Statistics show that 33% of homeowners have to replace their roofs due to leaks. A great way to prevent such a hefty repair is roof waterproofing.
It doesn’t just prevent leaks but also prevents water damage, reduces maintenance expenses, and improves longevity and energy efficiency. Thus, waterproofing your roof is a highly cost-efficient investment.
So, if you’re wondering how to waterproof a roof, here’s everything you need to know!
How to Waterproof a Roof? Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the roof
Before applying any waterproof material, the first step is to clean the rooftop thoroughly. Any debris can prevent the waterproofing material from adhering to them. Here’s a quick tip to clean the roof:
- With a brush or leaf blower, get rid of all the leaves, twigs, branches, and other dirt.
- Inspect the gutters and downspouts and clear any blockage.
- Wash the rooftop with a pressure washer. If gunk is stuck to the roof or there is grease, algae, or mold, you can also scrub it with warm water and mild detergent.
- After washing, descend the roof and let the roof completely dry off.
Step 2: Conduct a thorough inspection
Next, a swift inspection for wear and tear or damages should be conducted. Look for loose or missing shingles, cracks, significant gaps, blocked drainage or gutters, water stains, and leaks.
Step 3: Repair any damage
If you notice any damaged area, begin the waterproof roof repair. Here are some common things you must do.
- Replace all damaged, cracked, and missing shingles.
- Seal all cracks and gaps with a high-quality roof sealant. This will fill cavities of all sizes.
- Replace all damaged flashing, especially around skylights, vents, and chimneys.
- Ensure the gutters and downspouts are not cracked. If they are, repair or replace them.
Step 4: Pick a suitable waterproofing material
There are different kinds of waterproofing materials in the market. Let’s know about the most common ones here:
a. Waterproof roof coating or liquid waterproofing
Waterproof roof coatings are another choice and are common in flat roofs. You apply them directly on the roof, build a protective sheath, and prevent water seepage.
These coatings can be made of acrylic, polyurethane, and silicone. The overall application is simple, but you need good coverage for best efficiency.
The material is brushed across the roof surface. It dries until you form a flexible, watertight, rubbery coating. The material reaches all the cracks and gaps in the roof. But it’s not a lasting solution.
b. Modified bitumen
Modified bitumen is a roofing material based on asphalt and is common for flat roofs. This water-resistant and highly durable material is commonly used in commercial roofing. It is applied in multiple layers to ensure the best protection.
c. Single-ply roofing membranes
Single-ply membranes are lightweight waterproofing options and include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic olefin (TPO). They are great for both residential and commercial roofs.
These membranes are highly energy-efficient, i.e., keep the indoors cool, besides preventing water damage. TPO specifically has a white reflective surface, which helps save energy by reducing cooling costs.
They are also known to resist UV rays, punctures, and chemicals. You apply them using heat welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesive.
d. Rubberized asphalt
This waterproofing material contains both asphalt and rubber polymers, which create an elastic and adhesive solution. The material is applied as a self-adhesive membrane.
e. Cementitious waterproofing
This is the easiest one around because the material is widely available. In this, you use a cement-based solution. The solution is easy to mix and apply.
It’s best for moisture-prone localities and for roofs that don’t move much, like concrete ones. However, it’s unsuitable for roofs that experience high-temperature changes as it’ll crack with time.
f. EPDM rubber membrane
EPDM rubber membrane is durable, flexible, and sustainable. It can endure diverse weather extremities, fluctuating temperatures, and UV radiation. EPDM has high elasticity, making it best for adapting to moving structures. There won’t be any trouble with damage or leaks.
The material is eco-friendly as it’s made of recycled elements. Thus, it has low environmental effects, reduces runoff and pollution, and improves stormwater management.
g. Green roof waterproofing
If you’re wondering how to waterproof the roof with this option, it’s simple. You install a green roof system, including a waterproof membrane, a soil layer with vegetation, and drainage.
Besides waterproofing, this includes environmental benefits, including reduction of urban heat island effects, stormwater management, and biodiversity promotion.
Step 5: Begin the application process
Every waterproofing type has a different application process. For instance, the liquids or coatings are either sprayed or rolled on the roof surface. The membranes are laid on the roof and stuck to the deck.
It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for this process closely to ensure the best results.
Step 6: Focus on sealing
Check the roof edges, joints, and areas around vents and chimneys. Seal the seams and edges and install the flashing properly. This will prevent any leakage.
Step 7: Check for water resistance
This is the final step of the overall roof repairs and waterproofing. After the material cures, test its water resistance. Mimic rainfall using a garden hose and spray on it.
Notice if there are any areas of water pooling or cracks. If there are any, address the issue as soon as possible to make the waterproofing effective.
Step 8: Conduct regular maintenance
The actual waterproofing process might be over, but you must regularly maintain it. This ensures that the material lasts for years and is in peak condition. A few tips to do this are:
- Inspect the roof after storms, rainfall, snowfall, and hail.
- Tidy the gutters and downspouts weekly once to avoid water buildup.
- Check the manufacturer’s guidelines and reapply the waterproofing material as frequently as mentioned.
Conclusion
A durable roof is a must-have to protect your home from nature’s claws. However, any bare roof will eventually deteriorate and need replacement.
So, with the help of these roof repairs and waterproofing strategies, you can boost your roof’s lifespan.
If you’re considering getting waterproofing services but don’t know where to get started, we at LA Roofing Materials have your back! We’ll connect you with the best contractors in the industry for your specific project and make your roof last longer than ever!