Failure to properly waterproof your roof could cost your business thousands of dollars in damage and repairs.
Water is one of the most common causes of damage and, in extreme circumstances, can leave your building unfit for business.
Using the correct type of waterproofing materials means you never have to worry about leaks and water damage.
We’ve put together this guide on roof waterproofing materials to help you select the best way to waterproof your commercial building.
Read on to learn more.
The Benefits Of Proper Roof Waterproofing
Water damage to your roof can be costly to repair. Every business wants to avoid paying these costs if they can, and the best way to treat water damage is to prevent it.
Your roof will sustain a lot of damage and wear and tear over the years. Effective waterproofing should last you several decades. The benefits of waterproofing a roof will save you a lot of time, money, and work later on.
Aside from basic water damage, even small leaks and gaps can result in a moisture build-up. Trapped moisture attracts bugs and pests that can do further damage as well as cause dampness, mold, fungus, wood rot, and rusted metal.
If your building becomes infected with dampness, it could cause further damage to the walls and ceilings. Furthermore, some types of mold can cause health problems for people in the building.
Preventing all these problems begins with proper roof waterproofing.
Roof Waterproofing Methods
Professional roofing contractors can recommend and apply the best roof waterproof coatings.
Roofs need the best protection possible, so you could layer different types of waterproofing. The material of your roof will also dictate the best way to apply a waterproof layer.
The most common ways to waterproof a roof are:
- Lining
- Painting
- Spraying
- Injecting
Combining techniques and using materials with different textures can provide added protection. Lining a roof with a protective membrane and then coating it with a spray-on protective coating will offer more protection.
The style of your roof may mean that some methods are better than others. A professional can tell you which style, or styles, are best suited to your building. You need a professional’s opinion on commercial buildings where water can damage the structure.
Assessing Your Existing Roof
If you are experiencing leaks or can’t remember the last time you checked, you should assess your roof. The best option is that your current waterproofing is still in place and working effectively.
You may want to consider upgrading your roof waterproofing protection before damage occurs. If you notice damage, you must repair it before adding another waterproof layer.
Older commercial buildings often don’t have modern waterproofing. Flat or low slope roofs let water sit. This causes further damage. Stagnant water rusts metal roofs and weakens any existing waterproof coating.
Large industrial buildings are generally made of metal and have little waterproof protection.
If you have a metal roof, concrete roof or a very basic cementitious coating, you should upgrade your waterproof protection because water damages the buildings’ structure.
The Best Roof Waterproofing Materials
For metal and concrete buildings, water damage can undermine the structure of the building. Water can crack concrete and cause rust to metal. It’s crucial to upgrade and maintain your waterproof coating before there is an issue.
At Yutzy Roofing Services, we work with the best new materials and techniques to ensure your building is protected in all weather.
These are some of the best ways to waterproof your commercial building and protect against water damage.
EPDM Rubber Coating
The benefit of using EPDM as a roof waterproofing material is its flexibility. The rubber can expand and contract in different weather conditions to ensure it doesn’t break or crack. This means it remains effective over several decades.
EPDM coatings used over metal rooves provide all-weather protection. For flat and low slope roofs, a white EPDM coating can reflect the sun, minimizing heat absorption and protecting your roof from sun damage. Another benefit of this waterproofing system is that reflecting sunlight keeps your roof cool.
You can choose between a thinner 45 mils layer to lightly coat and protect your existing roof. A lighter layer can help restore existing coatings and overcome flaws in metal, thereby extending the life of your roof.
A thicker 60 mils layer provides ultimate water protection. For damaged roofs that need repair, a thicker layer of EPDM will stop leaks, and strengthen your roof. It\’s a cost-effective way to extend the life of your roof without needing replacement.
Made of a synthetic mix of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, it creates a seal without joints or seams for a flawless result. EPDM rubber can be sprayed on top of your existing protection to boost performance without the need to strip your roof. Giving life to your old roof saves both money and reduces waste. You can even find environmentally-friendly EPDM options made of recycled materials.
The cost of EPDM rubber depends on the thickness, and the price will vary from around $4 per square foot to over $10 per square foot.
Metal Roof Restoration
This all-inclusive waterproofing system is designed for roofs with existing water damage. Instead of replacing the entire roof, this system coats damaged areas to protect against further problems.
The reinforced seams keep water out at the membranes’ weakest point for total protection. Exposed fasteners are sealed with caulk offering an almost-seamless layer of protection.
Unlike self-installed PVC membranes, this system protects flat metal roofs from rust and thermal shock. The reflective coating reduces heat transfer, further protecting metal structures. It is highly durable and lasts for years.
For the best results, a professional roofing company can install this roof-protection system for you. If your building’s roof is already damaged, this restoration system will protect it and waterproof it for the future. This system actively inhibits rust and stops leaks. It can extend the life of your roof, without replacing your whole roof.
Spray Polyurethane Foam
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) provides a seamless, impenetrable coating for total protection from water and water vapor. The liquid and foam spray form can penetrate small cracks, holes, and corners, so there is no way for water to get through.
It’s so effective that it’s often used near water sources to help protect metal bridges and waterfront warehouses. It should last around 25 years and resist most oils, chemicals, and dampness. Overall, SPF roofing is one of the most effective waterproofing materials for all buildings.
This white spray reflects sunlight keeping your building cool and saving your electricity. In winter, the insulative spray can help keep heat in to lower your energy bill. This effective waterproof spray can be recoated in the future to minimize waste. There’s no need to strip your roof, so future maintenance is easier and more affordable.
However, this is a dangerous waterproofing material to use, and contact with your skin or lungs can cause serious health problems. Problems can last for many years and cause damage to your lungs, skin, and organs.
It’s always better to let a professional roofing company handle this material. Although the material will only cost around $8 per square foot, you will also need to consider the labor costs of a professional team.
Get A Quote Today
Getting roof waterproofing right can significantly impact your building for years to come. Water damage is common and can become a big problem if left untreated. Metal and concrete commercial buildings can become unstable if water compromises the structure.
For the best results, consult a professional who can advise you on the best methods and materials for waterproofing your roof.
If you need help with how to waterproof a roof, get in touch with us today for expert advice and a quote.
