PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
Is water leaking from the roof of your property? The end result can be quite distressing, especially if you take a while to notice the issue. Can you imagine the water damage and the cost of repairing the problem? Fortunately, while a water-damaged roof is challenging to address, it is not an impossible situation. Let us cover the tell-tale signs of water leakage and what you can do in the event of a roof leak.
PART 2 – HOW TO SPOT THE SIGNS OF A LEAKING ROOF
2.1. Top Causes Of A Leaking Roof
As they say, prevention is better than cure. By being aware of the primary causes of a roof leak, you can develop the appropriate strategies to avoid water leakage from the roof before the problems even arise, preventing costly repairs in the first place.
Learn More: Proactive Solutions: How to prevent a water seepage?
Cause #1: Worn-Out Roofs
Often, a water leak stems from something as simple as a worn-out roof. Given its constant exposure to the elements, wear and tear is inevitable, resulting in gaps for moisture to seep through. When this happens, the roof must be replaced immediately.
How long your roof lasts will depend on the roofing material used. For instance, slate, tile, or metal roofing is the most durable, providing the longest lifespan before it needs replacing. If your roof is getting older or you have not maintained it recently, consider scheduling an inspection to get ahead of the issue before it deteriorates and causes a roof leak.
Cause #2: Clogged Gutters
The gutters are intended to help direct water away from the roof. When falling leaves, sticks, and other debris get stuck in them, forming a blockage, rainwater will not be able to drain or fall away from the building freely. Over time, the accumulated and overflowing water may penetrate the property, resulting in water leaking from the roof.
Cause #3: Obstruction At Drainage Points Or Paths
Likewise, any other drainage points or paths directing water to an exit point from the roof are prone to becoming clogged with debris. In fact, it is not unheard of for roofs with choked drainage points to end up with ponding in multiple areas. Therefore, we recommend performing regular checks on and clearing any potential litter from all drains and paths to prevent blockage from arising. You may also consider purchasing and installing leaf guards to minimise the frequency at which the drainage points become choked.
Cause #4: Damaged Waterproofing System
While your property might have been waterproofed at the time of construction to prevent water leakage, the waterproofing system is subject to stress, wear, and tear as time passes. In particular, ponding can place significant pressure on your waterproofing system, penetrating beyond the surface layer and causing blisters, cracks, punctures, or splits to form on the waterproofing material.
When the waterproofing layer is compromised, evaporating vapours will cause larger holes to form, allowing for water ingress. This process continues until moisture starts infiltrating the building at a faster rate.
Cause #5: Damaged Roof Vents And Skylights
Roof vents are crucial for letting moisture and heat escape from the property. However, they can be a potential cause of water leakage if they are damaged or sealed incorrectly. Similarly, while installing a skylight on the roof may be a great way to let natural light into the building, such installations also leave it vulnerable to water leaking from the roof. So, ensure your skylights are installed and properly fitted to avoid water damage to your property.
Cause #6: Improperly Sealed Valleys
A roof valley – the point where two sloped roofs meet – is designed to help water flow off your roof. However, it can be another source of water leakage from the roof if the valley is not sealed correctly.
2.2. Spotting The Signs Of A Leaking Roof
Sometimes, the necessary precautions may be insufficient to prevent a leaking roof. In particular, Singapore’s tropical climate, with its quantity and frequency of downpours, can test a building’s waterproofing capabilities throughout the year.
So, as a property owner, you need to remain alert and be wary of the signs of a leaking roof due to the potential damage it may cause to your office or home. Let us share how to identify and find a roof leak and the tell-tale signs to look out for so that you know when to seek professional help.
Sign #1: Presence Of Water Puddles
Do you notice water puddles forming mysteriously throughout your property but you are oblivious to the cause? That may be the surest sign of water leaking from your roof. However, it is advisable to not assume the cause or the source of the problem and attempt to deal with it yourself. Instead, we recommend calling a waterproofing specialist for assistance.
Sign #2: Stains On The Walls And Ceiling
While the interior paint may fade over time, you should not be experiencing discolouration or staining on any portion of the wall or ceiling. If you notice yellow, brown, or faint stains, it is likely caused by moisture ingress.
These water spots form as the moisture travels through your roof. If it travels down the rafters, it may also cause stains farther from the original source of the leak. Hence, it is essential to regularly inspect the walls and ceiling to ensure they remain in good condition. If you spot any signs of discolouration on the walls or ceiling, please get it checked by a professional immediately.
Sign #3: Dripping Sounds From The Attic
Never ignore the dripping sound emanating from your attic or anywhere else on your property, as it is a clear indication of a roof leak. Even if the leak is not always present or you cannot identify the source, you should contact a professional to get to the bottom of the issue before the situation worsens. Even intermittent leaks can cause significant damage to the building.
Sign #4: External Roof Damage
External roof damage can result in a wet, rotting roof, damaging its structural integrity and affecting the decking. When it gives way, it can spell trouble for your property, as water will begin leaking from the roof. So, if you spot any damage to your roof, address them quickly to avoid ending up with costly repairs.
Sign #5: Mould Growth
Mould thrives in damp, humid conditions. So, if you notice mould growing on an exterior wall or ceiling, it likely indicates the presence of moisture. To identify the root of the problem, measure the distance from the mouldy area to a reference point, like a door, before locating the spot on the other side of the wall. If a downspout is emptying near the wall or the ground slopes towards the property, there is your culprit.
Sign #6: Missing Or Damaged Shingles
A curled, damaged, or missing shingle is both ugly and a leak waiting to happen. So, if you notice that any shingle on the roof is compromised, ensure you repair or replace it immediately to prevent water leakage from the roof.
Sign #7: Damaged Flashing
Damaged flashing is often caused by drying and cracking, storms, and high winds. It can also occur due to improper roof installations. When the step flashing rusts or becomes loose, water may seep into the property. When this happens, you will need to hire a professional to reseal the flashing.
PART 3 – WHAT TO DO IF YOUR ROOF IS LEAKING
3.1. A Step-By-Step Guide To Fixing A Leaking Roof
Have you spotted any of the signs shared above? Don’t panic! While a leaking roof can be an annoying inconvenience for property owners, let us share how to stop the water leakage from the roof before it causes severe damage.
Step #1: Locate The Source Of The Leak
Before anything gets fixed, you must prevent the water from spreading and causing further damage. That involves locating the source of the water leak. Of course, that is not always straightforward, as moisture may travel along the rafters before dripping into the roof deck.
An excellent way to detect the source of moisture ingress is to look for water stains or discolouration on the ceiling or walls. Doing so can help pinpoint the general area where the leak occurs. Subsequently, climb up the attic and look for signs of water leakage, such as water stains on the roof valleys and underside of the roof decking.
If you still have trouble locating the leak, simulate rain with a garden hose. You can start at the roof’s lowest point and work your way up, spraying water on different sections until you notice moisture dripping into your property. Afterward, mark the location with a piece of tape to enable you to find it again when it is time to make repairs.
Step #2: Get Something To Contain The Water
To minimise damage to your property, grab one or more containers to catch the water leaking from the roof. Line the containers with several pieces of cloth to prevent the water from splashing out when it makes contact. Remember to quickly soak any moisture from the floor with a mop or an old towel before it can warp or damage your flooring.
Step #3: Move Or Cover Any Furniture And Equipment
Beyond your property, you would not want the roof leak to damage any furniture or equipment within the building. So, move aside anything in the path of the water. If an object cannot be moved, drape a waterproof cover over it. A tarp or plastic sheeting will suffice. But if you don’t have either, consider using a vinyl tablecloth or shower curtain.
Step #4: Stabilise The Leak If Possible
Depending on the root cause of the water leak, you may require a professional to rectify the issue. However, you will still need to take control of the situation until a contractor can get there. So, attempt to stabilise the leak if possible. That could mean shutting the water supply off or putting a tarp over a damaged roof section.
As water can pool behind drywall, it is crucial to poke a small hole in the ceiling with a tool to drain the moisture through a single spot. We recommend keeping a bucket handy when creating the drainage hole so that you have something to contain the water.
Step #5: Contact A Professional
Once everything else is sorted out, it is time to call in the professional. A reliable waterproofing specialist can conduct a comprehensive assessment of your property, identify underlying issues that are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye, and recommend how to repair the roof leak promptly, saving you time and money and preventing future leaks.
3.2. The Common Waterproofing Methods To Safeguard Your Home From A Leaking Roof
Beyond rectifying the issue, consider waterproofing your roof to minimise the risk of water leaking from the roof again. For this, contractors usually rely on specifically engineered paints or membranes to coat the roof. Read on to learn more about the options available to you.
Method #1: Liquid Applied Membrane
Liquid applied membranes remain a conventional method for roofing applications, especially tiled roofs, because their liquid nature enables them to reach every nook and cranny of the roof. Hence, ensuring a seamless, waterproofed roof. However, the applied membrane can tear easily if it is too thin.
Method #2: Cementitious Waterproofing
Cementitious waterproofing, which relies on coating the roof with a mixture of acrylic and cement materials, is one of the most widely used waterproofing methods for concrete or tiled roofs, as it is cost-effective and easy to apply. However, the drawback is that it may crack due to it being fundamentally made of cement.
Method #3: Polyurethane Liquid Membrane
Due to its excellent UV and water-resistant properties, polyurethane liquid membranes are ideal to prevent water leaking from the roof, especially flat roofs. In addition, this material can withstand significant stress because of its elastomeric properties, reducing the occurrence of potential cracks by mitigating any movement in the existing structure. As a result, it has a longer service life of 25+ years compared to other waterproofing methods. But these benefits also come at a higher cost.
Method #4: Bituminous Coating Waterproofing
Also known as asphalt coating, bituminous coating utilises bitumen-based coatings dissolved in naphtha or mineral spirits and modified with acrylic-based polymers or polyurethane to enhance its durability and flexibility. While it is commonly used to waterproof metal and concrete roofs due to its high resistance to UV degradation and corrosion, the material is less environmentally friendly than the other options as it is made of crude oil.
Method #5: EPDM Rubber
Due to its durability and flexibility, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) rubber is a synthetic rubber membrane commonly used to safeguard low-sloped flat roofs from water leakage. It is applied with a bonding adhesive instead of being torched on, making the installation safe for your roof. While it is not as aesthetically pleasing as other waterproofing methods, EPDM is suitable for Singapore’s tropical climate as it is resistant to heat, rain, and UV rays.
Method #6: PVC Waterproofing Membrane
PVC is effective in preventing moisture accumulation in the roof as it is vapour permeable. Moreover, you will only need to apply one layer of membrane since the PVC membrane is a single-ply sheet. Generally, PVC is used for flat roofs, where it utilises a reinforcing base of glass fibre or polyester mesh to enhance the durability of the membrane.
Method #7: Thermoplastic
While thermoplastic is one of the more expensive options to stop water leakage from the roof, it is one of the most durable waterproofing materials available, boasting a service life of around 50 years. Generally, this material is utilised for commercial or industrial roofs, as it is ideal for situations where the roofing assemblies are exposed to contaminants like grease or in conditions that single-ply membranes, like PVC or EPDM, cannot withstand.
PART 4 – CONCLUSION
Having water leaking from your roof is one of the most dangerous situations to occur for your property. So, if you encounter water leakage from the roof, contact a waterproofing service provider immediately. Don’t wait for the damages to worsen.
Fortunately, you need not search far for a reliable contractor. At General Waterproofing, we are dedicated to safeguarding your property, inside and out. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we will schedule our experts to come down to assess the situation and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
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