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Understand why your roof may continue to leak even after renovation: we have listed the main mistakes made during renovations, the best materials and a brief step-by-step guide to fixing a leaking roof after renovation..
One of the most common problems — and also one of the most damaging to properties — is roof leaks. When the roof continues to leak even after renovations, the frustration is enormous. Owners and residents are rightly concerned, as the consequences can be serious: from stains on the walls and mold on the ceiling to damage to the structure and health risks due to humidity.
This type of situation usually happens for several reasons, such as failures in the application of waterproofing materials, poor execution of the service, use of low-quality products or even the absence of an adequate technical analysis prior to the work. Sometimes, the problem is not just with the tiles, but also with the gutters, flashings, thermal blanket or even the roof structure itself.
In this article, you will understand in a simple way why the roof can continue to leak even after renovation, what are the main mistakes that lead to this and how to prevent this problem from happening again. After all, taking good care of the roof ensures more comfort, safety and savings for your property.
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Main mistakes that can cause your roof to leak
Before talking about the main mistakes that can cause roof leaks, it is important that you know how to choose the right materials for your project. After all, deciding based solely on the price of the product is not the best option.
Both the owner and the professional involved in the construction (architect, engineer, roofer or bricklayer) need to consider characteristics such as the type of material (whether it is fiber cement, PVC or metal), the minimum slope of the roof, the structure and shape of the building, and the location, since, depending on the region, the project will be more susceptible to weather conditions such as strong winds, storms and excessive heat.
Disregarding these points above is already a warning that something could go wrong. Now that you know which features will help you define the ideal coverage for your work, check below why the roof may continue to leak even after renovation.
Initially, never step directly on the tiles, as this can cause cracks and splits in the roof. Ideally, during installation, professionals should place boards resting on the roof purlins so that they can walk on them. This helps distribute the weight, making movement less of a problem.
Other mistakes that can cause a leaky roof after renovation
Installation cannot be done haphazardly, not even using makeshift solutions. There is a standard order that must be followed to ensure the best fit of the parts, thus avoiding uneven roofs.
Using thermal tiles as an example, the installation must be done from the bottom up, that is, from the eaves to the ridge, in strips perpendicular to the support beams. Other important tips during this stage are: to fix the tiles, drill the tiles and the structure using the appropriate drill bits, avoid over-tightening the screws and always install the tiles with the stamped part facing upwards.
Furthermore, it is essential that they are placed in the opposite direction to the prevailing winds in the region, in order to guarantee the watertightness of the roof, that is, the material's ability to resist rainwater and humidity. If you are a professional in the construction industry, you are probably already familiar with complementary parts such as ridge caps, spikes and flashings, which are widely used in roof installation.
However, many consumers are not familiar with these terms and think that the roof tile is the only necessary item. Therefore, leaving these accessories aside is a risk to the roofing system. Irregular roofs often cause problems due to the lack of parts and the use of makeshift solutions, which should be completely avoided.
How to fix a leaky roof
Now that you know some reasons why your roof may continue to leak even after renovation, it is important to know how to fix it.
The first step is to identify the source of the problemLeaks can come from a variety of sources, including broken tiles, clogged gutters, or poor waterproofing. To find the exact location of the leak, start by inspecting your roof on a dry, sunny day.
Inspect each shingle carefully for signs of damage, such as cracks or shifting. Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, it’s time to get to work and begin the repair. First, remove the damaged shingles, then thoroughly clean the area where the repair will be made and apply the sealant. While the sealant is still wet, place new shingles on top.
