Protecting your roof from water infiltration

Roof leakage, though an eyesore, is not a novel experience to some Nigerians. Many people have lost valuable documents and goods to little drops of water from the roof. Even the so called affluent that finish their houses with classy roofs could get slaps on their faces when they suddenly realize that their roofs can no longer withstand heavy down pour. Roof leakage respects no body or class, only the proactive people can avert it.

Nigerians are moving from the conventional zinc roof to covering their houses with brilliantly coloured and creatively designed ‘Geles’ (head covering). Thus, roofs serve the dual purposes of coverage and exterior decoration. However this trend is not bad, but the sweet ambience could turn disgusting if your covering is not well maintained.

You are still reading this article because you care about your roof. That is why I want to quickly give you a gist of some of the possible causes of roof leakage. One of the foremost roof manufactures in Nigeria , Nigerite says your roof could leak due to;

• Wrong specification of slopes, laps, and purling spacing in roof designs and faulty fixing method
• Roof cracks, destruction by impact forces like hailstones, corrosions e.t.c
• Inadequate water proofing of all roof element like gutters, hips, ridges and parapets
• Corrosion or loosening of fasteners like nails hooks or metal flashing
• Incorrect specification or application of roofing accessories like ridges and flash element.

Since your roof is one of the most exposed surfaces of the building, it is susceptible to severe weather conditions of solar radiation and rain acid and deposition of dust from the polluted air, thereby giving rise to organic growth. The part of the roof that is not exposed to the sun could be a habitat for the formation of fungi, and this could spread to other part of the roof after a short period.

The consequence of this is that excessive dust and fungi hinders good ventilation between the lapping of slates and corrugated sheets and favours back flow of water which often results in leakage. It could also destroy the visual quality the roof.

Roof maintenance is systematic and simple. If you follow these steps it could be of help if you care to prolong the life span of your covering.

• Verify the state of the roof from a qualified roofer before proceeding to remove dust and fungi found on the roof.
• Cover all water sensitive goods and equipment in occupied premises with a polythene sheeting, and regularly inspect it for water ingress.
• Random tiles are to be removed from ceilings to enable water access to be identified and dealt with accordingly.
• Replace all identifiable damaged roofing sheets and accessories – replace or repair as necessary.
• Inspect all gutters and valleys thoroughly or replace as necessary.
• Crop, tighten and seal all bolt protrusions properly.

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