Tips for maintaining waterproofing on the roof in the fall

Maintaining the waterproofing of any type of building, warehouse or production space can be an extremely difficult task. The roof is an important structure that must be carefully monitored and maintained to protect the overall integrity of the building structure. Roof leaks are often difficult to prevent and can lead to the deterioration of interior finishes, the dissatisfaction of building occupants, the damage due to deterioration of building assets and costly repairs.

The materials and methods of maintenance of the roof insulation play an important role in the energy performance of a building. The most common problems are those presented here, together with the appropriate roof maintenance methods.

Lifespan of waterproofing

Most new waterproofing, if properly installed, will receive the manufacturer’s warranty for 15-20 years. However, many elements can affect the lifetime of a roof’s waterproofing, such as slope, composition, weather and climate, installation mode, traffic, maintenance and even conditions inside the building.

When the waterproofing of a roof is nearing the end of its life, it starts to “talk”. The older it is, the more infiltration will occur and the higher the costs of repairs. If the roof “cries” every time it rains, despite the best efforts to repair the waterproofing, then it is probably time to replace it.

Infiltration by waterproofing

Roof leaks are an extremely unpleasant problem for the building owner. Often difficult to track, seepage and leakage can lead to damage to interior finishes and lead to a wave of complaints. These seepages can become a nightmare when you decide to replace only part of the waterproofing and then seepage again.

As the materials used age, deterioration of the roof and the infiltration of water in the walls of buildings appear. Humidity finds its way into the structure, despite the repairs made.

This is why it is important to determine the condition of the parts of the building that rise above the level of the roof, such as elevator towers, stairwell, parapet walls and evaluate them both inside and outside. The most visible signs of potential water infiltration pathways are broken/missing masonry, damaged mortar, unsealed joints, damaged concrete, etc.

When making such repairs, the roof must be well protected. If the waterproofing restoration project is only in the budget phase, it is important to evaluate those components of the construction that are being applied and carry out the necessary repairs before installing a new waterproofing. This is not only the right approach but also the most cost-effective. Do not just apply the stain of the waterproofing: the seepage will most likely occur again and will not manifest exactly below the penetration point of the waterproofing.

What are our maintenance tips that help extend your overall life span? Here are some general tips.

Correct maintenance of waterproofing

When waterproofing is not properly maintained, open joints, cracks, balloons, wrinkles and cracks may occur. These can result in costly damage to the inside and outside of the building, if not identified and repaired promptly. This is why it is recommended to inspect the roof by a specialist contractor at least twice a year, preferably in spring and autumn, but also after severe weather, such as hail, heavy rain, and high winds, to check for roof damage.

A good way to start any preventative maintenance program for roof waterproofing is to create a file with all the observations related to the roof, which may also include information on warranties, repairs and maintenance, previous inspections and the original drawings and specifications of the building.

The objective of the preventive maintenance program is to facilitate the achievement of the maximum lifetime for waterproofing at the lowest possible cost. So keeping accurate records of the history of each area covered with waterproofing is vital for general maintenance.

Preventive measures to maintain waterproofing

Several basic preventive measures can be carried out throughout the year to prolong the life of waterproofing and to minimize water seepage. Here’s what you can do as preventive measures to maintain waterproofing:

Systematically remove debris, such as leaves, branches, dirt and trash from debris, debris from drains and drains, debris brought by birds, especially fishermen, to ensure proper water drainage.

Keep metal components of the roof, such as expansion joints and pockets, in good working condition, replacing damaged seals, removing rust, replacing screws and other roof fasteners and making timely repairs.

Maintain the correct equipment on the roof (satellite antennas, solar panels, air conditioners, illuminators, etc.) and check the condition of the roof insulation after finishing the interventions on this equipment to make sure that the waterproofing has not been damaged.

Repair the waterproofing areas and membranes affected by spilled oils, greases, coolants and other types of technical liquids before the waterproofing is perforated.

Minimize roof traffic and limit it to authorized personnel only. Install pavers and walkways in high traffic areas.

At FMS we have the expertise and experience necessary to make correct interventions on all types of roofs. We bring added value to the companies we work with through digital solutions and state-of-the-art technology that facilitates monitoring of high-traffic roof areas or other areas at risk of seepage. Our team of professionals successfully provide both preventive maintenance measures and emergency interventions needed to save or extend the life of the waterproofing.

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