Liquid waterproofing for flat roofs is often recommended by the pros – but is it necessary and what happens if you don’t opt for it?
We get into the nitty-gritty of liquid waterproofing for flat roofs, so you can decide for yourself if you really need it…
What Is Liquid Waterproofing?
Before we get to whether or not liquid waterproofing should be on your must-have list, let’s find out what it is exactly.
Liquid waterproofing is a roofing system that prevents water ingress into your flat roof. It’s applied as a liquid which dries into a resilient membrane, repelling water and ensuring that your flat roof remains undamaged.
There are different types of liquid waterproofing for flat roofs, each offering slightly different benefits. You don’t need to worry about the specifics of each type as your chosen professional liquid waterproofing contractor will advise you on the most effective options. However, if you are interested you can read about each type used on the Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing Association website here.
What Does Liquid Waterproofing Do?
We know that liquid waterproofing for flat roofs stops water seeping in, but what does that mean for your roof?
Flat roofs in particular are vulnerable to damage caused by water. Since they are, well, flat, they are at higher risk from the problems that standing water can bring with it. You might have noticed puddles and pools of water on your flat roof after a shower of rain – these can be troublesome if they don’t quickly dry out.
The issues that your flat roof faces aren’t always obvious, so here’s what to look out for;
Pools and puddles
As mentioned above, puddles of water that don’t seem to dry are concerning. If there is any damage to the membrane on your flat roof, the water will start to seep underneath which can impact the structure of your roof.
This can result in;
- Weakened structural components, like beams and wall studs
- Damaged ceilings and walls
- Mould and mildew within your property
- Damp insulation that reduces its effectiveness
Organic matter
While organic produce is desirable, organic growth on your roof is not. Where there is damp and warm there will also be things like moss and algae growth, which is the perfect home for bugs and mosquitoes. And where there are bugs, there are birds looking for a tasty snack. And where are there birds, there’s bird poop. All over your roof.
And those puddles and piles of moss can give you a pretty significant unseen problem – the added weight to your structure. Moss can hold up to 30 times their weight in water, so if you have a lot, your flat roof is under constant strain.
Cracks, tears and rips
Your roof bears the brunt of the weather. From blazing hot days where the tarmac on the roads starts to melt to blustering storms and icy cold frost – the extremes that your roof sees you through can have an effect on its condition. Small cracks can develop into big holes and before you know it, you’ve got water leaking into your building.
Careful maintenance and regular checks help you to keep on top of developing issues, but it’s only with a proactive approach that you can be totally sure that your roof is problem free. By investing in liquid waterproofing for flat roofs, you guarantee that your roof will be impervious to the wet weather.
And it’s not just the rain and damp that you’ll be protected from. Liquid waterproofing for flat roofs protects your roof against all manner of environmental damage by adding a durable layer that can withstand heat, UV light, rain and frost.
So, Do You Need Liquid Waterproofing For Flat Roofs?
You need waterproofing on your roof, that is certainly a ‘need’. Whether that’s in the form of liquid waterproofing is up to you. There are several methods of waterproofing a roof, but at GI Sykes, we’ve found the most effective and least disruptive solution is liquid roofing. Here’s why:
The liquid is applied cold, so there’s no need for hot works on your roof – that’s a huge safety risk averted – for you and us. This also means we can carry out the project without impacting your business as there is no need to close or restrict access to your building.
Liquid waterproofing for flat roofs (or pitched roofs) can be done any time of year. There’s no need to wait for dry spells since liquid roofing can be applied even in wet weather. We avoid working in torrential conditions due to safety, but in any other weather we crack on.
It’s the most cost-effective solution we offer. Not only is liquid waterproofing one of the quickest waterproofing solutions available, but we’re also adept at applying it. This means a competitive price on your project with little to no impact on your business.
And the best bit? Liquid waterproofing for flat roofs extends the lifespan of your roof by up to 25 years. So you can delay a roof replacement for over two decades, giving you plenty of time to save and plan for it.
What Happens Without Liquid Waterproofing?
You could choose to forgo liquid waterproofing for flat roofs. Take your chances with your roof as it is, but the risk of needing significant roof repair at some point is much higher.
You may even find yourself spending out on frequent remedial work that ends up costing more in the long run.
Want Liquid Waterproofing For Flat Roofs Now?
After hearing how simple and effective liquid waterproofing is at protecting and preserving your flat roof, you probably want to find out how you can talk to someone about your roof. It’s easy, just visit gisykes.co.uk or call Tel: 01384 891 341 to arrange an appointment.
