Roof waterproofing

Roof waterproofing is a key element in protecting a building from moisture and water. Properly installed waterproofing provides long-lasting protection, prevents structural damage, and extends the life of the roof covering. Below, we present the methods used to install waterproofing, as well as how to properly maintain it.

What is roof waterproofing?

Roof waterproofing is the process of protecting roof surfaces from water and moisture infiltration. It involves the use of dedicated materials, such as resin-based liquid membranes , which create a tight barrier that protects the building from leaks and water damage.

Why does a roof need waterproofing?

The roof is the most exposed part of a building to weather conditions. Rain, snow, frost, and intense solar radiation can lead to:

• mechanical damage,
• leaks,
• the formation of mold and fungi inside the building.

Roof waterproofing provides effective protection against these threats.

What are the consequences of lack of proper insulation?

Lack of proper roof waterproofing can lead to many problems, such as:

• damage to the roof and wall structure,
• leaks in attic rooms,
• formation of moisture and fungus,
• reduction in the energy efficiency of the building,
• the need for expensive repairs.

Types of roof waterproofing

Depending on the type of roof and its construction, different waterproofing methods are used:

Bituminous waterproofing

Bituminous materials, such as asphalt felt, are a traditional solution for roof waterproofing. They are characterized by durability and ease of application. Repairs are most often performed by locally applying an additional layer of felt, which adds stress to the building structure. Repeatedly applied during renovations over many years, it significantly increases structural stress. The cost of disposing of the felt is also significant compared to other methods popular today.

Liquid waterproofing

Liquid waterproofing membranes are applied as a coating that cures to form a tight membrane. This solution is particularly useful for complex roof shapes and flat roofs.

Products:

• Neoproof® Polyurea R – a durable, flexible polyurea coating that performs perfectly on roofs exposed to high weather conditions. The product is resistant to early rainfall, making it suitable for application in unpredictable weather conditions.
• Neoproof® PU W -40 – a highly flexible water-based polyurethane membrane, ideal for flat roofs. This single-component product, thanks to its design, is easy to apply, requiring only a roller.
• Neoproof® PU Fast -30 – a fast-drying polyurethane product designed for rapid application on a variety of surfaces. This liquid membrane also withstands early rainfall and, thanks to its short curing time, allows for completion within a single day.
• Neoroof® – a product based on acrylic resins, resistant to UV radiation and perfect for roofs exposed to intense sun.

Advantages of roof waterproofing

Roof waterproofing using liquid membranes offers many benefits. These include lowering the temperature of the roof and upper-floor apartments thanks to the use of light-colored liquid waterproofing membranes that effectively reflect sunlight. Reflected rays, in turn, increase the efficiency of photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, the benefits of waterproofing include:

Roof protection against moisture and leaks

Thanks to waterproofing, the roof is resistant to water penetration, preventing damage to the building's structure and interior. This improves the overall comfort of the building for residents living on the top floors.

Extending the life of the roof covering

A well-protected roof using liquid waterproofing membranes, such as those from the Neoproof® Neotextile® reinforcing fabric .

How to prepare a roof for waterproofing?

Proper roof preparation is crucial to effective waterproofing. The process involves several steps:

Surface cleaning

Removing contaminants such as dust, leaves, and moss is essential before starting work. If even the beginnings of mold appear on the surface, it's worth using a fungicide like GrzyboStop . This product not only helps effectively remove existing mold but also neutralizes mycelium spores that could develop in the future under favorable weather conditions. It's also a good idea to degrease the roof covering with Sulfanol A.

Repairing damage

Jointex® and Neotex® PU Joint can be effective fillers .

Priming the surface

Before applying water-based membranes such as Neoproof® PU W -40 , Neoroof® , or Neoproof® PU Fast -30 , the surface should be primed with Revinex® . Priming ensures better adhesion and durability of the coating. Neoproof® Polyurea R, on the other hand, can be applied directly to felt, without primer. Primers should always be selected for the surface to which the liquid waterproofing membrane will be applied.

How to waterproof a roof?

The waterproofing process depends on the method chosen, but the general steps are similar. The individual steps are outlined below.

Securing joints

Neotextile® nonwoven fabric is used for this purpose , and is applied wet-on-wet.

Applying the insulating layer

The insulating material should be applied evenly across the entire roof surface, paying particular attention to joints and edges. The second layer of the product should be applied crosswise, i.e., in the opposite direction from the first layer of liquid waterproofing membrane.

Hardening of the coating

Liquid waterproofing membranes require adequate curing before exposure to rain. Products such as Neoproof® Polyurea R and Neoproof® PU Fast -30 are rain-resistant after just one hour. Other products are rain-resistant after at least 24 hours. Resin waterproofing membranes take anywhere from a few hours to as long as 7 days to fully cure, depending on the product and the prevailing weather conditions.