Car porches are located within the front building of landed houses. The primary purpose is to provide shelter for residents’ vehicles. Homeowners can also make use of the area to enjoy more outdoor space and provide greenery. Some homeowners are allowed to use their car porch roofs as outdoor balconies or gardens. This is to encourage more greenery in our urban environment. Balcony deck water leakage could also be one of the causes of to damage the car porch ceiling if above is an open space for outdoor activities above.
Waterproofing is required on the car porch roofing to prevent any damage to the car porch ceiling. In the event of rain, water droplets travel through the concrete slab due to waterproofing failure will cause stains on cars and the falling of plywood or plastering ceiling or even concrete cement that will cause unpleasant sight to the house and damage the floor that owners are unable to park their car in your own home.
A leaked car porch is caused by numerous reasons, find out the roofing material and check if the roofing material is too old and near the end of its life. If you have problems with your car porch roof leaking, it is often due to damage to the flashing, drainage system, or the waterproofing membrane worn off from the concrete roof or your balcony flooring above. Cracks in the shingles can also be the culprit.
Roof flashing damage
If the leak is dripping down from the edge of the wall, then there is a problem with the flashing connecting the roof to the exterior walls of the house.
Flashing is a thin strip of weatherproof material installed to deflect water from seals and joints to protect the car porch and home from damage. Flashing is installed to direct the rainwater down the side of the flashing to prevent water accumulation on the roof deck. If there is no flashing on the roof, other drainage systems will be required to enable rainwater to flow into the right place instead of dripping into the ceiling and wall to damage the car porch roof. Improper or damaged roof flashing could lead to deck collapse and endanger your vehicles and family members.
When roof flashing is installed, waterproofing sealant is required as well. The flashing may deform under the pressure of weather changes in Singapore, the building materials expand and contract through the seasons.
Roof Shingles damage
Roof Shingles are inexpensive, low maintenance, and easy to install but tend to be less resistant to wind and strong rain. The average lifespan of shingles ranges from, 15-20 years depending on the builder and manufacturer. Fiberglass shingles are more expensive but can last more than 30 years.
When the leak is dripping in the middle of the roof, check if the shingles are cracked or broken, and get a professional roof contractor to repair or replace the Shingles. Cracks in the shingles allow water to penetrate the roof and cause it to leak. Small cracks in the shingles can be repaired through the use of a waterproofing sealant. The sealant should prevent water from entering the roof. For heavily damaged shingles, replacing a new one will be the best.
Concrete roof damage
Concrete roofs are popular in Singapore. These roofs are stronger and more durable for car porch areas, as they are easier to maintain and repair. An advantage of having a concrete roof is the fact that it is very resistant to extreme weather. It does not get overheated in hot weather and hence defends the house or the facility area to overheat and become warmer.
Nevertheless, we are unable to control or escape from our topical climate and torrential rainfalls, which give an increased probability of flat concrete roofs being susceptible to water seepage, and roof leakage will occur and worsen over the years. With such, we highly recommend a high-quality waterproofing system on the concrete roof above the car porch. These waterproofing systems will reduce the risk of car porch roof leaks.
A good drainage system is also important for car porch concrete roof, so that rainwater can be directed to the drainage for discharging and avoid water ponding above the concrete roof which will result in water seepage into the concrete slab. Many roof leaks are due to clogged drainage or are covered by falling leaves and branches. Therefore, homeowners are advised to do regular inspections and maintenance to prevent leaks and costly repairs. The lifespan of a roof depends on certain factors that include the structure, design, and climate changes, as well as quality of installation and long–term care and maintenance.
There are many reasons that cause the car porch to have leakage. When homeowners spotted discoloured car porch ceiling, bubbling paintwork, buckling, cracking, and mold growth, there is a leakage from the above. You may even see statin streaks along rafters and other supports.
Start your hunting and troubleshoot the leaking spot, look around the upper and lower area of the porch roof, and check if the gutters are clogged with debris, rainwater, and fallen leaves. Rainwater will pool at a certain choked area to cause the result of seepage into the foundation and cause a leak. With such, you will have to climb up to the roof to check which also can be dangerous to fall at height.
In order to make the troubleshooting work easier for all homeowners and property owners, engage a waterproofing contractor to assist you in getting all the leaks repaired.
SWC Construction ensures to provide the best service and solution to all homeowners. We are committed to our goal of resolving water leakage problems in the shortest time. We offer non-hacking waterproofing solutions to avoid messy tile hacking and renovation works in the household, and keep a clean and safe environment for our clients.
Call us for a free consultation with our team of professionals. Our services include bathroom waterproofing, concrete slabs waterproofing, roof waterproofing, and also external wall waterproofing. Our waterproofing methods have been used to solve many leaking problems faced by homes and also corporate offices and buildings.