Every property has a roof but in recent years, many different types of roof became popular in the property industry. The most common and popular types of roof are: tiled roof, metal roof and concrete flat roof. To understand roof water leakage and seepage, first we must understand the different types of roofs and their characteristics.
Tiled Roof
Roof tiles are specifically made to keep out rain water. There are different materials used to make roof tiles, some examples include concrete, plastic, clay and terracotta. The design of a tiled roof system usually includes flashings, gutters, vent pipes etc. These are the most common areas of rain water ingress. If you face a water leakage problem with your tiled roof, these are some potential causes:
- Cracked, misaligned or missing roof tiles;
- Rusted, misaligned or damaged roof flashings;
- Rusted, misaligned or damaged gutters;
- Damaged seals or flashings around pipe penetrations
Metal Roof
Metal roofing systems are usually made of metal pieces which are highly resistant to the weather, is impermeable and have long lifespan. Common materials used for metal roofing include Zinc, alloys and etc. For metal roofing, the most common areas of water ingress are: screw anchor points, flashings, gutters and pipe penetrations. If you face water leakage problems with your metal roof, these are some potential causes:
- Loose, rusted, missing screw anchorages;
- Rusted, misaligned or damaged roof flashings;
- Rusted, misaligned or damaged gutters;
- Damaged seals or flashings around pipe penetrations
Concrete Flat Roof
Concrete flat roofs are recently starting to gain popularity because of the extra liveable space they provide on the roof. As its name suggests, concrete flat roofs are roofs which are relatively flat, and made of concrete. As a result of being made of concrete, a suitable waterproofing system is always required. A fault in the concrete structure and failed waterproofing system will constitute to a water leakage.
- Cracks on concrete slabs or concrete construction joints
- Worn-out or failed waterproofing system
Once we have identified the type of roof, we must ascertain the cause of the water ingress accordingly. After we have determined the cause(s), we can carry out the necessary waterproofing repair methods to stop the water ingress in your property. Contact SWC Construction today for a non-obligatory professional consultation!