01/08/2024
Today in our master class,
We’ll learn more about Hidden Roof (parapet walling round), its INs and OUTs, and why it’s a good option, and reasons you may have issues with it (leaking).
Let’s get started
The advantages of hidden roofing are but not limited to;
1. It’s cost efficient
2. Requires fewer roofing materials
3. it’s modern (aesthetics)
4. easy to install
But the big question is,
“Why does secret roofing have so many problems; Leaking especially, WHY?
Secret roofing is a bit tricky and funny to construct. It’s no secret that most artisans discourage people from doing secret roofing, because they’ve limited knowledge.
I’ll run commentary on some basic errors people make when installing secret roofs and juxtapose it with some suggested solutions.
1. Choice of Roofing Sheets
The first problem I’ve realized with many secret roofs is the type of sheets used. Using standard roofing sheets instead of long span. This is the genesis of the menace.
Using standard roofing sheets will necessitate the use of nails to join several roofing units.
This practice leaves the roofing system with a lot of perforations, which later serves as conduit for water to percolate. The gentle slopes of secret roofing does not allow quick run-offs of water. Therefore, the longer water stays on top of the roof amidst nails and overlap fractures, the higher the chances of leakages.
On the contrary, long span sheets are cut according to your roof dimensions and it covers the entire roof stretch without joining separate pieces. The absence of nail holes and overlaps makes it almost impossible for water to pass anywhere.
2. Gutters
Gutters (marked blue) are made to collect water from the roofs.
Some artisans use normal blocks and mortar to create the parapet wall on the slab, forgetting that block and mortar joints cannot prevent water percolation. It’s just a matter of time until they lose their bond.
There are special ways of constructing these gutters. One way is to raise a concrete wall of about 9inch to 1foot on the slab before topping it with blocks. If possible, make all concrete. It’s trite knowledge that concretes are more impermeable than blocks.
And please don’t forget the slope. Let me keep some information 🤐.
3. Tiling
It has been a common practice tiling gutters as a way to facilitate water flow. But the thing is, if you construct wack gutters, then tiles can’t save you.
It is only when you make good gutters that tiling can be useful. Even with that, I should add that there are some additives you must add to make the tiles more impenetrable. Tiles are laid in joints, so without any waterproof agent, water will still find its way into the ceiling. Don’t use cement and sand only and expect to have better results. Only time will tell
4. Rain Gutters
Many people ignore the importance of rain gutters. Without rain gutters, the huge volumes of water from your roofs will collect in the slab, run in and out for years, and eventually weaken your slab. It’s a matter of probabilities. The more water you have in the gutter, the higher chances that percolation will occur.
So instead of allowing the rain to collect in the slab, fix rain gutters. It’ll collect about 95% of rain water and dispose them off. This reduces to a larger extent, the volumes of water required to run on your slabs.
What then is the use of the gutters ?
The analogy is this,
Blocks and concrete are like humans. So, just as humans need food to grow, concrete and blocks also need water to be strong.
However, the same sumptuous food which gives us strength in our youthful days will become detrimental to us in old age, when we lose our metabolism abilities.
In essence, if you expose your blocks and concrete to excessive moisture for a longer period, they’ll lose their strength, and eventually allow moisture to have its way.
The whole idea behind fixing rain gutters is to discount the excessive interaction of rain water with the concrete walls and slab. Let the Slabs have breathing space and little work to do. Just because you have brakes in your car doesn’t mean you should be overspeeding 😃
There’s a lot more to share on this topic but I know you won’t read everything.
If you want extended consultation, you may dm.
Reche Jr. PLANNER
