Roof Waterproofing: Why It Matters and How It’s Done

Jul 14, 2023

WRITTEN BY:

Viking Contractors

CATEGORY:

Uncategorized

POSTED ON:

July 14, 2023

UPDATED ON:

May 10, 2024

Got Questions?

Our roof protects our families and material possessions from getting wet, but what happens when it isn’t waterproof?

If you’re experiencing frequent water leaks with your flat roof, now may be the time to consider roof waterproofing to prevent major repairs in the future. 

At Viking Contractors LLC, we will fill you in with all the roofing information you need.

 

An Overview of Roof Waterproofing

Before we go on to how you can waterproof your home, it’s worth having a clear understanding of what roof waterproofing is and also how it can benefit you.

What Is Roof Waterproofing?

Roof waterproofing, more commonly known as flat roof waterproofing, is a process that ensures the inside of your home is protected from water accumulation and leaks. Moreover, it generally involves applying a waterproof coating or membrane on your roof.

Why Is Roof Waterproofing Important, and Should I Invest in It?

Roof leakage, water dameged ceiling roof and stain on ceiling

Your home may be the most significant financial investment you have made, and certainly, you always want to protect its value.

Roof waterproofing isn’t only beneficial for maintaining the market value of the structure of your own home but for many different reasons.

  • Prevents Water Accumulation and Leaks: Roof waterproofing creates a strong barrier between the outsides and insides of your home. It prevents water from seeping into the roof structure and safeguards your walls, furniture, and appliances inside.
  • Extends Your Roof’s Life: Roof waterproofing will protect your roof against various weather elements and extends its functionality. This means heavy rains, dirt, snow, and UV rays won’t cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. 
  • Less Maintenance and Repair Costs: Another advantage of roof waterproofing is that it could be an economic investment. If water damages are left untreated, repairing will cost more than how much you’ll initially invest in roofing services.
  • Energy Efficiency: Proper roof waterproofing also prevents water from infiltrating and compromising the insulation material installed in your home. This helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduces energy consumption.
  • Prevents Health Risks: Water infiltration may cause mold and mildew to grow inside your house. This poses health risks when your family is exposed. Roof Waterproofing helps eliminate the conditions necessary for mold and mildew to thrive.

 

How Roof Waterproofing Is Done

Professional workers waterproofing house construction site. Worker rolling membrane

Now that you know why protecting your roof from water leakage is important, basically, it’s time to have a quick overview of the complete waterproofing process.

Step 1: Hiring the Right Contractor

To make roof waterproofing a simple process, you need to hire the right contractor. They can guide you and give you peace of mind over the course of this waterproof roofing project.

An experienced and professional contractor can provide you with the highest-quality roofing solutions.

Step 2: Assessing the Roof Condition

The first step your contractor will do in the waterproofing process is to inspect the current condition of your roof. Whether you have flat roofs or M-shaped roofs, your contractor will take a closer look at them and check for evidence of water accumulation.

They may also check for common issues associated with roofs, such as compromised insulation and damaged coating, before they advise you on the suitable waterproofing procedure for your home.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Materials

After the inspection, a knowledgeable contractor should guide you in choosing the most suitable materials for your waterproofing project. 

The common roofing system materials include:

  • Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM): is a synthetic rubber sheet commonly used in commercial roofing. It has excellent resistance to weathering and good flexibility at low temperatures. 
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC membrane is one of the first single-ply roofing options in the market. They require a separator sheet when in contact with polystyrene insulation to prevent membrane embrittlement.
  • Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO): The seams of TPO membranes are heat welded. Long-term performance is still being evaluated due to their recent introduction. TPO does not rely on plasticizers for flexibility, making it less prone to embrittlement.
  • Modified Bitumen: Modified bitumen is a blend of asphalt and rubber modifiers or plasticizers. It is available in sheets or rolls and is commonly used in low-slope or flat roofs, and provides good waterproofing and durability.

The type of your roof and its specific requirements will matter when choosing the right material. This will greatly affect how effective waterproofing your roof will be, so don’t hesitate to ask your service provider any questions you may have.

Step 4: Application Process

Once you agree with the material, the next step is to install the roofing system. Here are the steps contractors need to do to ensure proper roof waterproofing:

  1. Surface Preparation: This is an important step where the roof surface is carefully prepared to ensure optimal adhesion of the waterproofing materials. This includes cleaning the surface, removing debris, and applying a good primer.
  2. Waterproofing Material Application: The contractor should ensure that an even layer of the material is applied. Your contractor should also pay attention to critical areas like seams, joints, and flashing, ensuring that they’re covered properly. 
  3. Top Layer Application: Adding a top layer of coatings is an essential part of the process. This additional layer acts as an added protection barrier against water infiltration. It further enhances the performance and durability of the waterproofing system.

 

Conclusion

Households should waterproof their roofing systems so they can enjoy the protection that their homes provide for longer. With the right service provider to guide you, the cost of investing in this will be worth it in the long term.

If you’re looking for an expert contractor, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Viking Contractors LLC. We’re here to collaborate with you so you can choose the suitable roofing materials that align with your budget.

Our team will ensure that your new roof is installed with the utmost professionalism and adheres to the highest quality standards. Get a free roof inspection today! 

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