ROOF WATERPROOFING – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

ROOF WATERPROOFING

Because it is your home’s first line of defense against damaging elements, waterproofing your roof is an essential step in roof installation and regular home maintenance.  Below are reason why waterproofing your roof is a must.

The Roof and the Threats it Fends Off

The roof shields and keeps your home’s structure and materials together.  But the changing weather conditions from extreme heat to strong winds and sudden downpour of rain constantly challenge and weaken its structure.  Aside from keeping water out, waterproofing your roof seals cracks, prevents leaks and strengthens your defenses against common environmental threats such as these.

Ultraviolet Rays

Heat and radiation from the sun’s rays causes your roof material to weaken.  Over time, it can become brittle.  Cracks may show and there may even be warping. If your home is in an area exposed to intense heat, it would be best to use a waterproofing product with a UV protection feature.

Fungal Growth

Mold and mildew on your roof are not only unsightly, this invites moisture which may lead to roof rot and a number of health problems to members of your household.  Regularly cleaning and sealing should be big steps to preventing bacteria and fungi on your roof.

Intense Interior Heat

Roofs have a reflective factor to them.  When it’s regularly maintained, especially with a good combo of a waterproofing product and paint that are formulated to supplement the roof’s heat reflecting abilities, you can expect less heat seeping into your home’s interiors.  Your home’s structural materials are protected from possible damages by the heat too.

Why Waterproofing Your Roof

So why should you make it a practice to make sure your roof is waterproof and in tip-top condition?  Here are a few points to consider:

1. Waterproofing Minimizes a Roof’s Vulnerabilities

Even the most durable roof materials can break down after regular exposure to heavy winds and rain or intense heat.  This is normal and there is no one roof material that will hold its ground to these damaging environmental elements.  What maintenance work and waterproofing does is that they delay this expected wear and tear, keeping you, your family and your home safe longer than a regular roof’s lifespan.

2. More Savings in the Long Run

Maintenance work is far cheaper than having to replace a badly-beaten roof.  Keeping your roof in great condition with its heat-reflecting ability intact also helps you save up in terms of your home’s interior cooling system. Put simply, less heat means less usage of fans and air conditioners!

3. Because You Can

Though still best with the assistance of an expert, quick checks and maintenance can be done DIY.  Make sure to follow this simple roof maintenance routine:

  • Clean your roof one to two times a month.

  • Regularly check for cracks and dents, and if all nails are in place

  • With a stiff wire brush, clear gutters, downspouts and other waterways of any debris that may obstruct water disposal.

  • Look for gaps where the roof meets your walls, and seal with a suitable compound.

  • Waterproof nails by covering with a piece of membrane and using waterproofing paint to seal it down.

  • Watch out for blisters and peels in the paint. These are clear signs for a repaint.

  • For  repainting, make sure to do at least 2 coats with a quality roof paint.

Unless you consider strategically placed buckets a key design element of your home, you want to make sure that your roof is waterproofed correctly.

Waterproofing your roof is probably the most important step in the roof installation process because it protects the materials your home was built with, as well as all the things you keep inside.  Avoiding a leak collecting in your ceiling is a matter of prevention.  Learning about what it takes to waterproof a roof is important so that you can see if your roof needs maintenance, or if a leak was repaired properly.  You should call a professional!

What Is Roof Waterproofing?

Roof waterproofing is the layer of extra protection added to your roof that guarantees no water gets inside your home or starts causing the walls or support beams to rot.  There are many causes of roof leaks, with inadequate roof waterproofing at the top of that list.

Why Do You Need Roof Waterproofing?

Frequent storms will become a huge problem if your home has a roof that hasn’t been properly waterproofed for several reasons.

  • Damage To The Roof Structure

    Damage to your roof can be very dangerous if left for too long.  Continuous dampness, as well as mold formation, could break down support beams over time, which could cause your roof to collapse in that area.

  • Water Stains On Walls And Ceilings

    While not hazardous, these stains are unsightly and very difficult to remove.

  • Moldy And Mossy Exterior Walls

    Moss and mold have the potential to add a “cottage in the woods” feel to your home and nothing says neglect quite like the appearance of these in homes that aren’t surrounded by miles of forest.

Materials Used For Roof Waterproofing

Many people assume that the shingles and tiles of their roofs are all it takes to keep their ceilings from dripping at the first sign of rain when actually these are only the first line of defense against any severe weather.

Depending on what materials were used to construct the various roof components, and how old the roof is, the tiles may crack or fall off, and the shingles may curl, erode, rot, or blow off.  This leaves you with an obvious problem, which is why the underlying materials are so important. These include:

  • Base Sheet

    A roofing base sheet is the bottom of the waterproofing layers and is usually made of fiberglass, reinforced polyester, or composite reinforcement.  Base sheets are the first layer over the decking board and seal the rafters and the roof foundation.

  • Underlayment

    The underlayment is a water-resistant material that acts as an extra layer of protection from harsh weather.  Roofing underlayment comes in several forms, which differ for sloping and flat roofs.

      • Sloping roofs underlayment can be made from 90 pound felt, a tile cap sheet, or modified bitumen (this is installed using hot asphalt, it is a self-adhered underlayment).

    • Flat roofs make use of different fiberglass ply sheets that are mechanically attached and modified bitumen cap sheet which can be  hot-mopped, self-adhered or torch applied depending on the system used.

  • Flashing

    Roof flashing is the metal or modified sheets found around vents, skylights, chimneys, and valleys, and at joints on vertical walls.  Flashing diverts water from areas where it might accumulate, such as valleys, returns, and hips.

    Flashing is generally made from various types of metal, including galvanized, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.

  • Gutters

    Similar to roof flashing, gutters divert water that is collecting on the roof to an area further from your home.  Gutters require regular upkeep and maintenance to prevent them from becoming clogged or sagging.

    If not positioned correctly when installed, gutters can actually cause roof rot by making water flow back onto the roof instead of removing it.

    Your roof is there to protect your home from the elements, so it is important that the waterproofing is done correctly.