Indice
Roof seepage: effective solutions for lasting waterproofing
What to do in case of water seepage from the roof?
Poor maintenance, materials that have had their day, successive installations of technical volumes, heavy rains and freeze-thaw cycles are among the main causes of roofing deterioration. To remedy these problems that can in the long run also weaken structures, it is necessary to proceed with a waterproofing project relying on high-performance and long-lasting solutions.
The causes of seepage and their damage
Water infiltration from roofs is one of the major causes of deterioration in homes. The silent and constant action of water inside roofs that very often spreads to vertical walls also highlights the importance of properwaterproofing design, the first real barrier to moisture. The main causes of these problems are known and concern rainfall and the resulting water stagnation, the action of ultraviolet rays during the summer period, freeze-thaw cycles,air pollution especially in large cities,saline aggression that characterizes areas near the sea, and so on.
The consequent damage to roofs that in many cases have already faced for years or various atmospheric phenomena, perhaps without ever having been subjected to careful maintenance, requires the intervention of specialized operators and, above all, the use of high-performance solutions that modern technology today can offer for the solution of these problems. Solutions that, if truly innovative, make it possible to successfully intervene without having to remove the old or weathered layers of existing roofs, with great savings in time, resources and, above all, without damaging the environment in any way.
The Preliminary Investigation and Subgrade Preparation.
The roofing conditionsurvey is therefore the first step to determine not only the areas of criticality, but also to determine the specific solutions to preserve and protect each part of the roof. Ananalysis that, upstream, must consider as we have pointed out the geographical location of the building; then, the probable temperature changes and possible weather conditions that the building will face during the year. Again, especially on the subject of flat roofs, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the intended use, as well as the presence of systems such as solar panels, machines for cooling the interior below and chimneys, real critical areas for the continuity of protection. Again, whether frequent walkability is planned, so whether tables and chairs will be placed on the roof, what kind of finish will be laid, and so on. Since the objective is to prevent the roof from further infiltration, the surface must be made perfectly homogeneous before the waterproofing is laid, and this is the case both in the case of laying bituminous membranes and if the choice falls on liquid waterproofing membranes, the latter being particularly suitable for perfectly protecting roofs where there is the presence of equipment as mentioned above. Before proceeding with the application of the waterproofing, it should be ensured that the substrates are clean and that there are no friable parts – in this case structural intervention is necessary – detached, and there are no foreign substances present or that could compromise perfect adhesion. In the case of work directly on the pavement to remedy the presence of potholes, depressions, or for other cases involving structural restoration, and to properly prepare the surface for the subsequent laying of waterproofing agents, it is recommended to use special mortars designed specifically for laying even on very humid surfaces and at extreme temperatures (e.g., 0 to +45 degrees). Some specific products can even be applied with thicknesses ranging from 2 to 20 millimeters even in a single coat, to speed up the intervention time as much as possible, which is also reduced thanks to the very short drying times.
Innovative waterproofing systems and roof breathability
The culture ofwaterproofing has been enriched in recent years both by new formulations and by the emergence of “waterproofing systems” created by cutting-edge manufacturers. One can speak of coordinated solutions that, by interacting with each other, manage to guarantee exceptional overall performance in terms of reliability and durability. In the event of water infiltration from the roof, but above all to prevent the problem from recurring in the future, the new waterproofing will also have to allow the roof to breathe, while first and foremost guaranteeing the necessary resistance to counterthrust, possibly up to 4 atmospheres, and thus maximum protection, thus avoiding the formation of mold that, in the long term, could compromise the waterproofing action and damage the flooring, with the inevitable damage to the interior of the homes as well.
Supplementary protection and environmental sustainability
Proper waterproofing, especially in areas where there is a lot of moisture, and therefore where the risk of infiltration is greater, should make people consider protecting the surface even after any finishes, such as ceramic tiles, have been laid. In these cases, support forwaterproofing comes from waterproof, transparent, low-viscosity liquid products that are able to further protect the substrate while keeping the exposed face of the tiles intact. Thus, protection that is there but cannot be seen, but at the same time allows the flooring to remain as good as new. In fact, these protectants are themselves stable to freeze-thaw cycles.
As is well known, thewaterproofing of a roof for many designers is part of the entire insulation system of the house. Indeed, it is also from these important details that the degree of overall energy savings that can be determined. But that’s not all: environmental sustainability is becoming, especially for private clients, an important value. Should the choice to waterproof the roof fall on liquid waterproofers, a concrete aid to environmental sustainability makes water-based products preferable: they do not contain solvents and are therefore not harmful to either humans or the environment. In addition, they do not require primer for their use because they are ready-to-use and provide excellent durability performance over time.
FAQ
What are the most common causes of roof water seepage?
The main causes are poor maintenance, aging materials and weathering such as heavy rain, freeze-thaw cycles and U.V. rays. Installing rooftop systems can also create new trouble spots.
What should be done before applying new waterproofing?
Careful preparation of the substrate is essential. The surface must be made homogeneous, solid and clean, with no crumbly parts or substances that could affect adhesion. In case of potholes or depressions, special repair mortars are used.
Do modern solutions always require removal of the old mantle?
No, many innovative solutions, such as liquid membranes, allow successful intervention without having to remove the old, deteriorated layers. This approach saves a great deal of time, cost, and has less environmental impact.
