Waterproofing your roof will help to protect the inside of your home from rain and snow. It will also prevent water from seeping into your walls, which can lead to mould and mildew growth.
Roof waterproofing can be done on a variety of roof types. It can even be done on new construction.
Preparing Your Roof for Waterproofing
The preparation phase of roof waterproofing involves cleaning the roof and ensuring that it is free from dirt, debris, and other contaminants. This will help prevent water from gathering in areas that are more likely to cause damage.
This includes removing moss and algae that can cause blockages in your gutters and downspouts. Also, it’s important to ensure that your roof is properly draining away rainwater.
Once you’ve inspected your roof and taken care of any issues, it’s time to choose the right membrane for your roofing needs. The choice you make will impact the cost of your project and the longevity of your roof.
There are several types of liquid-applied membranes available for commercial roofing applications. However, not all membranes are created equal.
Waterproof Membrane Installation
When you’re choosing a waterproof membrane for your commercial roof, there are some important considerations. It needs to have the right elongation percentage, be resistant to tearing by force, and withstand chemicals from the surrounding environment.
It also needs to be breathable so that moisture vapor can escape the building. Waterproofing membranes that don’t allow vapor to leave the building will trap moisture inside the structure, which can damage the roofing materials and lead to leaks and other problems.
If you’re unsure which type of waterproofing membrane is right for your building, consult with a professional to determine the best solution for your project. They will help you choose the right material and offer expert installation services. In addition, they can offer testing methods that will ensure the integrity of your new waterproofing system. These include spray testing, flood testing, capacitance (impedance) testing, and nuclear metering. These methods are highly effective and can help you identify any breaches in your new roofing system.
Flashing Installation
Roof flashing is a thin material that prevents moisture from entering holes in your home’s structure, like chimneys, vents and skylights. It’s a vital part of any roofing job, and it can save your home from leaks that wake you up at night and damage the interior of your property.
Keeping your roof watertight demands a lot of attention. There are a few key areas that need special care, including valleys and where the roof butts up against walls.
Each type of penetration has unique installation requirements that require specialized materials and techniques. This is why it’s important to have your flashing installed by a professional contractor who understands the best practices, safety requirements and building codes in your area.
For example, the bottom of a roof/wall intersection needs a specially-formed step flashing to deflect water away from the wall. There are also two-part flashing pieces, like base and counter-flashing, which ensure rain meets a surface that directs it downwards.
Post-Installation Maintenance For Roof Waterproofing
The post-installation maintenance phase of roof waterproofing is crucial for preventing costly problems from developing. This is because workers need to inspect the entire roof system to see if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
Then, they need to make sure there are no gaps or cracks between the shingles and underlayment. This could allow water to get through and cause structural damage.
If there are leaks, they need to be repaired or replaced with new roofing materials. This prevents a leaking roof from causing damage to your home or business.
There are different methods of waterproofing a flat roof, which vary in price and quality. Choose the one that is most suitable for your budget and your roof type.