A Comprehensive Guide To Flat Roof Waterproofing
The roof is one of those parts of a home that is often forgotten perhaps because it is out of sight. However, regular maintenance checks are necessary to ensure that you get the most out of your roof. Roof waterproofing is an important roof maintenance practice but it becomes more complicated when dealing with a flat roof. Unlike sloped roofs where water can easily slide off, flat roofs have a very shallow slope hence they tend to collect leaves and other debris that may prevent the roof from removing water from your buildings exterior as required.
Optimize Airtightness Thanks To A Better Choice Of Cover
Even simple drafts can annoy the residents of a home. Moreover, this has a strong impact on the consumption of heating energy. With optimized sealing, you significantly reduce your heating expenses. The waterproofing performance depends, however, on the types of roofing. Roof terraces are the most airtight, although they are more vulnerable to water infiltration.
Other covers also have proven performance, especially those made of metal , as well as those equipped with solar panels. There are other options, such as a wooden bar or slate roofs. Tile roofing is the most air-sensitive, but you can fix it.
All you need to do is place a roofing support in the form of cement slabs under the tiles. Being a porous material, terracotta can also be treated from the outside with water-repellent products of the film-forming type or with a beading effect.
Damaged Or Degraded Waterproof Membranes
One of the most common causes of roof leakage is damaged or substandard waterproofing membranes. As membranes wear out over time, they no longer provide the barrier to prevent water intrusion into the concrete. Normally, a new coat of membrane or other waterproofing solutions will have been applied to create a necessary waterproofing barrier.
Roof leakages might not always be noticeable as cracks in the concrete takes time to develop. This may last for several years before the leak becomes severe enough to cause water damage. Undetected leaks might cause some minor issues that you should take note of:
- Water stains on walls and ceilings
- Wet carpets or moisture on flooring
- Water pooling in the basement
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How Do You Seal A Concrete Slab Roof
The problem is that concrete is not waterproof, so a waterproof membrane is fitter over the concrete surface to seal it. The best way to seal it is a torch-on system and then an aluminium coating to protect it from the sun.
Why Does My Roof Leak Sometimes
If water is stagnant on the rooftop, it is likely to seep through the shingles and expose weaker spots on the roof. If there are ridge vents on the roof, then its possible that the wind blows the rain down the vents and inside the home. A leaking roof is a sure sign of something more sinister brewing.
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What Is A Dead Valley On A Roof
Dead valleys occur when two slopes come together in a way that does not allow proper/natural drainage or very slow drainage. In a dead valley there is essentially nowhere for the water or leaves to go. Water naturally runs downhill. It usually runs down the slope of your roof, into the gutters, and away from the home.
The Liquid Waterproofing System
It is a mixture of resin and elastomer. When installed, a waterproof membrane is obtained, seamless and resistant to cracking of the substrate. This type of waterproofing system is an ideal base for an ornamental terrace covering. Its advantages are:
- cold implementation
- tolerance to small cracks in the substrate
- a perfect finish and without joints
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Permaflex Lrb And Tav
Permaflex is the top coat that seals metal, plywood, concrete and other types of roofing surfaces. Its also functions as a first priming coat when using LRB and TAV . The priming coat fills holes & voids in the substrate.
These two products work together to patch and profile any joints, seams, cracks, holes or rough areas. Products are packaged separately because different mixes are required for different applications. We provide all the tools you need to take on any roofing project.
Waterproof Under The Shingles
When you are replacing an old roof or working on new construction, you will need to know how to waterproof your roof from the start. Shingles are the most common roofing material, and all shingle roofs should have a solid waterproof material, such as tar paper or roofing felt, between the rafters and shingles. A newer, lighter and stronger option for waterproofing your roof under the shingles is thermoplastic polyolefin. There are also breathable TPO membranes that allow water vapor to pass through. This may not seem to be how to waterproof your roof, but the permeability actually reduces condensation in the attic.
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What Happens If It Rains On Wet Liquid Rubber Deck Coating
Try to pick a few dry days in a row to waterproof your plywood deck, if possible. I tried doing that, but when you live in a humid part of the south, unexpected showers pop up all the time.
My first coat of the Liquid Rubber Deck Coating was only about 70% dry when it was rained on. Luckily, it didnt ruin my deck. You can see what happened in the video above.
But, all of the Liquid Rubber that was dry before the rain stayed dry. The spots that were wet mixed with rain water.
I used paper towels to gently wipe up that wet mixture of Liquid Rubber Deck Coating and Rain.
Once I removed all of that wet deck coating, I let the surface dry, then applied another full coat of the Deck Coating.
Everything dried fine. I applied 5 coats in total with a couple extra coats in the edges and around the posts, to be extra safe.
Thats it for how to waterproof a plywood deck, roof or balcony with Liquid Rubber Deck Coating.
Looking for more of my Easy DIY Home Improvement videos? You can see them here, on my YouTube channel.
How To Seal Plywood Edges
Because plywood is made of several thin layers, the edges are very vulnerable to water. Generally the surface of plywood is naturally water resistant, but the edges absorb moisture like a sponge.
When water is absorbed into the plywood edge it can damage the wood much faster. The edges are an easy way for water to get directly in between the plywood veneer sheets. For this reason its very important to seal and waterproof them.
Sealing plywood edges is very simple,
- Apply several coats of waterproofing with a brush. Edges will soak up more sealant than the surface so youll need more per inch.
- Allow each coat to dry before you apply the next.
- The edges will soak up the varnish quickly so use several coats.
- Its OK to go thicker around the edges.
- Watch for and clean up drips.
- You can use a roller on the edges too but it will drip easier. A brush is your best bet.
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The Problem: You Want To Turn Your Flat Roof Into A Terrace So You Need Non
The solution:Acrypol Quartzdeck
Before turning your flat roof into a sun deck, remember that it may not have been designed to bear the weight of lots of people. Seek specialist advice first as you may need to reinforce the existing structure. Assuming youve got the go-ahead, Acrypol Quartzdek is a great addition to your grand design. In a choice of beautiful colours, not only does it make an attractive floor covering for your new balcony, its designed to be anti-slip, plus it can waterproof your flat roof, all at the same time.
How does Acrypol Quartzdek work?
A waterproofing and anti-slip solution in one, Acrypol Quartzdek contains real quartz granules that you sprinkle over a tough waterproof coating, all sealed and bonded together with a final layer of resin.
Acrypol Quartzdek is suitable for:
You can use Acrypol Quartzdek anywhere that needs an anti-slip covering such as balconies, walkways, exterior stairs, risers and roof gardens. Its suitable for use on practically any flat roof covering.
How to apply Acrypol Quartzdek:
How Novatuff Coatings Epoxy Roof Coating System Can Protect Your Concrete Roof:
As a fluid-applied epoxy roof coating system, NovaTuff Coatings easily bond with the existing substrate, filling all areas where water penetration has occurred. When properly installed, our Epoxy Roof Coating System forms a long-lasting and sustainable watertight barrier that extends the life of your roof and protects against leaks and UV radiation, one of the main causes of breakdown on non-coated concrete roofs.
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What To Know About Waterproofing Your Rooftop
During harsh rainstorms, water can accumulate on your roof and seep through roof cracks, damaging your commercial building. As a result, mold and mildew could grow on your walls, and the wooden components of your building can rot. You can prevent moisture damage to your commercial space by waterproofing your rooftop. Whether your roof is flat or sloped, our team at Houck can help you have a high-quality, safe roof with our waterproofing services.
Instead of spending time and money to replace your whole roof, you can apply a waterproof coating to keep water out of the building. Use this roofing and waterproofing guide to keep moisture away from your commercial roof and all its components.
Knockdown Vs Handtrowel: Concrete Flooring Finishes
These days, it seems days that the construction industry is getting the upper hand on creativity and art. Whatever the project, the industry seems to come up with an idea that beautifies the result. Surprisingly, that is even true of concrete. Colorized and textured concrete are becoming common and provide a beautiful and innovate touch
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Roof Waterproofing Solutions: How To Waterproof Your Roofs
External areas subjected to severe environmental conditions will cause leakages and affect internal dry areas. Waterproofing the concrete structure is essential to avoid problems such as oxidation of steel and damages related to water infiltration. Weber-E.MIX proposes several roof waterproofing solutions for exposed, concealed, and planter roofs.
Why Not Other Options For Waterproof Decking
Sure, there are other options when it comes to covering a flat roof, but none of them tend to work well if you want a truly waterproof seal, or want to use your roof as a deck space. Here are a few other options and why they typically wont work:
- Asphaltic Tar: Yikes! Talk about hot and smelly not the best solution if you want to enjoy a nice day on your roof deck. The materials used are also heavy and can clog up your gutters and drains.
- Torch on/ Modified Bitumen: Again, probably not the best option for the same reasons above. If you did want to convert your roof to this surface you would need to add a finishing product on top, for an additional cost, rather than just covering with PVC vinyl decking in one go.
- Built Up Roof : This option looks ok but probably isnt very comfortable to walk on and can be pretty heavy.
- Spray On Coating : This is a pretty expensive option used primarily in commercial applications. Although it offers great waterproofing since its seamless, its not meant to be walked on and doesnt look that attractive .
If you already have one of these types of roofs, you *could* potentially cover the existing roof with PVC vinyl decking , but youre much better off taking the roof down and starting over with a high-quality vinyl decking material.
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What Is Roof Waterproofing
Waterproofing of the roof refers to the treatment of the roof surface to prevent water passage under hydrostatic pressure by making the roof system resistant to the passage or entry of water through it. Proper waterproofing of the roof system prevents water or any other form of leakages from entering the living spaces below.
Conventional waterproofing systems involve the application of waterproofing membranes. This typically refers to layers of water-resistant materials such as bitumen, TVC, etc that acts as a physical barrier that prevents water from passing through. This, however, relies on the proper application of the membrane, if otherwise water can still find a way to penetrate through the building structure.
Concrete and flat roofs can also be waterproofed on any form of property such as residential, commercial or industrial buildings. Damage to your roof is an unavoidable fact as they are exposed to the elements all the time. A proper waterproofing system safeguards your property and goods in the long-term against unwanted water intrusion.
Facing any leakage issues? Contact us now.
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:
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Tips For Waterproofing Of Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are cool. They look clean and minimal and have become very popular over the last few years because of their style versatility. However, theres one thing that makes flat roofs not as popular as the regular, slated ones and thats leaking. You have to make sure your flat roof is waterproof especially if you live somewhere where it rains and snows. Luckily, many advancements have been made over the years and nowadays there is more than one way to waterproof your flat roof and thats exactly what weve wanted to talk to you about. Today, were going to give you a few tips, so you can be certain that no matter how heavy the rain is you and your property are going to stay dry.
Importance Of Flat Roof Waterproofing
Standing water is a common issue with flat roofing as rainwater can begin to gather in many places.Sometimes the roofs drainage may be blocked by debris or the roof may sag in certain places leading topooling of water. Pooling water can eventually damage your roofs protective membrane if it is left for too long. It is therefore important to clear any debris blocking the drainage or increase the roofs gradient. A pressure washer can be used to clean the flat roof by removing any moss or algae that can be hard to remove with a brush.
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How Do You Waterproof A Low Pitch Roof
Low-pitch roofs are usually waterproofed through the use of a roof membrane, which can be made from synthetic rubber, a thermoplastic such as PVC, or modified bitumen. Any of these materials can effectively carry water off the roof without allowing it to pool anywhere or penetrate vulnerable areas and cause damage.
Waterproofing Your Roof Deck With A Tpo Membrane: Pros Cons And Costs
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While having a roof deck is a great way to increase living/entertaining space, one of the biggest issues that many homeowners experience is frequent leaks.
Properly waterproofing a roof deck is often a challenge, because the materials used most frequently, either EPDM rubber, or a Tar/built-up material, do not offer solid protection against leaks.
However, there is a much better, longer lasting alternative: a TPO roofing membrane. Its designed with hot air-welded seams, which makes it impervious to water infiltration.
While a TPO membrane costs more than rubber, you get the benefit of enjoying a leak-free roof deck for years to come. Also, since roof decks are typically small the real difference in price is miniscule and can be as little as $200-400. Therefore it is always preferable to use TPO membrane instead of rubber.
Learn more about TPO membrane costs, as well as pros and costs of installing it on your deck.
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The Phases Of Concrete Cancer
According to the Australian Concrete Repair Association there are four stages of concrete cancer progression. In general terms, the cost to fix concrete cancers multiples by roughly five through each stage of the cancers progression in the concrete. This is sometimes referred to as the Law of Fives.
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