Is water seeping into your home via cracks in the concrete roof an annoyance you’d prefer do without? Although this is cause for anxiety, know that you are not alone in facing difficulties of this sort.
Damage to commercial buildings’ concrete roofs can cause water to pool on the roof and eventually leak through. This in no way suggests that concrete roofs are subpar. There are advantages and disadvantages to employing them, just like any other roofing system.
One of our main priorities now is teaching building proprietors how to seal concrete roofs against water leaks. You can maximise the return on your investment in a roof by keeping it in good condition and doing preventative maintenance.
Roofs made of concrete have been standard on new constructions for decades. Although concrete shingles are more common on the rooftops of commercial buildings, they are quickly gaining popularity in the residential sector as well. These roofs were formerly only utilised in commercial buildings, but contemporary trends in house design and architecture have made them popular for usage on private residences as well. While it’s true that concrete makes for a great building material, both at home and in the workplace, this does not mean that it’s completely safe from the impacts of weathering and other environmental conditions.
Preventing damage from occuring sooner than planned is possible through waterproofing, which will also help your concrete roof endure much longer than it otherwise would. Waterproofing the roof is a worthwhile investment to protect your building from water damage and is one of the best strategies to prevent damage.
At Hitch Property Constructions, we offer the best range waterproofing services to rectify your water issues.
Structure of Commercial Concrete Roofs
To get to the core of the issue, we must first have a firm grasp on the materials that go into producing concrete rooftops. Being aware of their composition helps you deal with it more strategically.
Roofs made of concrete have three main ingredients: sand, cement, and water. When these ingredients are mixed together, they become a compound. You’re not limited to using it for only roofs; you can also use it to construct floors, ceilings, decks, and a whole lot more. Never forget that concrete is a heavy material, which might have serious consequences. So, it needs a sufficient amount of structural support.
What Should Be Done Prior to Roof Waterproofing?
Single-ply roofing membranes, such as torch-down modified bituminous membranes (mod bit) or EPDM, were widely used for the installation of flat roofs two or three decades ago, and many of these roofs are now prime candidates for recovery. When a roof is old, it might be expensive to replace it entirely. However, in recent years, liquid applied roofing systems have evolved as viable, worthwhile substitutes.
The compatibility of the current roof surface with the liquid product being used is the first requirement that must be addressed in selecting the appropriate material. Failure to account for the coating material previously used on single-ply roofs is an expensive mistake. For instance, if you’ve already covered a surface with an acrylic elastomeric, you shouldn’t use urethane. Typically, urethane coatings contain a solvent that poses a substantial risk of re-emulsification for acrylic. A roof that had previously been covered with silicone is another example of this. It is impossible to apply a coating to a silicone surface because of the lack of adherence.
How to Identify and Repair a Roof Leak
Overview of the Roof Leak
If water stains flow down the walls and ceiling and reach across the room, it’s likely that you have a leaking roof. Repairing a leak is usually not too difficult, but tracing its origin might be a challenge. With our help, you’ll be able to quickly and easily identify and fix the most common causes of roof leaks. However, ice dams are likely the cause of winter leaks in the Snow Belt, where they occur only when temperatures rise or the sun shines.
Roofing repairs are outside the scope of this narrative. If you have a leaky roof, you should get it fixed as soon as possible, even if it doesn’t affect you too much or if you plan to replace your roof within the next year. Even small water leaks can cause big problems over time, like mould growth, rotting structure and sheathing, ruined insulation, and ruined ceilings. There were stains on the ceiling that had been there for at least two years, indicating a flashing leak that had resulted in a costly repair. The amount of damage and subsequent repairs needed would have been far smaller if the property owner had dealt with it immediately.
Where to Look for Roof Damage
To find the source of a leak, glance at the roof in the direction opposite to the stains. (Here’s also a primer on cleaning roofs if you happen to find any stains.) The first thing you should check for is penetrations in the roof. Roof leaks are almost often caused by something penetrating the roof.
Leaks in open regions with continuous shingles are quite rare, even on older roofs. Any structure that extends through the roof and isn’t a dormer or chimney is considered a penetration. They might be perched a few of feet above the leak, to the left or right, or everywhere in between.
The easiest way to find the cause of a leak is to head up into the attic with a flashlight in hand and start poking around. Water damage, discoloration, and mould are inevitable. It may be necessary to investigate the roof from the roof of the building if access is limited or if the ceiling is vaulted.
Fixing Difficult Leaks With This Clever Method
If you need help finding a leak on the roof, take a garden hose and a friend up there with you. First, get down on your hands and knees and thoroughly moisten the floor above the area where the leak is. If you’re going to use the hose, section off sections first.
The downhill side of the chimney should be soaked first, then the other sides, and ultimately the top of both sides. Tell your helper to wait inside as the leak makes its way to the outside. Allow the hose to run in one spot for a few minutes before you move it higher up the roof. Tell your assistance to yell if they discover a leak. The water leak is roughly in the area where you will be. It may take up to an hour for the process to finish, so please be patient and not touch the hose. Give your aide a night out on the town.
You shouldn’t be afraid to keep looking if water running doesn’t help you pinpoint the leak’s position. The shingles in the affected area should be removed first. After they are gone, you’ll be able to trace the leak back to its origin by examining the evidence left behind. You can tell if your roof is leaking because it leaves a discoloured felt paper trail, water stains on the wood, or even rotten wood directly below and all around the roof.
Repairing a Minor Water Leak
The source of certain roof leaks may be obscure. It’s not always the case that the ceiling is right above the leak when water appears there. You should remove the attic insulation and check for flow stains on the plastic vapour barrier if your ceiling is made of drywall that is sandwiched between the vapour barrier and the insulation. It is common for water to drip through cracks in the vapour barrier caused by things like ceiling light fixtures.
If you can’t find any flow marks and the stain isn’t too bad, you can check the roof’s underside for “shiners.” Carpentry work involving the attachment of roof sheathing to rafters often results in the protrusion of nails from the frame members. Nails that project beyond the rest of the nail bed are called shiners. Condensation commonly forms on the cold surfaces of the nails as moisture from the rooms below makes its way up into the cool attic.
To see this, walk up into your attic on a cold night and take a good look around. The icing gives the nails a bright white colour. During the day, when the attic warms up a bit, the ice on the nails melts and drips, but at night, they freeze up again. Nail trimming pliers with side-cutting blades help solve this problem.
Vent Boot Repairs in Plumbing
Pipe ventilation boots can be fabricated from plastic, plastic plus metal, or a two-piece metal device. Check the plastic feet for cracks and the metal feet’s seams for any damage. After that, inspect the pipe’s rubber encasing boot. That can rot away or tear, leaving a hole in the barrier and allowing water to leak into the home along the pipe.
Having any of these problems indicates that your current vent boot needs to be replaced. If the boot is in good shape but the nails at the base have been torn free or are missing, you can replace them with screws with rubber washers. Metal roofing systems require these screws. The screws are sold in the same section as the other hardware at any home improvement store.
In order to complete this task, you will need to remove the shingles on either side of the area you are now working on. Don’t ruin the shingles you pull off the roof if you want to reuse them. A flat bar can be used to pry apart the sealant between the layers. As soon as it is done, you can pull the nails out by pushing a flat bar beneath the nail heads and snapping them out.
Methods for Repairing Roof Vents
Inspect the metal roof vents for damaged seams and check the plastic housings for cracks. Caulk may seem like a quick and easy solution, but in reality, it won’t stay up for very long. Aside from a complete replacement of the faulty vents, there is no other option. Look for missing or pulled nails at the bottom border of the base. Replace them with rubber-washered screws.
Remove nails from under the tiles on either side of the vent and you should be able to pull it free. More so, the vent’s top will be nailed across. These may usually be loosened without first having to remove the shingles. Rubber washer-equipped screws should be used to secure the bottom. Squeeze out a thin bead of caulk and place it under the shingles on both sides of the vent to create a watertight seal and secure the shingles. In comparison to renailing the shingles, that is a really easy process to accomplish.
To Repair Walls and Roof Peaks
Sometimes it’s not even at the roof’s surface that the water first seeps in. Wind-driven rain often finds its way into via the ceiling.
This typically occurs through knotholes, fractures, and crevices in the siding, and around windows. Water can easily seep through the dormer walls and into the attic because of all the cracks and openings there. Caulk around the window frames, door jambs, and siding may be old and brittle or absent altogether.
It’s through these crevices and then behind the flashing that water is able to enter the house. There is always a chance that caulk that seems fine is actually failing to seal off moisture between the caulk and the neighbouring surfaces. Use the putty knife to probe the area and check for signs of closure. Get rid of the old caulk and replace it with something new and better. Moreover, inspect the siding that is above the step flashing. Any time a section of siding is damaged, rotten, or completely missing, replace it, making sure the new siding overflows the step flashing by at least two inches.
If the problem persists after this, you may need to remove the corner boards to examine the overlapping flashing. Old, brittle caulk often accumulates where the two halves of caulk meet on the inside corner.
Looking for the best waterproofing company? Look no further! Hitch Property Constructions has you covered.
Issues With the Roof’s Complexity
This roof probably springs leaks during snowstorms and summer thunderstorms because of poor flashing. The joint between the soffit and the roof is notoriously difficult to seal well. In this image, the remains of an ice dam may be seen.
When snow melts and the water that is left behind flows over the warmer parts of your roof, it promptly freezes, creating an ice dam. Water will collect behind the dam and eventually find its way back up through the shingles and soffit to an existing roof leak.
Making sure the flashing is done properly is the first step in resolving the issue, as doing so will avoid leaks caused by rain and, perhaps, ice dams. Step one is to remove the shingles until you reach the wood sheathing, and step two is to slide a strip of adhesive ice and water barrier (available anywhere roofing repair materials are sold) beneath the joint where the soffit and main roof meet. Depending on how the roofs are joined, you may need to cut a slot in one of them. It needs to hang over the edge of the roof and overlap the ice and water barrier that was installed underneath it. Most likely leak spots should be covered now. After that, you need to instal metal step flashing behind the fascia board and then replace the shingles (the trim behind the gutter). When installed over the seam where the two roofs meet, the step flashing must overlap the valley flashing by at least two inches. Heating cables installed along the roof edge might prevent ice dams from causing leaks in the roof. (Check the hardware stores and DIY shops in your neighbourhood to locate them.)
The best strategy to prevent ice dams is to increase the attic’s insulation and ventilation, however in the case of a leaking roof, these steps may not be successful.
Improve Step Flashing
Step flashing is used along the wall where it meets the roof. This flashing is made up of multiple smaller pieces that all work together to channel water away from the shingle underneath. But if the flashing rusts through or a piece of it falls free, the water will stream straight behind it and into the home.
We need to replace the flashing because it has rusted. Taking the necessary steps to replace the step flashing includes removing the shingles from the roof, peeling the siding away from the house, and then taking the flashing off. This is the essence of it. Occasionally, however, a roofer will forget to nail one down, and over time, it will slide down and expose the wall below.
Caulk Should Not Be Relied Upon!
Leaky roofs are notoriously difficult to fix, at least permanently, with caulk or roof cement. If a leaky roof can be fixed “mechanically,” you should always try to do so. This means that instead of applying sealant to prevent leaks, any existing flashing should be replaced or fixed. Caulk shouldn’t be used for anything other than the tiniest of cracks or when flashing won’t work to prevent a leak.
Small Holes
Small punctures in shingles can lead to a leaking roof and other problems for years before anybody notices anything is wrong. Holes from a satellite dish, antenna mounting brackets, or anything else could be lying about.
As an added precaution, you should remove any protruding roofing repair nails and fill any holes you find. Small holes are easy to patch, but the cure does not include pumping caulk into the opening. Repairs to the leaking roof will involve the installation of flashing.
Problems With Brick Chimney Flashing
Disasters of varied severity can occur next to brick chimneys. All of the pertinent points of discussion cannot be included in this article. Especially at the lowest 90-degree bend, galvanised steel flashing surrounding chimneys can corrode through if not properly maintained.
To make a simple fix that should hold up for a while, you can slip new flashing under the old corroded flashing. Whatever water manages to seep through the crevices will be channelled in this direction instead. In contrast, after sawing a kerf into the mortar, installing new flashing is the most efficient fix.
Hints for Fixing a Roof Made of Concrete
Find the Source
The first step in fixing a leaky concrete roof is identifying where the water is getting in. Check the water lines in the ceiling, the entire roof, and the ground below for puddles of water. It’s also a good idea to inspect things like the building’s drywall, plumbing, and so on. Many people don’t realise that water can easily enter their homes through these.
Professional roofing contractors perform the procedure of inspecting roofs. It’s risky business to climb to the top of your commercial building on your own. Start with a visual inspection if you need to perform an inspection. Although it may be tempting, you shouldn’t rush up to the roof if you need to get somewhere up high. Never start a project without first consulting with concrete roofing specialists to prevent injuries and additional property loss. They have the education and resources at their disposal to pinpoint and fix problems.
Fill Cracks
As a result of everyday use and weathering, concrete can deteriorate and form cracks and even holes. Leakage may worsen if water is allowed to enter these cracks and crevices. In simpler cases, you may be able to fix your roof on your own.
You’ll need roof primer, elastomeric sealer, and mortar or roof cement to finish the job. Before proceeding, make sure that the entire roof is spotless. A pressure washer is a great tool for removing stubborn grime and other forms of debris. Dust, muck, twigs, leaves, and other debris fall into this category. Any remaining gaps or cracks should be sealed using roof cement or mortar. What follows is the use of roof primer. Now we must wait for it to dry out entirely. After that, an elastomeric sealer should be spread throughout the broken spots, such as the cracks, holes, corners, and so on. Applying a second coating a day after the first will further fortify the sealant.
Do your homework before attempting to implement these guidelines. It is crucial that these materials be handled properly due to the presence of chemical components. Your health, happiness, and peace of mind may all depend on the advice of a local roofing contractor, so don’t hesitate to seek it out. These simple methods may help halt water leaks, but they are not a long-term fix.
Regular Professional Maintenance
Please be patient with us as we reiterate how critical it is to complete regular maintenance. You should schedule this at least twice a year. While regular cleaning and inspections are certainly part of the maintenance process, there are also many other, more complicated steps.
Accessing buildings might be difficult for anyone who isn’t familiar with the proper procedures because of their height and size. For these reasons, it’s in your best interest to team up with a commercial roofing partner who can monitor and inspect your existing concrete roof. Please let us know if you have any roofing-related concerns so that we can have them fixed as soon as possible.
Getting your hands dirty with roofing projects is quite acceptable. Yet, it should always be done under the supervision of a roofing specialist. In such situations, personal safety must come first. In addition, licenced roofers are always happy to provide a hand, so long as they have the proper roofing knowledge, skills, and equipment.
We have a huge range of waterproofing services Melbourne at Hitch Property Constructions that offers stress-free services for any water problem you got!
What Happens if You Ignore a Roof Leak?
A person should know how to make quick fixes to roof leaks and how to deal with water damage until help arrives. Hiring a professional to fix the leaky roof as soon as possible, though, is crucial. Here’s what may happen if you overlook a roof leak, no matter how small.
Inexpensive Fixes Have Become More Costly
There’s no point in hoping that a leak will just go away if you ignore it. However, putting off fixing a roof leak can only lead to higher repair costs down the road.
Mould
In addition to the cost of repairs, there is also the issue of mould remediation, which is both unpleasant and expensive. In addition to wreaking havoc on the physical integrity of your home, mould can also trigger allergic reactions and disease in humans and animals if it is allowed to spread unchecked.
Reduced Durability of the Roof
Roofing replacement is a major undertaking, and no one wants to put themselves through it any more often than is quite required. A roof that has suffered from water leaks for an extended period of time will need to be replaced considerably sooner than a roof that is otherwise in good shape.
Professional roofers are the best resource for dealing with leaks. Taking precautions against roof leaks will help decrease their effects in the short term, but ultimately, you’ll need to engage a roofing contractor and have them instal the proper materials to the roof to cure the problem for good.
FAQs About Roof
What is the most common cause of roof leaks?
Most roof leaks are caused by one of five common factors: people, issues with seams, neglect, rooftop equipment, and weather. Prevention is of course better than repair. Once you get to know the main offenders, you can develop a strategy to avoid problems before they arise.
How serious is a roof leak?
The leaking water also will damage paint and plaster on nearby walls. You can also expect damage on ceiling-mounted lights and fans. The most obvious consequence of a leaking roof is the damaged rafters, ceiling joists, wall framing and even fascia boards and exterior trim can become victims of water intrusion.
Can a roof collapse from a leak?
In many cases, a roof collapse happens when the components of your roof become saturated with rain as a result of an untreated roof leak. When rain permeates your roof and impacts these components, they weaken and fall into your home.
Where do roofs usually leak?
The chimney is one of the main culprits of a roof leak. Most of the time, it’s due to cracked or damaged flashing. These are thin strips of metal installed around the roof, which provide a seal in areas where the roof intersects.
Why does my roof leak in heavy rain?
Roof leaks that happen during heavy rains may indicate the end of the shingles’ life. Metal corrosion. Cracks in metal and corrosion around fasteners can create enough space for water to leak. Over time, expansion and contraction can loosen the seams in a metal roof.
Conclusion
For the past several decades, concrete roofs have been the industry standard for brand new constructions. Concrete shingles are traditionally used on commercial roofs but are quickly becoming a popular choice for residential roofs as well. You should definitely spend the money to waterproof the roof. Even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal or if you’re already planning to replace your roof within the next year, a leaky roof needs to be fixed as soon as possible. You can quickly find and repair the most common causes of roof leaks with our assistance.
Content Summary
- Damage to commercial buildings’ concrete roofs can cause water to pool on the roof and eventually leak through.
- This in no way suggests that concrete roofs are subpar.
- There are advantages and disadvantages to employing them, just like any other roofing system.
- One of our main priorities now is teaching building proprietors how to seal concrete roofs against water leaks.
- You can maximise the return on your investment in a roof by keeping it in good condition and doing preventative maintenance.
- Roofs made of concrete have been standard on new constructions for decades.
- Although concrete shingles are more common on the rooftops of commercial buildings, they are quickly gaining popularity in the residential sector as well.
- Waterproofing the roof is a worthwhile investment to protect your building from water damage and is one of the best strategies to prevent damage.
- To get to the core of the issue, we must first have a firm grasp on the materials that go into producing concrete rooftops.
- Roofs made of concrete have three main ingredients: sand, cement, and water.
- So, it needs a sufficient amount of structural support.
- Single-ply roofing membranes, such as torch-down modified bituminous membranes (mod bit) or EPDM, were widely used for the installation of flat roofs two or three decades ago, and many of these roofs are now prime candidates for recovery.
- When a roof is old, it might be expensive to replace it entirely.
- However, in recent years, liquid applied roofing systems have evolved as viable, worthwhile substitutes.
- The compatibility of the current roof surface with the liquid product being used is the first requirement that must be addressed in selecting the appropriate material.
- Failure to account for the coating material previously used on single-ply roofs is an expensive mistake.
- If water stains flow down the walls and ceiling and reach across the room, it’s likely that you have a leaking roof.
- Repairing a leak is usually not too difficult, but tracing its origin might be a challenge.
- With our help, you’ll be able to quickly and easily identify and fix the most common causes of roof leaks.
- If you have a leaky roof, you should get it fixed as soon as possible, even if it doesn’t affect you too much or if you plan to replace your roof within the next year.
