While waterproofing solutions can typically last at least a decade, to ensure roof longevity with waterproofing membranes, the right product must be chosen. Moreover, high-quality workmanship plays a significant role as well. Read on to learn all about these factors!
Taking Extra Care with Weaker Structural Points
Different waterproofing methods may need to be used, depending on the location. For instance, a bathroom shower experiences a high level of moisture on a regular basis, but a roof needs to be able to withstand a heavy downpour.
Hence, more consideration should be given to waterproofing weak points, which are typically at protrusions or where horizontal and vertical surfaces meet. Natural gaps result from the fragmentation of individual material surfaces at these points. Sealants are frequently employed to seal these spaces; however, they are susceptible to water or moisture.
As a result, more care must be taken when installing your waterproofing membrane on your roof in areas where there are protrusions, such as vents.
Implementing Proper Fall Design & Drainage
No matter how durable your waterproofing materials are, they are unable to endure intense water pressure. Because of this, the success of your waterproofing system depends on its design.
Pathways created to direct water away from surfaces and toward drainage sites are referred to as fall designs. Water flows naturally down the intended course with little water escaping it with a proper fall design.
Water will not be directed away effectively in fall designs when there is poor workmanship involved. A surface’s long-term integrity may be compromised by the additional volume and time it spends in contact with water. A good drainage system should help the longevity of your roof. Importantly, you should also keep your drain free of debris.
Selecting the Best Waterproofing Membrane
Water leakage or seepage may be avoided by selecting the proper waterproofing membrane for your project and application area. Here are the two types to consider.
Sheet waterproofing membranes are the first type. These sheets are manufactured to a given size, as their name suggests, and are offered for sale in rolls. These can then be readily applied to the desired surface.
Specialized waterproofing contractors heat the sheets to adhere the adhesive to the surface and to link several sheets together. As a result, there won’t be any gaps between the surface and the sheet or between the several sheets that are being utilized.
However, the problem with using rolled waterproofing membranes on roofs is that they can be difficult to apply on uneven surfaces and may not cover spaces where vertical and horizontal planes meet as effectively.
This is why we recommend using liquid waterproofing membranes, such as the Henry CM100 waterproofing membrane, which serves as an excellent roofing membrane on horizontal or vertical surfaces.
As they are not size-restricted, liquid-based waterproofing membrane systems provide significantly greater application flexibility. These membranes are provided in liquid form. Another great option is the CCW 703-V Liquiseal waterproofing membrane, which provides superior performance on roof decks.
We hope you gained some insight into factors that affect the longevity of your roof. If you have any questions about waterproofing membranes, reach out to the experts over at Metro Sealant!