The Best Way to Stop Water Leakage in a Concrete Roof

Do you experience unwanted water leakage from the concrete roof of your home? Know that you are not the only one dealing with problems like these. It is common for concrete roofs to be damaged, resulting in moisture retention and eventually leaks. This does not mean concrete roofs are bad. All roofing systems have advantages and disadvantages. At this point, our objective is to educate building owners on how to stop water leakage from concrete roofs. Regular and proper roofing maintenance will extend the life of your property and increase its value.

Concrete roofing composition for commercial buildings

To understand the root cause of the problem, we need to understand what concrete roofs are made of. Understanding their composition gives you a better perspective on how to deal with them.  

A concrete mixture is made from sand, cement, and water.

Concrete roofs are made of sand, cement, and water. They are made by mixing these three materials together. In addition to roofs, it can be used to build floors, ceilings, decks, and many other things. Concrete is also a heavy material. For this reason, it requires the right amount of support.

Tips on How to Manage Leaking Concrete Roof

Tip #1 – Find the Leakage Source

Identifying the source of water leakage from a concrete roof is the first step to stop it. The entire roof surface ought to be inspected, as should the plumbing lines and any ponding water. Other areas to inspect include side walls, drainage pipes, etc. Leakage occurs most commonly from these areas.

Important safety reminder: Roof inspection is a process performed by professional roofing contractors. Accessing a roof personally can be dangerous. You can begin your inspection by conducting a visual inspection first. You should not climb the roof immediately if you need to reach high areas. To avoid possible accidents and more damage to property, always consult concrete roofing experts. They have the right training and appropriate tools to discover and solve problems.

Tip #2 – Fill Cracks

Concrete is susceptible to cracks and holes as a result of everyday wear and tear. This could lead to further leakage if water penetrates these spaces. Minor roof repairs are possible in some cases.

You will need mortar or roof cement, roof primer, and elastomeric sealant for this. Before you proceed, make sure to clean the entire roof surface. Pressure washers can remove all sorts of debris and dirt lying around, such as dust, mud, twigs, and leaves. Next, fill the cracks or holes in the roof with mortar or roof cement. Apply a primer to the roof afterward. Once the primer has dried, apply another coat.  Afterwards, spread an elastomeric sealant over the cracks, holes, corners, and other damaged areas. You can apply a second coat the following day.

If you intend to follow these instructions, you have to do some more research beforehand. These materials have chemical ingredients, thus, proper handling is a must. For your safety and peace of mind, consult your local roofing contractor to get accurate recommendations. While these simple procedures can help stop water leakage, it is not a long-term solution.

Tip #3 – Regular Professional Maintenance

Time and again, we would like to emphasize the need to regularly conduct maintenance. You should schedule this at least twice a year. Apart from the usual inspections and cleaning, there are far more extensive maintenance procedures. Buildings are usually high and large which make them difficult to access especially if you are not trained to do so. Because of these reasons, you should have a commercial roofing partner to monitor and study your concrete roofing structure. You have to report all roofing-related concerns that you may have so that they can address it properly.

There is nothing wrong in involving yourself in roof repair projects. However, it should always be under the supervision of a roofing specialist. Always prioritize your own safety. Besides, professional roofers are always ready to assist you provided that they have the licenses to operate, tools, equipment, and appropriate skills.

Should You Consider a Concrete Commercial Roof?

Now that you have an idea on how to stop water leakage from concrete roof, there is a follow-up question. If you have not yet made a decision, should you really pursue a concrete roofing for your commercial property?

A concrete mixture should only be handled by experts.

To guide you further, here are some of the pros and cons of having a concrete roof:

Pros

Highly Durable. It is one of the toughest materials you can get for your commercial roof. As a matter of fact, it is not only applicable to roofing. It can also be used for other forms of constructions like bridges, sewers, and dams.

Weather-Resistant – A concrete flat roof can effectively resist strong and high winds as well as heavy storms. If you are located in areas with harsh weather conditions, then, you might want to consider concrete roofing.

Fire-Resistant – As a non-combustible material, concrete has the ability to resist fire. This is also a great consideration for large buildings.

Fast and Easy Cleaning – If you need to get rid of stains, dust, dirt, molds, and other debris, it would not be a problem. Using a pressure washer, you can easily remove them without the fear of damaging the roof surface.

Longevity – With proper installation and use of high-quality products, a concrete roof can last up between 40 to 50 years.

Cost-Effective – Considering its benefits, the price is more affordable compared to other commercial roofing systems.

Cons

Heavy – A concrete compound is naturally heavy. Hence, it is difficult to install.

Moisture Retention – Water buildup during and after a rainstorm can result in moisture. Same goes with melting snow that can also lead to leakage.

Prone to Stains and Plant Growth – Since concrete roof can absorb water, this is also the reason for unwanted stains and plant growth (moss, algae, mildew, etc.)

Conclusion

Like any other commercial roofing, a concrete roof is a huge investment. To maximize your time and resources, find a reputable roofing contractor. Proper installation is key to prolong a roofing’s lifespan along with regular maintenance.

When you are confronted by water leakage, know that there are solutions. The first thing you should do is to consult experts before you proceed with minor roof repairs.

If you need help in dealing with your problematic concrete roofing, you can always get in touch with us. Le Fong Roofing Systems is composed of highly skilled experts. We can present long-term solutions to your problems and fix your current roofing issues.