For some reason, there was traditionally a resistance to the concept of the flat roof. As a result, there’s been something of a deficit of expertise in how to make a roof that is completely leak proof over the long term.

However, scientific advances mean there are easy solutions to the problem of waterproofing – and these are effective in staving off the danger of leaks, and the nightmare that a leaking roof can mean.The solution is to choose a spray-on polyurethane membrane covering that completely coat the surface in a durable, seamless, non-porous and visually attractive style.

There are solid practical reasons for opting for a flat roof in some instances – not least of which can be the aesthetics of something that bit different.

But it there is always that niggly issue of waterproofing.

Naturally, the flat roof presents problems that an apex-shaped roof doesn’t. However, there are two main options for ensuring your flat roof stays waterproof, and that you can have confidence that no matter how heavy the rain, your roof stays completely leak-free.

The first of these options is to create a gentle slope so the water can run off and not pool or pond on the surface.

That option somewhat defeats the point of having a “flat” roof – whether the aim was to have it as a usable space, or whether the choice of opting for a flat roof was for aesthetic reasons. The second option is to go for a waterproof membrane that completely covers and seals the roof. That means you can have an actual flat roof – although if you can afford a gentle slope, all the best. Key to the success of this second option is that the sealant you use to provide a coating that repels water is one that is seamfree.

Water will always find the easiest path downwards, the route of least resistance. If you have even the tiniest hole, water will come in: if you have a seam, the water will find its weakest join point and come in.Advances in polymer technology have greatly expanded the range of membranes and spray-on coatings available.

Keeping pace with the burgeoning availability of these new polymers and elastomers has been the development of application equipment. The result is that spray-on materials can go on effectively even in environments where the humidity is high – and the setting time is impressively fast. With the use of bang-up-to-the-minute technology, trained technicians have the ability to cover large areas at rapid speed. As it is spray-on, it works well even on uneven surfaces – and it is completely seamfree and completely secure.

Polyurea coatings work well, and are competitively priced, but given the ongoing exposure a flat roof endures from wet weather – and even (happily!) occasional bursts of scorching sunshine, it’s advisable to go for one of the coatings specially recommended for high-traffic or high-intensity purposes, such as polyurea, or polyurethane, or one of the hybrids.

What exact product is best suited to your particular project is one your  Waterproof.ie consultant will advise upon, and no matter how irregular or unique the project, the fact that the product is sprayed on means there will be no areas difficult to “get at” or to seal completely.

Spray on waterproofing solutions have proven to be the most effective waterproofing method used in the industry in recent years. Developments in the equipment to apply the membrane that hardens in seconds together with developments in the liquid material that allows it to be sprayed on in higher humidity environments has meant the waterproofing industry has had to stand up and take notice as it is set to become the number one choice for waterproofing in Europe.

Spray on main advantage

Its main advantage is that its seamless – No joints have meant there is less points of weak areas for water ingress. The additional fact vast areas can be coated in a short period of times means the project finishes on time and the client has his building back in ship shape, totally watertight.

The most popular are Silicons, Polyurea’s and Polyurethanes and hybrids of these.  The silicon usually proves to be the most cost effective but is also the least durable so will be idea for areas where no traffic, wither foot or vehicle is expected and it has some possible weaknesses v’d the stronger more durable Polyurea and Polyurethane but these are often offset by the huge cost savings that can be expected.

Spray finish waterproofing means all the nooks and crannies are easily sealed, simply spray the coating into the areas and the applicator can ensure no areas are missed and all the up stands are coated and there is a seamless waterprooflayer on the entire roof, balcony, walkway.

Is torched methods, old news?

Traditional methods such as torch on felt still have there place but the spray applicators have proven to be more effective in the long run. No joints have meant the likelihood of a weakness in the membrane is reduced so that the entire roof has a beginning and a end but not huge arrays of joints all welded tight, a single mistake on felt can mean a leak and water damage to the building.  The spray on has no such weakness and when coated with a UV top coat it protects the membrane against the effects of sunlight for years to some.

The most popular and cost effective Roofing Polyurea’s are made by Ultimate Linings a USA based company who have multiple patents and long term history of producing quality products and have experience qualified applicators in Ireland.  The spray on membrane systems either Polyurea or Polyurethane will always  have a  insurance backed and has long warranty and the spray on systems can be used as standalone or be applied directly on top of spray foam insulation. Every project is different and a consultation with one of the engineers is always the best way to get guidance on what will suit a particular project. For advice on the spray on membrane please upload in details here and a qualified engineer will give you a email or call if you prefer..