Check before it rains
- Clear leaves, dust and rubbish from the roof, from the drain outlets and from the rainwater pipes, so water can run off instead of standing.
- Look for cracks in the surface, gaps where the roof meets the parapet wall, and places where water pools after washing.
- Check the ceiling inside for old stains and see whether they have grown since last year.
- Check where pipes, vents or water tanks go through the roof, because joints there often leak.
Fixing it
Small hairline cracks can be sealed with a suitable crack filler or sealant, but a roof that leaks in many places or has stained ceilings usually needs proper waterproofing over the whole surface. There are several kinds of waterproofing, such as coatings, membranes and cement-based layers, and which one suits your roof depends on the roof, the slope and your budget. Ask the mistri which one he proposes, how many layers, how long it needs to dry, and what he does at the edges and drains. A good job also gives the roof a gentle slope so water runs towards the outlets. Prices vary by roof size and method, so compare quotes.
Roof safety
- Don't climb on a wet, slippery or crumbling roof, or in strong wind or heat.
- Stay away from the edge if there is no parapet, and keep children off the roof while work is going on.
- Look out for electric wires or cables near the roof edge and don't lift metal ladders or pipes near them.