Key Things You Must Know About Roof Waterproofing

Exposed to all climatic variations, the flat concrete roof deck of a building is the area which is permanently exposed to the extremes of the heat, rain fall, wind and all other weather conditions, thus is often subject to a high amount of ongoing thermal and structural movement. In the past, flat roof decks were considered high risk, particularly in residential homes, being a source of unwanted water, whereas a roof should ideally be working as an impermeable envelope to safeguard the whole building against moisture penetration. A thorough waterproofing membrane system must be incorporated to this crucial part of any residential or commercial dwelling to ensure the safety of the entire structure of building along with the inside articles.

Whether treated with a thick layer of concrete, sealed with a concrete additive or poured with positive falls to waste outlets, the root cause of leaks from exposed roof decks is the presence of moisture penetratinginside the roof structure. Careful and skillful installation of waterproofing membrane system is critical in avoiding leaks going forward. There are several points to consider before waterproofing a flat roof deck, some of which are detailed below;

 

Insulated Roof Waterproofing

1.       To ensure a strong waterproofing system, the substrate must be structurally strong to withhold it. For example, we understand that flat roof decks are among the most critical points for waterproofing, given they’re exposed to ongoing UV, rain, high winds and the omnipresent thermal movement between summer and winter, and even night and day, so the substrate also plays a part in the chances of success of the membrane system. A timber/plywood/hebel substrate for example, would not constitute an adequate waterproofing substrate externally, because those materials are not considered strong enough for external waterproofing applications – particularly in high risk areas such as flat roof decks. Durotech recommends a strong concrete substrate as the most appropriate substrate.

2.       Integral waterproofing compounds admixed in the concrete, in lower water/cement ratio, provide a strong concrete base and thus double the strength of waterproofing system. These compounds generally are not strong enough to be used unless in conjunction with a specific waterproofing membrane.

3.       The drainage of unwanted water relies heavily on the following factors; Positive, unimpeded falls to waste outlets, joints with parapet walls, down water pipes (one in every 40m²) and efficient plumbing on the terrace floor. Ensure buildings are structurally sound before waterproofing.

4.       The surface of the roof must fall unimpeded towards all waste outlets to avoid ongoing ponding water.The substrate must also be free of all dust, debris, oils, Laitance and any other contaminants before applying any waterproofing system.

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