Acrylic vs Silicone Roof Coating: Which Performs Better Where?
Acrylic and silicone roof coatings are popular choices for commercial roof maintenance and restoration. Both significantly extend roof life and improve...
46 guides
Flat Roof Leaks
Diagnosis and repair guidance for flat roofs, membranes, coatings, flashing, ponding water, blisters, and edge leaks.
Alligatoring on Flat Roofs: What It Means and How to Fix It
Alligatoring on a flat roof refers to a specific type of surface degradation where the roofing material develops interconnected cracks, much like an...
Best Waterproof Coating for a Flat Roof: Acrylic, Silicone, Polyurethane or Liquid Rubber?
Choosing the right waterproof coating for a flat roof involves understanding the properties and performance of several common materials. Flat roofs, by...
Bitumen Roof Coating Guide: Where It Works and Where It Fails
Bitumen roof coating is a protective layer or sealant used in roof maintenance and repair. It's often applied to extend the life of existing bitumen...
Can You Coat Over an Old Flat Roof? Compatibility Checks Before You Start
Applying a new coating to an existing flat roof can seem like an attractive solution for extending its life and improving its performance. It can be …
Can You Paint Over Waterproof Sealant or Coating?
While often possible, painting over a waterproof sealant or coating isn't a guaranteed solution. Success hinges on the specific sealant or coating, the...
Can You Repair a Flat Roof in Wet Weather? Safe Options and Mistakes to Avoid
A leaking flat roof in wet weather presents an immediate problem: the leak won't stop until the rain does, yet waiting for dry conditions can lead to...
Cementitious vs Liquid Membrane Waterproofing: How to Choose
Selecting the right waterproofing method is critical for the longevity and integrity of any structure. Two prevalent approaches, cementitious and liquid...
Clear Waterproof Sealant Uses: Glass, Tiles, Windows and Small Repairs
Clear waterproof sealant provides a protective barrier against water intrusion without obscuring the underlying surface. It's a versatile material, …
Concrete Balcony Crack Repair: Cosmetic Crack or Leak Risk?
Cracks in a concrete balcony often prompt immediate concern. Are they merely superficial blemishes, or do they signal a deeper problem that could lead …
Concrete Flat Roof Waterproofing: Coatings, Cracks and Drainage
Concrete flat roofs, while durable, are not inherently waterproof. Left exposed, they are susceptible to water ingress, which can lead to structural...
EPDM Roof Leak Repair: Seams, Punctures and Edge Details
EPDM roofing, often called "rubber roofing," is a common choice for low-slope and flat roofs on commercial and residential buildings. Its durability and...
Felt Roof Leak Repair: How to Patch and When to Re-Cover
When a felt roof begins to leak, property owners face a decision: attempt a targeted repair or consider a more extensive re-cover. This choice hinges on...
Fibre-Reinforced Waterproof Sealant: When Extra Strength Helps
Fibre-reinforced waterproof sealant incorporates embedded fibers to boost its structural integrity and performance, especially in demanding …
Fibreglass Flat Roof Problems: Cracks, Pinholes and Repairs
Fibreglass flat roofs, also known as GRP Glass Reinforced Plastic roofs, offer a durable and seamless waterproofing solution for many properties. …
Flat Garage Roof Leaking: Causes and Low-Cost Repair Options
A leaking flat garage roof is a common issue that can lead to significant problems if not addressed promptly. This guide explores the primary causes of...
Flat Roof Blisters Explained: Causes, Risks and Repair Choices
Flat roofs, while offering practical advantages in construction and space utilization, are susceptible to specific issues that can compromise their...
Flat Roof Crack Repair: Small Splits, Open Seams and Surface Damage
Flat roofs, by their very nature, are susceptible to various forms of damage, from minor surface cracks to significant splits and open seams. Addressing...
Flat Roof Drainage Problems: Blocked Outlets, Incorrect Falls and Overflow Routes
Flat roofs, despite their name, are rarely perfectly flat. They rely on a subtle slope, or "fall," to direct rainwater towards drainage points. When …
Flat Roof Edge Leaks: Drips, Fascia Damage and Failed Upstands
Flat roof edge leaks are a common and often insidious problem, ranging from persistent drips to significant structural damage. This article explores the...
Flat Roof Leak After Heavy Rain: Diagnosis and Repair Options
A flat roof leak after heavy rain is a common, often urgent, problem for property owners. Unlike pitched roofs, where water typically runs off quickly,...
Flat Roof Maintenance Checklist: What to Inspect Every Spring and Autumn
Maintaining a flat roof is a proactive measure against potential issues like leaks and structural damage. Unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs, despite …
Flat Roof Ponding Water: When Puddles Are Normal and When They Are a Problem
Flat roofs are an integral part of many commercial, industrial, and even some residential buildings. Their design offers advantages like usable space …
French Drain vs Sump Pump vs Waterproof Coating: What Solves Which Basement Problem?
Basement water problems are not a one-size-fits-all issue, and neither are their solutions. Homeowners often encounter terms like French drains, sump...
How Many Coats of Waterproof Roof Coating Do You Need?
Determining the right number of coats for a waterproof roof coating isn't as simple as a single, universal answer. While it's tempting to seek a...
How to Find a Leak in a Flat Roof Without Guesswork
A water stain on your ceiling or a drip during a rainstorm indicates a problem, but pinpointing the source of a flat roof leak can be a frustrating...
How to Prepare a Flat Roof Before Applying Waterproof Coating
Applying a waterproof coating to a flat roof is a significant investment aimed at extending its lifespan and preventing leaks. The success of this...
Liquid Plastic Waterproofing: What the Term Means in Home Repairs
In the realm of home repairs, particularly when dealing with moisture intrusion, terms like "liquid plastic waterproofing" often arise. This phrase, …
Liquid Roof Coating vs Full Roof Replacement: How to Choose
Deciding between applying a liquid roof coating and undertaking a full roof replacement is a common dilemma for property owners. Both options address …
Liquid Rubber for Flat Roofs: Benefits, Limits and Application Tips
Flat roofs, by their very nature, present unique challenges for waterproofing. Unlike sloped roofs that rely on gravity to shed water, flat roofs must...
Liquid Waterproofing Membranes Explained: Uses, Benefits and Limitations
Liquid waterproofing membranes are a category of materials designed to prevent water intrusion into building structures. They are applied as a fluid and...
Metal Roof Leak Repair: Screws, Seams, Flashing and Coatings
A leaking metal roof presents a distinct challenge, often requiring a targeted approach to repair. Understanding the common points of failure—screws,...
Paint-On Waterproofing: Brush, Roller or Spray Application?
Paint-on waterproofing refers to the application of liquid-applied membranes designed to create a seamless, water-resistant barrier. This category...
Porous Concrete Walls: Can a Waterproof Coating Stop Seepage?
Porous concrete walls, particularly in basements or below-grade structures, are susceptible to water seepage. The question of whether a waterproof …
Reinforced Roof Coatings: When to Use Fabric, Fleece or Fibre Sealant
When considering roof maintenance and longevity, reinforced roof coatings often come into the conversation. These coatings aren't just a simple paint...
Roof Coating Drying Time: Rain, Temperature and Humidity Explained
Understanding how environmental factors affect roof coating performance is crucial for a successful application. The time it takes for a roof coating to...
Summer Heat and UV Damage: Why Roof and Balcony Coatings Age
Roofs and balconies are constantly exposed to the elements, and few forces are as relentless as the sun's ultraviolet UV radiation and the associated...
UV-Resistant Waterproof Coatings: Why Sun Exposure Matters
When considering protective coatings for outdoor surfaces, the terms "waterproof" and "UV resistant" often appear, sometimes together, sometimes...
Warm Roof vs Cold Roof: Waterproofing Implications for Homeowners
For homeowners considering or managing a flat roof, the distinction between warm roof and cold roof construction is more than just technical jargon. …
Waterproof Coating Coverage: How to Estimate Litres or Kilograms Needed
Estimating the correct amount of waterproof coating for a project is crucial for both budget management and ensuring effective protection. Too little, …
Waterproof Sealant for Metal: Roofs, Gutters, Sheds and Flashing
When dealing with metal structures and components exposed to the elements, effective waterproofing is crucial for longevity and performance. Waterproof...
Waterproofing Layer Thickness: Why Too Thin or Too Thick Can Fail
The effectiveness of a waterproofing system hinges significantly on its layer thickness. This isn't a detail to be overlooked or approximated; it's a...
Waterproofing Materials Comparison: Bitumen, Acrylic, Silicone, Polyurethane, MS Polymer and Cementitious Coatings
Selecting the appropriate waterproofing material is critical for the longevity and structural integrity of any building or infrastructure project. The...
Waterproofing Tape and Fabric Reinforcement: When a Coating Is Not Enough
Waterproofing coatings, while effective for many situations, sometimes require additional support to withstand the demands of a building's environment....
Why Flat Roofs Leak: The Most Common Causes Homeowners Miss
Flat roofs, despite their name, are rarely perfectly flat. They typically have a slight slope, often between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch per foot, to …
Why Waterproof Coatings Fail: Dirt, Moisture, Movement and Wrong Material
Waterproof coatings are designed to be a barrier, protecting structures from the ingress of water. When they fail, the consequences can range from minor...