Traditionally, houses were designed with slanted tile roofs that allowed rainwater to run off into dedicated channels. As such, water did not clog on the roof and flowed harmlessly towards the dedicated drainage systems. However, the ever increasing popularity of the flat roofs has presented a new set of water leakage problems for home owners. As one may expect, flat roofs do not enjoy such direct water run-off, instead having to rely on well thought of drainage systems to prevent accumulation of water. In this article, we cover what flat roofs are technically, how rainwater impacts them and the risks of not having good drainage.
To start, flat roofs actually need not be complete flat, that is to say they might have a slope greater than zero degrees. In fact a slight slope is required to allow a natural flow of water towards a designated drainage point. In conjunction with a slight slope, leaf guards should be set up on drainage points to prevent obstruction to water drainage. Nonetheless, despite these additions, the slower drainage of water for flat roofs means that an additional precaution is needed – the application of waterproofing membranes.
A waterproofing membrane is applied over a surface to prevent any water from passing through. This thin continuous water-tight material multi-layer prevents any water puddles from seeping through the roof. Typically layered between the finished tiles and the structural slab, the waterproof membrane is strong, tear resistant, flexible and elastic, allowing for a variety of applications to a flat roof. Additionally most have UV stable properties, allowing it to be resistant to UV rays from direct sun exposure.
Waterproofing membranes can be applied in two forms – sheet based and liquid based. As the name implies, sheet based membranes arrive as ready-made sheets of waterproofing material, allowing contractors to lay them out on your flat roof. Thereafter, each sheet is joint to another, thus forming a seal that does not allow water to seep through. In contrast, liquid based membranes have to be sprayed or brushed on surfaces. The liquid then cures in the air without having to handle any joints. Given the versatility of liquid based membranes, they are considered to be the superior form.
If you are experiencing leaks from your flat roof, you should consider engaging a professional ceiling leak repair SingaporeCompany. A full inspection is required of your ceiling’s internal structure once water leakage is suspected. This is due to the possibility of weaken structures and the presence of mould within. As such, professional tools and expertise are required in order to do a thorough job.
