Roof waterproofing lets you guard against different conditions, ranging from heavy rainstorms to harmful UV light. Harsh rainstorms and poor roof quality can result in water accumulating and seeping through cracks. Consequently, you get mildew and mold growth on your walls and rotting wooden structures within your commercial building. Waterproofing your rooftop enables you to prevent moisture damage and keep similar issues at bay.
The ever-changing Texan weather that involves record-breaking freezes to hurricanes means Houston commercial roofing and residential types need expert roof waterproofing. Professionally installed and maintained waterproofing ensures you can rely on the structure for a long time to keep you and your users comfortable and safe from the dynamic elements.
Aspects to Consider Before Selecting Roof Waterproofing
Although the market holds multiple waterproofing kinds, you want to find the best option for your application. You need to examine different waterproofing properties to ensure you select the appropriate waterproofing membrane for your roof type. These include:
- Resistance to tears and abrasion
- Breathability
- Ability to stretch and geometry
- Compatibility with the current roof surface
- Ultraviolet resistance
- Chemical stability
Waterproofing Types for Your Roof
You can find two primary types of roof waterproofing materials to suit your needs, including dealing with low slope roofs. The different solutions ensure you can find a quality option to waterproof your roof type and protect your foundation and walls. These two types are:
I. Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
Polyurethane liquid membrane is ideal for flat roof waterproofing and areas with unpredictable weather patterns. A professional usually uses a roller, spray, or trowel to apply it on a roof with a primer or thin coating before adding a top coating. Although it features different polymer types that determine its longevity, the polyurethane liquid membrane typically lasts a little more than two decades. Notably, its chemical components require protective gear during the application, such as gloves and safety equipment for your eyes and mouth.
Polyurethane liquid membranes often take a day to set up, offering an easy and convenient installation process. It does not form joints to increase sealing action and offer less room for water to leak into the building. These membranes deliver more flexibility than other materials to make them more resistant to cracks when the building moves. Apart from this, it can also stretch up to 280 percent, accommodating your building’s natural shifting, especially those constructed from steel.
II. Bituminous Membrane
A bituminous membrane incorporates sticky organic liquids mixed with asphalt. It delivers excellent and dependable performance as a waterproofing agent for low-sloped concrete roofs. The sheets typically arrive on-site in roll form after manufacturers seal and pack them in a factory. Its application also requires strict safety observance since it involves torch utility, making it critical to find a qualified contractor for the installation and maintenance tasks.
Bituminous membranes offer excellent breathability, flexibility, and ultraviolet heat resistance. It also has a high elongation percentage and can withstand breaking and ripping under forceful impact. The membranes’ chemical resistance means the waterproofing does not deteriorate in the presence of factory pollutants or debris. Its durability makes it cost-effective since you do not need regular replacements for years.
Advantages of Roof Waterproofing
Roof waterproofing offers several benefits when undertaken correctly. The tiniest leak in your commercial building can quickly lead to devastating and costly damages. Hence, waterproofing your roof allows you to enjoy a complete roof placement while simultaneously offering a longer-term solution than a quick-fix repair. The following are some waterproofing advantages you can experience to aid you in your decision-making:
1. Offers Durability
Waterproofing allows you to prevent critical damage from water leakages, extending the roof and the entire building’s service life. It reflects sunlight to minimize the effect of extreme light and heat on your roof. The extra layer protects the roof sheets from leaks, wear, and decay typically caused by wind and rain.
2. Promotes Energy Efficiency
The reflective property in most waterproofing membranes reduces heat and light impact on your roof. As a result, it aids you in maintaining steadier building temperatures, reducing your heating and cooling expenses. Moreover, some waterproofing solutions offer warranty programs that increase your confidence during purchase and energy-efficient utility. Waterproofing enhances your building’s energy efficiency than a one-time repair does, making it the better and convenient option.
3. Requires Low Maintenance
It generally costs more to repair and maintain your existing roof infrastructure than to use a waterproof coating. Maintenance and repair services on roof waterproofing materials are quicker, saving you and your contractor’s time. The repairs also mostly occur on the waterproofing coating rather than the conventional roof, making the work even easier.
4. Saves Expenses
Waterproofing minimizes wear and tear damages that help you save additional expenses you would otherwise need for frequent repairs. Besides, it lets you save costs in the short term since it comes considerably cheaper than a complete roof overhaul for maintenance and repairs. The durability of the waterproofing materials also simultaneously prolongs your roof’s overall lifespan, saving money in the long run.
5. Convenient to Install
The installation techniques on different roof types make it convenient and efficient to waterproof your roof. For instance, flat roof waterproofing takes approximately a third of the time needed to replace one. Furthermore, you can use the waterproofing spray types to access the hard-to-reach sections that a one-time repair might overlook. Waterproofing solutions on commercial buildings also enable productivity by reducing disruption or downtime to your daily operations and schedule.
6. Reduces Humidity
A watertight roof enhances sealing performance, protecting your building from water seepage. Roof waterproofing significantly minimized moisture levels to maintain comfortable indoor air quality and conditions. The reduced humidity levels also prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your walls. Therefore, it aids you in preventing serious structural problems like rotting wooden structures and weakened foundation walls.
Handling Metal Roof Waterproofing
Metal roofs typically feature different materials such as steel, copper, aluminum, galvanized steel, and corten. They each offer different benefits, such as longevity and lightweight properties. Nonetheless, they are susceptible to corrosion and require strong waterproofing to maintain their quality and high performance. You can use quality paints and sealants when dealing with metal roof waterproofing.
It is best to find elastomeric waterproofing paint that does not crack since the roofing sheets contract and expand with ambient temperature changes. In addition, you want to get a sealant with anti-corrosion properties if your commercial building is in industrial areas. These properties can withstand heavy industrial pollution and lengthen the service life of your metal roof waterproofing.
Generally, it is advisable to use flexible waterproofing solutions such as Liquid Applied Membranes (LAM) when working on a metal roof. LAM is a waterproofing membrane with low viscosity, which you can apply as a liquid coating to vertical or horizontal surfaces. It is monolithic and seamless, with its ability to conform to any surface configuration, making it an ideal option for your metal sheets.
Professional waterproofing ensures you form a watertight structure that protects your walls and foundations from the adverse effects of water leakage. It also helps you keep the occupants comfortable and safe from the often-harsh Texas conditions. Besides, the market provides different types of waterproofing that let you find the perfect solution for your roof style and material. Thus, working with an expert to ascertain you correctly install and maintain your roof waterproofing is critical for satisfactory results.