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Water Proofing Options for Flat Roofs

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 01:43:24 GMT

Flat roofs are a popular option in most residential and commercial construction projects for several reasons. The roof takes less time to install, has high energy efficiency, is easy to maintain, and has a long lifespan. Getting a flat roof is a wise choice for a business or individual. However, these advantages hinge upon the success of your waterproofing strategy since flat roofs rely on the underlying material.

While sloping roofs quickly lose water along the slope, flat roofs risk accumulating water. Professional waterproofing involves examining environmental factors such as nearby industrial effluents and the type of structure. These considerations help achieve a waterproof flat roof that is durable. This piece explores some waterproofing options for your flat-roofed building.

Liquid Waterproofing

This process involves using a special coating which can be glass-reinforced plastic, or liquid fleece membrane. Even though this method is applicable for other roof designs, it is ideal for your flat roof. The installed coat is also durable on a flat top, but the longevity depends on how you maintain the waterproofing coating and the product quality.

The application process resembles painting, but the end product is an elastic membrane that prevents water from penetrating your flat roof. Over the years, research into liquid membranes resulted in different products that you may select based on cost, availability, and suitability for your project. Ensure you choose liquid membranes suitable for the surface and roof.

Several interventions can guarantee the longevity of the liquid waterproofing membrane. For instance, do not cut shortcuts when preparing the substrate.

Single Ply Waterproofing

Large roofs and roofs requiring the maximum life expectance, would require a sheet membrane. Some examples of such structures include schools, hotels, warehouses, apartments, and sports facilities. Single ply waterproof materials are your best option if you develop such a project. The most common single-ply waterproofing materials include polyvinyl chloride and ethylene propylene diene monomer.

A material like polyvinyl chloride creates leak-free surfaces and prevents corrosion. As a waterproofing material, polyvinyl chloride reduces the roof's weight, prevents corrosion, and protects your roof from other impacts of the harsh outside weather. These materials are synthetic and resist chemical rotting, while their strength helps them endure abrasion and shock on constantly used rooftops.

Bitumen Membranes

Bitumen, either as a single or two sheet torch-on membrane, has been the traditional protection offered to flat roof application, successively, over many years. This material is still in large demand in modern industries mainly due to its ability to prevent water ingress. Bitumen is essential in flat roof waterproofing since it makes such surfaces operable under dump and wet conditions.

The most common use of bitumen is the sheet membrane. Roofing applicators unroll and lay the membrane on the roof whilst applying heat via a torch to melt the bitumen onto the roof. However, some membranes are self-adhesive and do not require heat to be adhered to the roof. Bitumen is favoured due to low life cost and minimum maintenance needs.

Waterproofing a flat-roofed house prevents ultraviolet ray degradation. The waterproofing materials also helps prevent damage to the roof structure, which result from the combination of water, debris, and impact damage. The membrane assists in extending the durability of the roof structure.

There are different options for waterproofing your flat roof today. At Smithy's Contracting Pty Ltd, we specialise in waterproofing solutions in various industries. Our company has the competence, access to materials, and experience essential to developing a waterproofing solution for your flat-roofed house. You may also contact regarding suitable waterproofing materials to use.

Risks of Skipping Professional Waterproofing

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 17 May 2022 02:40:24 GMT

Are you planning to construct a building from which you can run your business? Commercial building construction requires careful planning to execute successfully. Without due consideration of the various project activities, you may not achieve certain project goals.

Waterproofing is one of the key activities you should perform during the construction process. As the name suggests, its primary purpose is to keep water out. Failure to carry out adequate waterproofing can affect your building, its contents and its occupants.

Read along to discover some common problems associated with poor waterproofing in commercial buildings.

Structural damage to your building

While some building materials are more water-resistant than others, almost every material is susceptible to water damage. One of the main issues associated with inadequate waterproofing is that it can allow water to enter areas of your building that should remain dry. When this happens, building materials will deteriorate, causing structural damage to the property.

If your construction site has a high water table , for example, specialised waterproofing to the foundation of the building may be necessary to limit or stop the water ingress especially in heavy rain.

Otherwise, you may experience serious structural integrity issues, including ingress of water into the sub-basements, and the deterioration of finished surfaces.

Fixing water damage can be expensive

Water damage does not repair itself. The best course of action when you notice the signs of water intrusion in your commercial building is to carry out repair work immediately.

Water damage on a structural level can be difficult and expensive to fix, as the application of waterproofing systems normally sequence during different phases of the construction process.

Given the time-consuming and labour-intensive nature of repairs you would conduct due to water damage to your commercial building, costs can add up quickly. Expensive building repairs hurt your bottom line, reducing the amount of money available for facilitating the daily operations of your business. Tenants could move out with the loss of income or insurance claims or seeking redress through the courts could take months if not years.

Microbial growth inside your building

Bacterial pathogens such as mould and mildew needs dampness to grow. Once the water activity inside your building is sufficient, these biological microorganisms will start to grow.

Inadequate waterproofing is one of the common causes of high water activity in buildings, creating damp conditions that encourage the growth of harmful microorganisms. Microbial growth can affect the health and safety of your employees and other building users if you do not detect it and remedy it early enough.

Ruined building aesthetics

As a business owner, you should care about the appearance of your commercial premises. After all, people create perceptions about your business based on what they see.

Water damage to buildings never looks good, whether it manifests as deteriorated building material or microbial infestations. Moreover, it can give people the impression that you do not care for your property. These perceptions can taint the image and reputation of your business.

While it is possible to repair failed waterproofing systems, the cost implications for businesses can be prohibitive, depending on the problem. The extent of the problem also influences the waterproofing repair costs. Using a professional commercial waterproofing contractor is the best way to prevent potential issues arising from poor waterproofing.

If you are ready to discuss the waterproofing requirements for your commercial project, please talk to us at Smithy’s anytime. With our experience, of many years, we have seen and corrected nearly all mistakes of others. You can count on us to offer a professional and warranted service.