Roof leakage is one of the most common problems that building owners face. Having a leaky roof is a hazard as it can cause a series of interior damage, ranging from a wet floor to structural collapse if not repaired properly. Therefore, you need to have sound knowledge of roof leakage repair to minimize the damage caused by leaks.
What Can You Do?
If your roof is leaking, there are two ways to address it. Either you could repair it by yourself, or you could simply call a reliable roof leakage repair in Singapore and get it fixed. However, if the damage is severe, it is well recommended to call a residential and commercial roof repair contractor rather than fixing it yourself, unless you have the right knowledge and equipment required for the work.
Nevertheless, here are the general steps that are taken when repairing different types of roofs.
1.Tile Roof Leakage Repair
Tile roofs have a high tendency of leaking after a certain period of time. Typically, leaks in tile roofs that are less than 35 years old are caused by defects of the original installation unless they have suffered a weather event, whereas leaks in roofs that are older than that are most likely caused by deterioration of tiles and flashing.
Tile roofs leak for many reasons, like cracked tiles, defects in sealing, and damaged flashing. Once a leak is noticed, it is crucial to detect the reason behind it.
Repairing tile roofs is impossible without deconstructing the tiles and the flashing of the leaking area. If the damaged component is the sealing, it has to be repaired from underneath the layer of tiles.
Here are the common steps to remember when repairing tile roofs.
1- As the first step, it is crucial to locate the leak and determine the leaking component. It is always better to seek help from a professional for the inspection.
2- If the damage is to the roof vent, it should be repaired or replaced, and if the tiles are damaged, they need to be carefully removed and replaced with new ones.
3- Once the old tiles are removed, it is important to inspect the underlayment to search for further damage. If the underlayment or the roof deck is damaged, you may need professional help in repairing and sealing them.
4- The flashing is another roofing component that often gets damaged. If that is the context, they need to be reinstalled along with the underlayment of the particular area.
5- Once the repair is done, the tiles are replaced by applying roofing cement.
2.) Concrete Roof Leakage Repair
Water leakage in concrete roofing is a quite common, but alarming issue. Concrete commercial roofs are prone to moisture retention, which eventually converts to leakage. Moisture remains in concrete roofs due to minute pores and cracks on the surface which are caused by extreme weather conditions and the growth of small plants and mosses.
Sand, cement, and water are the components of concrete roofs. This mixture can be used not only to build roofs, but also to construct floors, ceilings, and decks. An important fact that building owners should note is that concrete is a heavy material, hence it requires the right amount of structural support.
Here are the general steps for leakage repair on concrete roofs.
1- Find the source of leakage. – When searching for leaks, it is important to check the entire roof as well as the plumbing lines. To make sure there are no risks or mistakes, it is very important to call a professional roofing contractor for the inspection.
2- Fill cracks. – The most common defects in concrete roofs are cracks and holes, through which the water penetrates. Most cracks are filled with roof cement, roof primer, and elastomeric sealant in order to repair the leak. However, the affected area should be thoroughly cleaned prior to the repair, and once the paste is dry, it is recommended to apply another coat to reinforce the sealant.
3- Regular professional maintenance – Regular maintenance is not only easier but also more cost-effective than repair. To avoid leakage easily, contact a residential and commercial roof repair service and get your concrete roof inspected regularly.
4.) Metal Roof Leakage Repair
Metal roofs are durable and are said to have fewer leaks than other types of commercial roofing when perfectly installed. However, due to certain factors, even metal roofs tend to leak at times. The metal expands when it gets hot, so roofs that get a lot of sun exposure tend to break apart from their original structures, leaving gaps where water can get in.
After a long time, some metal roofs start to rust and break down. Misshaping of metal sheets due to extreme weather conditions like heavy winds, and faulty flashing is also a frequent reason for metal roof leakage. Water leaks are unpredictable. Therefore, it is important for metal roof owners to know the basic steps of repair so they can address them correctly.
Here are some tips to repair a metal roof leakage.
- Locate the source of the leak. – Locating the leak is the most important step of leakage repairs. This can be done by physical observation, however, it is recommended to call a professional roof repair contractor to get the job done better. If there is a missing or damaged part, the repair contractor will suggest replacing it.
- Check the seam transition points – The seam transition points are where roof panels connect to each other. It is important to check them carefully to detect whether there are any gaps or missing nails, and repair them.
- Replace the screws. – If there are loose or rusted nails, they should be either tightened or replaced in order to fix the leakage efficiently.
- Deal with the gaps. – Gaps between metal sheets are a common cause of water leakage. A gap of 1/8 inch is enough to cause huge damage to a metal roof unless it is immediately repaired. Ideally, your roof repair contractor will cover the gaps with glass-membrane fabric and reinforce them with roofing cement.
- Re-do roof caulking. – Once the gaps are closed, nails are tightened, and faulty roofing panels are replaced along with the defected flashing, it is time to re-apply roof cement and seal the repaired surfaces. This is the final step of your roof repair specialist.
When to Call a Residential and Commercial Roof Repair Service?
Roof leaks and the damge they cause are unpredictable. Sometimes, repairing a roof leak requires professional knowledge and techniques. To get your roof repair done efficiently and cost-effectively, you may contact a contractor who provides reliable roof leakage repair in Singapore and seek assistance.
If your roof is leaking, call us now at 6841 6962 or email us at kindbs.pang@gmail.com to get it fixed by well-experienced, trustworthy professionals.
