Expert Tips for Waterproofing Your Roof

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One of the most important areas of your home is the roof. It's what guards your home from the elements all through the year. In harsh conditions, the roof can undergo enough stress to cause leakages. Ice dams, heavy rains and storms all weaken the roof's ability to prevent water from leaking inside the home. That's why waterproofing is monumental. So here are a few tips for waterproofing your roof.

How to spot a leaking roof

First, you need to spot if your roof is leaking, and it's not so hard to do so. Leaking is the number one reason why people opt to waterproof their roofs. But don't wait till you see trickles down the walls. A darkened ceiling and water stains near the furnace are some of the best signs. If your roof is made of asphalt, and you spot particles in the drain, then you need to waterproof the roof immediately.

Tips on waterproofing

Surface preparation

This is to make sure that there's no dirt or debris on your roof. Use a hose and high-pressure washer to get rid of any existing particles and fungus. Applying the waterproofing membrane on a dirt-filled area will reduce the adhesive properties of the membrane.

Check the roof's condition

Waterproofing the roof without paying attention to a roof's condition is like spraying cologne on a corpse. You'll be hiding the nastiness that would eventually surface. Search for any broken or loose shingles, and use silicone sealant to keep them in place. They have the potential of damaging the underneath waterproofing. Also remember to check the flashing for any damage or holes. If present, seal them up with mastic or replace the flashing before applying the waterproofing membrane.

Choose your coating

When it comes to waterproofing, you've got two general solutions. You could go with liquid membranes or sheet membranes. Liquid membranes are sprayed directly onto the roof. Their advantage is that you can easily apply it on your own without the need for any professional help. They are also cheaper and would save costs. With liquid membranes, you have the options of only applying it on the damaged area.

There are also self-adhering sheet membranes. These require a greater degree of skill to apply and are really sticky. However, unlike liquid membranes, sheet membranes even out across the roof. This is a good option when you plan to comprehensively cover the whole roof.


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