top of page
Search

Why Full Roof Waterproofing After Adding Extra Rooms is a Brilliant Idea


A beautiful mini kitchen and barbeque area added to an existing house.
Added a new mini kitchen and barbeque area.

Adding new sections to your home can be like giving it a fabulous makeover, but sometimes those new additions come with their own set of quirks.

Building new rooms sometimes means new roof sections, which can create sneaky little spots where leaks love to hide.

And as we all know, sometimes that wet spot is not an indication of the precise location of the leak.

Turning the backyard into a construction zone—soon to be the dreamiest new kitchen and barbeque area.

Sealing Shenanigans

The joins between old and new parts of the roof can be tricky. If the flashing (think of it as the roof's shiny belt) isn’t fitted just right, water might sneak through, causing a bit of a wet mess.

Inserting waterproofing in the join between a wall and a roof.
Navigating the dance of old and new construction—ensuring the roof joins the party smoothly.

Valley Vagaries

Roof valleys are like the runways for rainwater, guiding it smoothly off the roof. But if the new addition creates a bump in the runway, you might end up with a water traffic jam, leading to leaks.

A waterproofed valley between two joined parts of a roof.
Adding a new room? Waterproofing the roof valley is a must—no room for negotiation or puddles.

Expansion Adventures

New materials can expand and contract at different rates than the old and if they don’t move together perfectly, gaps can appear, inviting water in for an unwanted visit, irritating dripping and potential structural damage.

Using different materials for new additions can sometimes also be like mixing polka dots with stripes. Over time, this mismatch can create weak spots especially around chimneys, valleys and parapet walls, prime locations for leaks to pop up.

shoddy workmanship of old and new tiles on a roof.
When new and old don't pull together, rather cover it with rubber waterproofing to keep the shuffle below under wraps.

Design Dilemmas

If the new addition wasn’t meticulously planned, some unexpected water flow issues and even ponding may cause a few headaches. And if the roof of the new addition doesn't have a pitch, seriously consider full waterproofing for peace of mind. Flat roofs especially, should be waterproofed as a pre-emptive measure against leaks or ponding.

Side of house with a huge garage door and paving.
Flat roofs: where rain likes to linger! Full waterproofing of the roof and sufficient downpipes will ensure it doesn't become a rooftop pond.

Another potential problem area is a parapet wall. Modern parapets are designed to resemble a sleek railing, adding a decorative finishing touch that's both chic and functional, giving a roofline a stylish flair!

A man on the roof with a parapet wall around it.
Parapet walls create an interesting aesthetic to the design of a building but can also be prone to leaking if waterproofing is neglected.

But why do parapet walls leak? They like to move and groove! Parapets expand and contract more than the rest of the wall due to moisture and temperature changes, and the hidden flashing can create weak spots that are prone to cracking.

Flashing Follies

Even the best-installed flashing can wear out over time. If lower-quality materials were used to save a few bucks, this could happen sooner rather than later, leading to leaks and a soggy situation.

And don’t forget regular inspections—because even the best-dressed homes need a little maintenance to keep looking fabulous!

A ladder against the roof of a house.
Regular roof inspections are necessary for homeowners to prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs and to ensure the longevity and safety of their home.

Full Roof Waterproofing: The Delightful Benefits!

Peace of Mind

Fully waterproofed up top, means you can relax, even during the heaviest rainstorms.

By blocking water from soaking into your roofing materials, you fend off mold, mildew, and rot. This means fewer repairs and replacements, which saves you money in the long run.

Longer Roof Life

Waterproofing isn’t just about keeping the rain out; it also helps your roof live a long, happy life and spraying the whole roof with waterproofing covers every nook and cranny, giving your home seamless protection from water.

Energy Efficiency Boost

A waterproofed roof helps keep your home’s temperature just right. By keeping moisture out, you also keep your insulation working at its best. This means staying cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and who doesn’t love lower energy bills?

Added Home Value

A fully waterproofed roof can be a great selling point if you ever decide to move. Potential buyers will appreciate a home that’s well-protected from water damage, and this extra feature can help justify a higher price. Your investment pays off when it's time to sell.

Smart Maintenance

While the upfront cost of waterproofing might seem steep, it’s a smart maintenance move. Regular roof repairs can add up quickly. A full waterproofing treatment minimizes the need for frequent fixes and keeps your roof in top shape for years.

Roof Beauty

Waterproofing can also help your roof look fabulous. Our spray-on waterproofing solution includes UV protection, keeping your roofing materials from fading and breaking down.

This means your roof stays looking fresh and well-maintained, adding to your home’s curb appeal.

A roof that has been fully waterproofed with rubber waterproofing.
A beautifully waterproofed sprayed roof—keeping everything dry and stylish, rain or shine.

Conclusion

Adding new features to your home is super exciting and a fantastic way to enhance your living space. With thoughtful design, matching materials, and/or if not...at least proper waterproofing, you can keep things stylish and leak-free.


Having your entire roof sprayed with our rubber waterproofing is a brilliant investment that offers all-around protection, extends your roof’s lifespan, boosts energy efficiency, and provides peace of mind. Plus, it can even increase your home’s value and curb appeal.

If you're in the Hartbeespoort, Rustenburg, Pretoria/Johannesburg area, give Gerrie a call on 074 364 9092 for all your waterproofing headaches.


 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page