-based waterproofing paint. If this is not enough to fix the leak, you could try patching over the crack with a small piece of torch-on felt.

Structural Issues Or Poor Design

Along with the more easily avoided issues above, two problems which can cause flat roof leaks are structural issues, and poor structure design. For example, where the roof deck is overspanned, or where the distance between rafters is too great. This means that your flat roof will be more susceptible to thermal movement, and the structure will not be as strong. Another aspect of flat roof design which is often overlooked is ensuring that it features an adequate pitch. Failing to do so will lead to pooling water, and leaks. Finally, another common error is shallow upstands. The upstands in a flat roof should be at least 150mm to prevent rainwater from overflowing after a heavy shower.

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Emergency Roof Leak Fix

If you spot water coming into your home, its important to do something about it fast. By completing emergency roof repairs, you can make sure small holes dont worsen as soon as heavy rain hits.

Fixing a leaky roof from the inside is relatively inexpensive. However, more permanent repairs will be required once youve patched a leak up. That is unless you have a more resilient roofing system that doesnt need maintenance.

Water Spots On The Ceiling

One of the most common signs of a roof leak is water spots on your ceiling. This is a sign of an immediate leak that needs fast action. The longer the water sits and pools, the more damage it will do to your home.

If water is running down the walls, this could be a sign that your roof is leaking near the edge. If you see this happening, its essential to address the problem right away, as this type of leak can seep through all floors of your homedamaging insulation, framing, and drywall.

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Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Leaks

Many homeowners turn to their insurance policies when their roof springs a leak, hoping to recoup some or all of the costs from the policy. But does your home insurance cover a leaking roof? If it was caused by general wear-and-tear, likely not. However, if your roof was damaged by an unforeseen event like a storm, you may be in luck.

Felt Flat Roof Repair

Old pour and roll felt roofing can crack, get puncture holes , or the felt could split. Edging can also lift, or old flashings against the wall could leak. The surface may also suffer from dips or hollows.

Temporary Fix

As with most temporary flat roof repair work, a paint on solution can fix leaks. A number of these products are available at Rawlins Paints.

Permanent Fix

If the old layer of felt roofing is in good enough condition, then a liquid system repair can be applied. For older felt roofing, a patch of torched on roofing with add an additional layer and fix the damage. Please ensure that the user of a torch flame to conduct repair work on felt roofing is insured to work with naked flames, and always have a readily available and easily accessible fire extinguisher to hand.

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Asphalt Flat Roof Repair

Common damage issues include blistering in the asphalt from heat conditions, cracks, wrinkles and/or splits, and sagging.

Emergency Fix

to the crack/damage works very well as an emergency solution to seal gaps. All products sold at Rawlins Paints come with instructions and usually PDFs are also available for download.

Permanent Fix

Asphalt roofs can be repaired by having a small patch of roofing felt torched on. Alternately, one of the professional liquid systems available at rawlinspaints.com can repair leaks on asphalt roofs.

Granules In Your Gutters

Asphalt shingles have small granules as their first protective layer. When hail or large debris hits your roof during a storm, those granules can come loose and fall off. This granule loss can be a big culprit to roof leaks. It can happen over time or immediately in the case of large hailstones. Either way, once those are gone, it exposes the underlayers of your shingles, causing leaks.

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Pinpoint The Exact Location Of The Leak

Once the immediate leak has stopped and you can see the area is dry, go ahead and pinpoint the leak. You can do this in a few ways.

• Use a flashlight to search for a dark, damp spot.
• Run your hand along the roof decking to feel for any soft or wet areas.
• If its a significant leak, sometimes you will be able to hear the dripping noise from inside the attic.
• Take a peek at the outside of your roof to see if you can spot the damaged shingles. Figure out its placement in the attic and check that area.

Once you find the leak, circle it with some washable chalk, so you dont have to find it again during your repair.

Check For Holes Or Tears In The Flashing

Cracks, tears, and holes in the flashing material are all likely suspects. Also, check for places where leaves and twigs may have built up and prevented water from draining away. Its also a good time to assess the general health of the roof. Leaks can often be symptomatic of an old roof that needs to be replaced.

If the roof is flat or low-pitched, look for penetrations or blocked drains. Another trouble area may be indicated by puddleslow spots from which the water cant drain. While youre walking around, feel for soft spots under the roof surface that may indicate damage caused by water.

If you have trouble finding the leak, you might want to try to reproduce it by soaking different spots with a garden hose or bucket of water. Have someone on the inside watch out for telltale signs and call when they appear.

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Signs Of A Roof Leak Inside

Often, the first time youll notice a roof leak is when stains or other warning signs appear inside the home. Here are some sure-fire signals that you may have a leaky roof:

Damp Timbers or Loft Insulation

As its directly below your roof, your loft is the first place to check for signs of a roof leak from the inside. Wed recommend giving your loft a once-over at least twice a year, even if you dont think theres anything wrong.

Obvious signs of water damage in your roof space include damp loft insulation, moist patches or rotting timbers, dampness, and water marks. Its best to feel the surfaces in your loft as well as look at them, as it may not be obvious at first glance.

Musty Smell in the Loft

A musty smell in the air is a strong sign that your loft is damp, and therefore could contain mould. This can spread like wildfire, even from a small roof leak. If you notice a musty smell in your loft space, its vital to investigate further and get rid of any mould, which can lead to asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.

Damp Patches

One of the most common indoor signs that youre dealing with a roof leak is damp patches on the ceiling. These might look like shadows at first, but can quickly lead to structural damage and sagging timbers. Damp patches can also be found on the walls, and damage plaster or cause paint and wallpaper to bubble and peel.

Dripping Water

How To Fix Concrete Roof Leakage

Step 1: Roof Inspection

Concrete roof leaks can be caused due to various reasons. Its necessary to identify the cause for leakage and cure the root cause to prevent further issues. Roof inspection here includes:

Step 2: Call a Professional

Step 3: Repairing the Leaks

Step 4: Waterproofing

Step 5: Maintenance

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How To Find A Leak In A Flat Roof

Finding the source of a leaking flat roof can be tricky. On a pitched roof, it can be as simple as tracing the leak to materials directly above, but on a flat roof, water can travel in all directions between the layers in your roof space before leaking into the rooms below. If your ceiling is damp, stained with water, or dripping, it does not necessarily mean that the roof leak is directly above. To find the source of a leak in a flat roofing system, youll need to get up and inspect the roof.

The best time to look for a leak in a flat roof is when it has been dry for at least 72 hours, ideally in the evening. This is because as the temperature drops, the source of your flat roof leak will gently steam as heat is released from underneath. You should also be on the lookout for low spots surrounded by a ring of dirt, which suggests pooling water was there previously.

Once youve found your suspected source of the roof leak, use a hosepipe to gently spray the area, and then go back down and see if the leak reoccurs. You may have to wait a bit, as the water will have to navigate its way through the many layers in your flat roofing system. This method is highly effective, but takes time, and you may not find the right spot on your first try. While youre up on your roof, you should give the whole thing a thorough once-over, to ensure there is no damage that could cause roof leaks or other issues in future.