If you are using a flat roof without waterproofing, you are doing yourself more harm than good. Your flat roof is prone to more damage when it is overexposed and doesn't have any kind of protection whatsoever.
So, waterproofing is one of the protections you give your flat roof so it can protect you effectively and last for a long period. A flat roof without waterproofing tends to develop standing water and leakage problems.
That said, how then do you waterproof a flat roof?
Can you do it yourself? Yes, you can, though we strongly advise that you employ a professional roofer. But of course, you can execute the processes that will be explained here.
Here are ways you can waterproof your flat roof
This is the first step to waterproofing your flat roof. You must first inspect your roof to check its condition. When inspecting, be on the lookout for leaks, cracks, etc, so you can rectify them before waterproofing your flat roof.
The problem you might encounter in this process is that it might be hard to find the leaks since you were not trained to do so. Flat roofs can be tricky. The place where your roof is leaking might not be the place water passes through. You have to do this with due diligence, or else, your waterproofing will be put to waste.
Before climbing your roof, make sure you can walk on your flat roof. Also, make sure your ladder is secure and steady. If possible, get someone to hold the ladder for you. This is to prevent the possible risk of falling when climbing or when coming down.
In the course of the inspection, you would have spotted places that have leaks and cracks. For easy identification, you can give it a mark. After the inspection, you have to first fix the leaks before you add the waterproofing. An easy way to do this is by using a repair kit.
A repair kit is a set of equipment you use to repair and patch small areas of your flat roof that needs to be fixed and repaired. You can use this even if you are not a roofing expert. It is easy to use and apply. So far you know where to fix it, you don't have any problem.
There are various methods you can use for your flat roof but we will be talking about only this. Because it is the most common, most used, and most easy out of all.
This method is simple. It involves laying 2 to 3 membranes on your roof, bonding them with hot bitumen, combining them with polyester, and then placing them above or below the insulation, depending on the type of roof.
So, there are 4 main methods of applying this:
Self-adhesive is self-explanatory.
The torching method is a process where the membrane is laid on the roof then a propane torch Is used to adhere it to the roof.
The pour and roll method involve pouring hot bitumen on the roof and then covering it with felt that has been cut to fit the dimension and shape of your roof.
Lastly, the cold adhesive method involves using cold adhesives, whether solvent or water-based, to bond the felt.
With the methods learned here, you are now equipped with the knowledge of waterproofing your roof. You have a choice: you can do this yourself and face the risk or employ a professional roofing company like Downtown Brooklyn Roofing. Contact us for all your roofing projects at 183 Bridge St Brooklyn, NY 11201, 718-690-9442
