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Don’t Be a Drip: Your Guide to Flat Roof Waterproofing

Are you looking after your flat roof?

Your roof is vital in keeping your home safe from the outside elements. But it can only do that if you look after it and keep up with the maintenance. This means waterproofing for flat roofs, but it can seem daunting to know where to start.

It doesn’t have to be, though! Please keep reading for our guide on flat roof waterproofing, so you know what to expect.

Inspecting Your Flat Roof

The first step is to inspect your roof. Especially if you’re already experiencing issues like leaks or you’re worried about them.

The good news is that most leaks on flat roofs won’t need a whole new roof replacement. Instead, you should be able to get away with patching or repairing the damaged section.

The tricky part is finding the leak in the first place. You’ll need to poke around inside and out to locate it. Once you find the drip, measure the distance from the wall. You can then use that to find it on the top of your roof once you’re up there.

When waterproofing a roof or inspecting it, make sure your flat roof is safe to walk on. Secure your ladder before you attempt to climb up there. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call a professional roof contractor.

In most cases, professional roof waterproofing is the way to go unless you know what you’re doing. They’ll use the right tools and know many waterproofing methods to find the right one for your roof. A professional roof waterproofing company will seal and waterproof your roof using various methods.

How to Spot Flat Roof Damage

First, look for any apparent holes or cracks. While this is uncommon, it can cause significant damage to your flat roof and your property’s structure. Here are some other signs you should be looking for.

Blisters

Blistering happen as pockets of trapped air form under the flat roof’s surface. They range in size and can get more prominent if the weather warms.

While they’re not nice to look at, it’s sometimes better to leave them alone if they’re not burst. If they do or have burst, then you will need to patch them fast. Otherwise, they provide a point of entry for water into your building, and you want to avoid this.

Pools of Water

This is an issue if you see water pooling on your roof, which lasts more than two days after the last rain. It’s a sign your flat roof can no longer shed water as it should.

The climate in Los Angeles can make this hard to notice until it is too late. You should check your roof between December and February when the temperature is lower.

Alligatoring

Alligatoring is where debris, water, or UV damage causes cracks on your membrane surface. It almost looks like the hide of an alligator, hence the name.

To fix it, you’ll need to re-waterproof your flat roof. If not, the small cracks will get deeper and could cause leaks in your business. If left unchecked, this will become a huge source of stress and expense.

Flat Roof Maintenance: Why It’s Important

With flat roofs, standing water is a big issue as rain can gather all across it. If the drainage gets blockage or the top starts to sag, the pooling issue can worsen.

If left ignored, pools of water can cause damage to the protective membrane on your flat roof. Keeping your gutters clean and having the correct gradient for your flat roof is essential.

A brush should be enough to remove most debris from your gutters and roof. If you have algae or moss that proves more stubborn, you can also use a pressure washer to loosen and wash it away.

Keeping gutters and roofs clean can help to prevent standing water and pools from forming.

How To Waterproof Your Flat Roof

Several factors will determine what waterproofing method you use. These include:

• Roof size
• Budget
• Type of structure
• Local environment

Usually, you’ll have a choice of three main types of waterproofing for flat roofs. These methods are liquid waterproofing, reinforced bitumen membrane, and single-ply membrane.

Liquid Waterproofing with Acrylic Coating

This involves applying an Acrylic coating that weatherproofs your flat roof. Acrylic is a water-based elastomeric coating that is only applied to roofs with a slope. It is the cheapest type of elastomeric coating, but it is also very durable. Acrylic roof coating is a popular choice for both sloped metal roofs and flat roofs due to its several advantages. It is cost-effective, UV-resistant, and easy to install. At HP Roofing Pro we use Acrylic Roof Coating Products with the RainArmor system.

RainArmor is a commercial roofing system designed to be lightweight, high-performance, and sustainable. It combines the best features of single-ply and built-up systems for a long-lasting solution. The three essential components are waterproofing with asphalt, reinforcement with lightweight stitch-bonded polyester, and reflectivity with a two-phase acrylic elastomeric surfacing that ensures long-lasting protection against UV rays and the sun’s heat, making the system almost completely UV inert and highly durable. With proper maintenance, a RainArmor Roofing System can last beyond the building’s lifespan.

If done right, it can last between 20-40 years. This will depend on the product applied, how it’s installed, and how well you maintain your roof afterward. Some examples are fleece liquid and fiberglass liquid.

Reinforced Bitumen Membranes (RBM)

The most common type of waterproofing people use for flat roofs is RBM. The process sees the bonding of 2-3 layers of the membrane. These layers go across the whole surface of the roof.

The installer then uses a polyester carrier with a coating to create waterproofing. To attach this waterproofed bitumen, pour hot bitumen at the front to seal the roof’s edges.

You can also use a cold adhesive to bone the materials to your flat roof. There are also self-adhesive methods and gas torches. A professional installer will find a suitable way for your roof.

Single-Ply Membranes

This is a more common option for large residential properties and commercial buildings. Sheets can fit across the whole roof if required. Ballasting, adhesion, and fastening are the most popular ways to do it.

Plastic fasteners screw into the single-ply to attach it to the roof deck. Stone ballasts can only sit on top of the seats, knitted together to keep them stable. The adhesion method uses polyurethane to secure the single-ply and the insulation.

Flat Roof Waterproofing Made Easy

So, there you have it! Now you know your flat roof waterproofing options, you’ll surely pick the right one.

But the key is keeping up with your maintenance once you’ve waterproofed your flat roof. Keeping the rain draining away is hard, so you must clear your gutters. Do regular checks and watch for signs your roof is struggling.

Contact us today if you’re looking for professional flat roof waterproofing in Los Angeles. At HP Roofing Pro, we’ve got the skill and knowledge to suit all your flat roof needs.