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The roof is leaking in a private house, what to do. Roofing works of any complexity

The metal roof is leaking. What to do? This question worries all owners of this kind of roofs. Because a roof leak emergency can happen to anyone, at any time.

The accumulation of moisture under the roof most often leads to the multiplication of a fungal infection in the room, as well as a possible short circuit in the electrical wiring.

Such moments cause not only discomfort, but also create a real danger to the life and health of people living in the house. And the place of leakage also looks rather sloppy. The constant accumulation of moisture under the roof most often leads to the multiplication of a fungal infection in the room, as well as a possible short circuit in the electrical wiring.

What to do if the metal roof is still leaking? What is the reason? And what action should be taken first? You will learn all this from our article.

All emerging leaks are conditionally divided into three main types. This:

1. A leak that occurs immediately after the rain has passed, or after a short period of time after. Its causes can be mechanical damage, leakage, deformation of the roofing base, and so on.
2. Leakage caused by melting snow that has accumulated on the roof. The reason for this type is the freezing of water (thaw) in various places on the roof, for example, on overhangs, in a drain, and others. It is the ice formed that limits (blocks) the flow of water, which leads to the formation of leaks at the joints of the roof covering.
3. "Flickering" type of flow. Such a leak can occur from scratch. It seems that there was no rain, and hot summer outside the window. And the roof is leaking. What is the reason?

And the reason is quite simple - abundant moisture of the insulation layer. As a result, water vapor exerts roofing critical pressure combined with high temperatures air. Here are a number of other reasons that cause such leaks: the presence of microcracks in the roofing carpet, the small width of aprons and umbrellas, poor-quality laying of parapets.

The main number of reasons contributing to the formation of leaks

A leak does not form from scratch, which means that there are specific reasons for an emergency. Here are a few main ones:

1. Depreciation of the roof material from metal tiles after a certain time (the process of natural aging is characteristic of any type of material, no matter how high-quality it may be. Negative impacts moisture, sun, temperature differences will sooner or later bring the roof covering to the point of destruction.
2. Damage to the roof of a mechanical nature (this type of damage can negatively affect even a new, freshly laid roof. Most often, the owners find out about their presence after various precipitations (rain, snow) and exposure to strong hurricane winds. Under such aggressive conditions, damage to the roof can cause and the wind itself, and other objects that have fallen on the roof due to windy weather.It is not difficult to detect such defects, you just need to carefully examine the roof surface.
3. The use of low-quality building materials (attempts to save on building material most often end with the acquisition of unnecessary problems, for example, a leaking roof. The use of cheap materials negatively affects the quality of the roofing.
4. Incorrect roofing, as well as allowed during the design and construction work errors significantly affect the life of the roof. With such errors, roof leakage can occur even in the first year of operation.

Incorrect arrangement of insulation layers contributes to the accumulation of condensate and, in connection with this, the formation of a leak.

Poorly executed roof waterproofing (joints) with chimney pipes is the main cause of roof leakage.

Another mistake during the installation of the roof may be poor-quality waterproofing of the roof (joints) with chimneys. It is as a result of these erroneous actions that moisture begins to seep through the roofing. As a result, the roof leaks. The same results are given by improper installation of drainage.

The list of reasons why a roof leaks is endless. These include the incorrect selection of the timber used for the lathing (of different sizes), as a result of which the roof is skewed and the roof material is displaced, and improper installation of metal skates, and much more. The main thing is to correct the mistakes made in time and make your roof waterproof.

For different material coatings exist different ways elimination of leakage. Let's consider one of them.

What to do if the roof is leaking?

Leaking metal roof. What to do? To begin with, inspect the surface of the roof and find the cause.

Most often, roof leaks from metal tiles occur as a result of mistakes made during installation work on laying the coating and device. Poor fastening or cheap fasteners can also cause metal roofing to leak.

A clogged storm drain can cause the roof to leak.

Another reason for the appearance of defects on the roof surface is the cleaning of the roof from frozen ice and snow, which causes mechanical damage to the coating in the form of dents, scratches and even holes.

If scratches are found during inspection of a metal roof, they must be covered with paint to prevent corrosion. If you notice a loose fit and gaps at the junction of the metal tile with other roof elements (for example, a ridge), then all such defects are treated with a special roofing sealant (silicone) or using adhesive tapes, also designed for this type of work.

In the presence of through hole in the coating of metal tiles, its sealing is carried out by applying a patch (using a soldering iron). If there is a lot of such damage, then it is better to replace the sheet completely.

As for poor-quality fasteners, the washer (rubber) of the self-tapping screw most often fails. This happens after 1-2 years after the installation of the roof. It is not recommended to tighten them, it is better to replace the fasteners with a better quality new one.

All of the above types of repairs do not cause any particular difficulties in execution, which cannot be said about the problem caused by the wrong device. roofing cake. A roof that has such errors in its design will give you a lot of trouble.

What tools to apply?

Many are interested in the question of necessary tools for work. It all depends on the type of coating and the existing damage. But mostly used:

• screwdriver;
• sealant;
• soldering iron;
• overlays made of the same material as the coating itself;
• hammer.

The most common cause of leakage in a pitched insulated roof with a metal tile coating is hydro- and vapor barrier. More precisely, the use of an inexpensive perforated polyethylene film for its device.

Such a film does not remove moisture well enough, it has a very low vapor permeability. It is best to replace such a film with a variant using a superdiffusion membrane.

Its laying is carried out directly on the insulation layer and reliably protects against leakage. The vapor permeability of such a membrane is very high, which means that the removal of vapors in thermal insulation will be fast and of high quality.

Of course, with this option, you will have to completely remove the roofing. This brings a number of certain inconveniences and financial costs. But you will no longer experience discomfort from the fact that your roof is leaking.

Another option for protecting the roof from leakage is (tubular structures). In winter, they effectively hold back the flow of snow, and in spring, melted water flows down the gutter formed by the waves of metal tiles without any problems.

In this case, large pieces of ice will not collapse and damage the roofing. The roof will avoid unnecessary damage and leaks.

Many people dream of living in an apartment, because housing and communal services take on many concerns, unlike a private house or cottage. However, everything has a downside. There are many owners in the house, each is responsible for only one apartment, but what if the pipes in the basement burst or the roof leaked? Well, in the first case, everything is also clear, no one wants to sit without water, so the money will be handed over, the masters will be hired, and everything will be settled. What if the roof leaks? apartment building? What to do in this case? It is clear that apart from the owner, on whose head water flows, this problem is not interesting to anyone. And while you put the basins and are on duty at the source of the leak, no one will even think about raising money for such a large-scale repair. Or maybe there is another way? Let's try to find out.

Old building - get ready for renovation

With the onset of spring, the first thing to be vigilant is the residents of old houses. However, this is not the only reason that can lead to a leaking roof. Sometimes this is due to condensate, which is collected due to a violation of heat transfer. But most often from old age in roll materials and microcracks appear in the roof itself. Further, it will only get worse, because water acts destructively on any materials, which means that the gaps will only increase. As a result, we are faced with the fact that the roof is leaking in an apartment building. What to do in this situation, we will analyze in sufficient detail, but for now let's allow ourselves one more digression.

An unpleasant surprise

If the residents of old high-rise buildings are mentally prepared for the fact that the roof is worn out and may not withstand, then for a resident of a new building this is, to put it mildly, a surprise. And the reason is the same - a violation of the tightness of the roof. Most likely, in this case, poor-quality material was used to cover the roof, or errors were made during the installation process. In any case, the tenant is not at fault and has every right to seek repairs. However, most of us will be baffled by the situation when the roof in an apartment building leaks. What to do, who to contact, how to protect your rights? Let's go directly to this issue.

Where to call

First you need to try to eliminate the consequences, that is, substitute buckets and basins under the resulting leak. Of course, it is very unpleasant that this has affected you, but nevertheless it is worth trying to save the property of both your own and the neighbors who are innocent of what is happening below. And now you need to pick up the phone and call the utility service to which your house is attached. You are not the only one with them, and for sure no one will be in a hurry to respond to the call. However, you can not hesitate when the roof in an apartment building leaks. What to do? Sending a written application is much more fast way achieve action.

Official address

It must be written in two copies. In the application, tell in detail when the roof leaked, under what circumstances you noticed it. Do not forget to indicate how things are now, whether water continues to run from the ceiling, and the measures taken to eliminate the consequences.

While you are going to go to the public utilities, we will touch on the legal side of the issue a little. So, the roof of an apartment building is leaking. What to do? Belarus, like most of the former Soviet republics, offers residents several options for resolving such issues:

• Contact the municipal service to which the house is attached in the area.
• Call the private housing company chosen by the tenants themselves.
• Apply to the city authorities for subsidized roof repairs.
• Collect money from tenants and hire a team of workers.

As you can see, there are many options, but key point are material resources. If the utility service solves the problem, then it will definitely check whether there are tenants-debtors in the house. Until the full repayment of the declared amounts, no one will undertake to carry out repairs. If you don't want to get involved with utilities, then even more grandiose visits to the tenants are coming in order to prove how much and for what, and to encourage people to pay it.

Rationale for the claim

However, we digress a bit. Let's go back to the main problem: the roof of an apartment building is leaking. What to do and who to contact? The main thing now is to write the application correctly. To do this, it is necessary to capture the occurred leakage of the roof. Take pictures from different angles so that all the details are clearly visible. In the application, indicate your details, phone number and full address. In the main part, tell us about the place of the leak, time, date and damage. It is very good if the number is printed on the pictures. All of them will be evidence in the case.

In the final part, ask to fix the leak and start repair work. All photographs and the application must be in duplicate. One package is handed over to the municipal service, the second remains with you. It must be signed by the receiving controller.

Finding out the reasons

Now it's time for the public service to act. They already have a claim that the roof of an apartment building is leaking. What to do? The reasons must be clarified on the first day. To do this, you will send a locksmith or plumber. However, he will not do anything, but only record the incident. It is advisable to invite one of the neighbors in addition. There is a chance that the locksmith will consider the leak to be minor and ask you to wait. If you agree, you will still substitute basins during the rains for a very long time. Does not triple - you need to move on.

Second statement

In principle, you can immediately prepare and write three versions of the letter. It is submitted in the name of the head of the public service. Now a whole commission will come to consider exactly how the roof flows in an apartment building, what to do. The main reasons for this phenomenon are the banal wear and tear of buildings. However, it remains to be seen. Inspection of the roof from the outside can confirm the following reasons:

• Breakdowns or cracks formed during snow removal.
• Coating wear.
• Violation of laying technology roofing material.
• The use of poor quality coatings. This is often the case with new builds.

Complaint to the prosecutor

Based on the foregoing, it is already becoming clear why in an apartment building. What to do? The causes of the leak are known, but all the services responsible for the repair still disown you. Then the last resort remains - write a letter to the prosecutor's office. Make a copy of your copy of the application, attach a photo with the date the letter was sent, so that the competent authorities can see that the problem has not yet been resolved.

List of court documents

This is the last resort you can go through if the roof of an apartment building is leaking. What to do and where to turn, we examined step by step. For the court, you will need to collect a leak report, which was drawn up by the commission. Attach a copy of the application to the housing and communal services, photographic materials and damage assessment documents to it.

Additionally, explain the reason for the appeal. That is, indicate how much time has passed since the leak, which authorities you have already applied to. Do not forget to mention the names of workers who could not or did not want to help you. There is another document that is very useful to present in court. This is an official act with the preparation of estimates for the funds, materials that will be needed for repair and restoration work. This is done by an independent appraisal company. Later, the court will decide who should pay this amount, and you can hire workers to carry out repairs.

On your own

It also happens like this: after walking around the authorities for several months, a person realizes that no one is interested in his problems. Week after week goes by and the roof of the apartment building is still leaking. What to do and how to solve the problem? Take an official estimate with the amounts needed for repairs, divide by the number of apartments and go to your neighbors. To make the process of collecting money easier, you can promise to take all the papers to court so that the management company will reimburse the costs.

The collection of money is made in this case so that all the time while the proceedings last, you do not have to save the property. If it is difficult to organize neighbors, stop blocking the water flow on your floor. The sooner people feel inconvenience, the more companions you will have. At the same time, be sure to defend your rights in court. Even after a while, you will be able to return the money spent.

Summing up

Any problem can be solved, the most important thing is to know your rights. If you carefully pay utility bills, you can also count on the return "courtesy" in the form of a prompt response. There are many problems in this sector. If half of the tenants have debts on payments, then already management company there will be nothing to make repairs. The employees of the housing and communal services themselves also do not want to carry out a grandiose repair of the roof, attributing this to a lack of funds and the need for support from the state. It turns out that in each case it is necessary to solve the problem on an individual basis.

A roof leak is an emergency. Living in a house where, after melting snow or another rain, the ceilings and walls are covered with wet spots is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous.

Chronic stagnation of moisture in the under-roof space can at least lead to the appearance of fungus in the premises, and as a maximum - to a short circuit in the electrical wiring and collapse of the roof.

Often the cause of roof leaks is a defect when laying the roof.

Marriage in the construction of the roof is unacceptable. Often, in order to correct errors made during the installation process, the roof has to be disassembled and mounted almost from scratch. Main Factors successful device roofs are as follows:

• the right choice of materials and performers of work. It is important to use quality materials and all the accessories necessary for roofing installation. The quality must be confirmed by the manufacturer's warranty. For installation, you should involve specialists with a license and certificates. It is worth signing an agreement with them, which will indicate the warranty period for the roof;
• correct laying of the roofing pie, in compliance with all norms and recommendations for the installation of each element of the roof. During installation, it is necessary to ensure reliable vapor and waterproofing, as well as ventilation of the heat-insulating layer by installing eaves and ridge ventilation products, wind vanes. If the vapor barrier is not installed correctly, condensate will accumulate in the structure, which will provoke humidity in the ceiling in the room. A common mistake is improper roofing. For example, a metal tile should be fastened along the bottom of the wave, in the place where the metal fits snugly against the crate. This will provide a tight connection;
• project without errors. Incorrectly designed eaves, roof slopes, and parapets can make it difficult to drain water from the roof. And an excessive amount of complex architectural elements and the inconsistency of their location with the ventilation of the roof can lead to the formation of unventilated areas.

Reasons why roofs leak

The main causes of leaks are defects in the surface of the roofing carpet, wetting of the heat-insulating layer, failure of the drainage system and leakage in places where the coating adheres to vertical structures and elements (walls, pipes, antennas, parapets). These damages can vary in scale, so some of them require minor repairs, and others - the intervention of specialists and more complex work, up to the replacement of the coating and roofing cake. Defects that cause leaks are due to many factors:

• use of low-quality roofing and fasteners;
• their natural wear as a result of atmospheric action;
• technological violations during installation;
• mechanical damage to the roof and drain in the process of cleaning the roof from snow and ice;
• biological destruction of the roofing carpet and structures (the appearance of fungi or moss).

And although the cause of a leak can be determined theoretically, it can be difficult to detect it in practice. This is especially true for pitched roofs, in which case water can flow in one place, and “drops” can appear in a completely different one. In addition, even the most reliable roofing materials do not have perfect tightness: gusts of wind can blow both snow and raindrops under the coating. So, if a problem arose, a complete inspection of the roof and roofing pie with the involvement of specialists will be required.

Typology of roof leaks

Roof leaks can be divided into three types.

1. Leaks that occur immediately after rain or after some time. The reasons for their formation are mechanical damage to the roofing carpet and leakage in the areas of its junction with vertical structures, as well as engineering equipment. Another reason is the deformation of the roof base (opening of joints, shrinkage of joints, cracks) caused by temperature and wind loads. The fact is that the foundation of the house is never at rest, and the movements of the floor slabs continuously test the foundation for strength. Such defects are especially characteristic for flat roofs on which water stagnates for a long time.

2. Leaks associated with melting snow on the roof. Their cause is the freezing of melt water on roof overhangs, in valleys, gutters and funnels, where the temperature is usually below zero. It is ice that restricts or blocks the flow of water that leads to leaks at the joints of the roofing.

3. "Flickering" leaks. Such surprises appear during the summer heat and not necessarily after the rain. The reason for this phenomenon is the wetting of the insulation, which creates a critical pressure of water vapor on the roofing at high outdoor air temperatures. In addition, a “flickering” leak can be caused by microcracks in the layers of the roofing carpet, insufficient width of protective aprons and umbrellas, as well as poor quality brickwork parapets.

Roof inspection

If the leakage is insignificant, the roof can be inspected independently. First, they go up to the attic and check the condition of the rafters, floor, flooring and waterproofing for damp places, rot or mold. Moisture, for example, can leave dark marks on the wood or discolor the coating. Another object of verification is the electrical wiring laid in the attic. Any damage found in it must be repaired immediately.

After inspecting the roof from the inside of the house, they proceed to external studies (just first make sure that the portable ladder that you will climb is in good condition and provide it with a hook that you hook on the roof ridge). Inspection begins with the ridge, checking the integrity of its elements and waterproofing. Special attention pay attention to the state of insulation and fastening of metal aprons in the areas where the roofing mat adjoins vertical elements. Going down to the bottom of the roof, they inspect the valleys (if plant debris has accumulated there), as well as the lower layer of the roofing and the cornice board, the integrity of which may suffer from strong wind and rain. They check whether ventilation ducts, drainpipes, gutters and funnels are clogged with plant debris, whether mosses and lichens have appeared on the slopes, and on the roofing itself - dents, holes, cracks, chips and bubbles.

It happens that an external examination did not reveal damage, but leaks continue. In this case, you need to wait until it rains, go up to the attic, find a place where moisture penetrates and mark it with chalk. And in dry weather, this place can be patched up.

However, we must not forget that roof inspection and repair work are fraught with risk: both high and the slopes are steep and slippery, and your head may spin. These are all good reasons to turn to professionals. Roof repair technology is quite complex and requires not only accurate diagnosis, but also correct selection materials and special equipment. Today, many repair companies examine roofs with an infrared camera. It not only quickly detects leaks, but also visually represents the technical condition of the entire roofing system(rafters, foundations, weirs, waterproofing and thermal insulation). Based on the data obtained, the volume and nature of the repair work are determined, and an estimate is made that best suits the goals and financial capabilities of the owner. Then the homeowner and the contractor conclude an agreement, which prescribes the rights and obligations of the parties, the terms and amounts of payment, warranty obligations, etc.

Do-it-yourself repair of ceramic or cement-sand tiles

Causes of leaks in natural tiles are cracks on the surface of tiles located on the roof overhang, at the points of connection with pipes, antennas, etc. Such defects appear as a result of unequal expansion and contraction of parts of the roof when weather conditions change, and also due to the fact that that the cement at the joints between the plates crumbles over time. In the first case, it is necessary to strengthen the roof structure by knocking out the rafters with boards connecting several (3-4) rafter legs. And in the second, remove the old putty from the joints and replace it with a fresh solution consisting of two parts of sand and one part of lime with the addition of flax fiber (tow). Microcracks on the tiles are smeared with the same solution.

Another frequent cause of leaks- gaps in the waterproofing layer between the rafters and the slats to which the tiles are attached.

Repair of such damage is not difficult, it can be done by yourself, with your own hands in the following sequence:

1. On the repaired area, with the help of a trowel, the tiles are pryed off and removed, having previously hammered wooden wedges under the overlying plates.
2. Remove the nails that secure the battens to the rafters.
3. Insert a piece of hard cardboard under the slats and cut out their parts over the damaged area with a hacksaw.
4. With a sharp knife, cut out the damaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe waterproofing and apply a slightly larger patch to this place, smearing its edges with roofing glue or mastic.
5. Measure the distance between the ends of the rails and cut out the missing pieces with the same cross section. An antiseptic is applied to the rails. Old laths and their new fragments are nailed to the rafters using anti-corrosion nails.
6. Installed on top of the tile plate. If the old ones were damaged, they are replaced with new ones.
7. After repair, to protect the tile from moisture and mold, it is better to cover it with a special colorless composition based on synthetic resins, which crystallizes upon contact with water and forms a moisture barrier.

Do-it-yourself metal tile repair

Leaks in metal roofing- the result of errors during the installation of the coating and roofing cake, loosening of fasteners (self-tapping screws) and mechanical damage when cleaning the roof from frost (scratches, dents, holes). All scratches found during inspection should be covered special paint This will prevent corrosion. The gaps between the metal tile and the grooved element, under the ridge, as well as all places where there are leaks, are sealed with silicone roofing sealant or special adhesive tapes. A steel patch is applied to the through hole with a soldering iron, and if there are many such holes, the entire sheet will have to be changed.

Failure is usually typical for low-quality self-tapping screws, in which the rubber washer can collapse within a year or two after the installation of the roof. In this case, it is better not to suffer with their tightening, but to install new fasteners (quality products are marked with several letters and even words - SFS, FM, OF and others).

Much more serious repair will be required in case of improper installation of the roofing pie. A common cause of leaks in pitched insulated roofs, including those covered, is the use of inexpensive perforated roofs as hydro and vapor barriers. polyethylene films, which poorly remove moisture from the insulation (their vapor permeability is only 20-40 g / m2 per day). It is best to replace them with a superdiffusion membrane, which is laid directly on the insulation and protects it from leaks. It has a vapor permeability of about 1 thousand g / m2 per day, and therefore does not interfere with the removal of water vapor from the thickness of the heat-insulating layer. However, this measure, for all its effectiveness, requires the complete removal of the roof covering, with all the costs and inconveniences that this entails.

To protect the roof from leaks, you can install snow retainers on it (tubular structures are most popular in private construction). In winter, they will hold back the snow flow. In the spring, the melt water will drain between the waves of the metal tiles and the blocks of ice will not collapse, damaging the coating.

Do-it-yourself soft roof repair under shingles

Bituminous tiles are good because they allow you to easily replace damaged tiles. However, such work is recommended to be carried out at a temperature not lower than + 5 ° C, since in the cold the bituminous material becomes brittle and may crack if the tile is intact,

but small cracks appeared on the surface, it is lifted and lubricated with inside not too thick a layer of roofing adhesive. Then, firmly pressing the tile to the base, cover the front side with glue, in case of more serious damage, the tile is replaced.

DO IT SO - INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Using a small crowbar, lift the tile located in the upper row, and carefully remove the damaged element from under it.
2. The nails that held the defective tile are removed with a nail puller.
3. From the inside new tiles glue is applied along the edge of the upper edge.
4. Insert the tile, bringing it under the one above, and nail it with roofing nails 25 mm long, with a head 10 mm in diameter and a rod 3 mm in diameter).
5. The edges of the tiles located above and below the new one are smeared with glue.

Repair of metal sheet roofing

Main causes of leaks in galvanized iron roofs, - violation of the tightness of the seams (folds) fastening the sheets of the roofing, mechanical damage and corrosion.

In most cases, holes and holes are eliminated as follows:

1. Clean the damaged area with a metal brush.
2. Cut out a patch from the roofing material, 5-10 cm larger than the damaged area.
3. Cover the edges of the patch and the damaged area with a flux (zinc-lead alloy or zinc-lead-cadmium alloy) and solder them together with a powerful soldering iron.
4. After cooling, excess solder is removed with files.
5. Upon completion of the repair, the roof is painted - partially or completely.
6. In case of significant damage to the metal roof, it is completely replaced steel sheets using special electromechanical devices for seaming folds.

How to repair slate roofs with your own hands

Repairing a slate roof is quite simple. True, you should be careful when moving along its surface, because slate is a fragile material. In this case, it is best to use a special ladder-ladder, which evenly distributes the weight of a person over the surface of the coating.

Slate repair, as a rule, comes down to sealing small cracks and chips. for this, a cement mortar is used containing 1 part (by weight) of cement and 2 parts fine sand. Another means of sealing is adhesive repair tapes based on butyl rubber. The damaged area is wiped with a cotton cloth soaked in white spirit or gasoline. After removing the protective paper from the tape, stick a piece of it on the crack, overlapping it by 3-5 cm. Such tapes are covered on top nonwoven fabric, so they can be dyed in the desired color.

So that the steel nails that fasten the slate sheets do not rust, they are covered with drying oil or oil paint. And advice for the future: snow and debris cannot be removed from such a roof even with a wooden shovel, not to mention a metal one. Use only a soft brush or broom.

Roof icing is fraught not only with roof leakage, but also with other problems, such as damaged facade finishing, a destroyed drain and far from harmless icicles. The popular way of removing ice with a crowbar and a shovel is risky, time-consuming and threatens the integrity of the roofing carpet. The anti-icing system helps to get rid of these misfortunes. Unfortunately, many homeowners only remember it when the roof sags under the weight of snow and ice. Meanwhile, the installation of such a system in the summer will cost much less than in the winter.

Do-it-yourself drain repair

Faulty drain - common cause roof leaks. If the problem is blockage, the drain should be flushed out with a high-pressure jet of water by placing a garden hose in the drain hole. In the future, to protect against debris, it is recommended to pull a synthetic or metal mesh. It is also important to check its slope with a level: in order for the water to drain normally and not stagnate, the gutter should be slightly tilted. No less common causes of leaks in metal gutters and gutters are corrosion and cracks. Rusted areas are cleaned with a steel brush, and cracks are patched with a special butyl rubber-based aluminum repair tape.

Another factor in the leakage of the drain is the depressurization of the joints. In PVC systems, dichloroethane glue or rubber seals are used for joints. The easiest way is to replace worn seals with new ones (products made from EPDM rubber are durable). In this case, the dismantling and installation of the drain will not be difficult - it is enough to “unfasten” the sections. Repair damaged area adhesive bonding more difficult: you have to cut out part of the pipe, purchase a new one and glue the joint with the same glue.

How to avoid damage to gutters

Common Causes leaks for glued and glueless drainage systems - non-compliance with the instructions for their installation, mechanical damage and improper roofing.

The most common mistake when installing glueless gutters is improperly snapping the gutters with connecting elements which damages the rubber seals. Another mistake is lubricating the rubber seals with silicone or other substances that destroy rubber during installation. In adhesive systems, drains leak if the elements are not completely glued. The only way to remedy the situation is to cut out the damaged segment of the system and replace it with a new one. Also, during installation, it is important to observe the correct slope of the gutters - towards the catchment funnel, so that water does not overflow.

To avoid mechanical damage, do not allow clogging of gutters and pipes. In winter, clogged drains with ice can be deformed. It is advisable to install snow guards on the roof so that falling snow or ice does not damage the system. A heating system will help increase the service life of gutters.

Metal systems are often attached to each other with rivets, and the joints are sealed silicone sealant. To disconnect the connection, rivets are drilled with a drill, and fresh sealant is applied to the edges of the joints.

When to repair a roof

Modern technology allows you to repair the roof all year round(under an awning), however, it is better to do this in a dry and warm season, when the strength of materials is not affected by cold and unforeseen precipitation. The optimal time for repair and other outdoor work is early spring and autumn, when you can choose periods with dry, warm, but not hot weather.

Replacement of roof elements

Attention! When completely replacing the roofing cake, it is sometimes necessary to further strengthen structural units(replace the rotten crate with a new one, process wooden rafters antiseptic, etc.), as well as replace ventilation grates- aerators.

If the insulation under the roof gets wet, what should I do - dry it or replace it?

Hydrophobized materials are not afraid of accidental leaks. Water rolls over the surface of the material without lingering. A hydrobarrier or a superdiffusion membrane laid on top of the insulation will help prevent local leaks.

With prolonged exposure to water, any thermal insulation material gets wet and shrinks. You can dry it by holding it in the wind and the sun. But if the water washed out the fiberglass or basalt insulation binders, it loses its elasticity and its previous heat-shielding properties will not be restored. The use of such material in the construction is undesirable.

In the event of a leak of a flat roofing material or membrane roof, the insulation is exposed to moisture over a large area. For such structures, high-density materials are used, which are very difficult to dry.

If leaks are found in the region of the valleys, it is necessary to check the correctness of their device. When repairing, having opened and examined the roof, you can install a tin gutter (for natural tiles, slate, shingle, metal tiles).

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Top floor residents apartment buildings sometimes they realize with regret that the roof is starting to leak. This can happen in the spring, when everything starts to melt actively. Leaks are sometimes associated with condensate that accumulates under the roof, and, of course, microcracks can appear in roll materials and in the roof itself - from old age, from high humidity In this case, the roof needs repair.

Reality shows that roofs leak in apartments not only in old buildings, but also in new houses. The common cause of all leaks is a violation of the tightness of the roof covering. It is these violations in old and new houses that have a different focus. Houses that have been in operation for a long time, the reason is clear - this is the service life of the coating, it has become obsolete and needs to be replaced. But when leaks occur in newly built and relatively new houses, then, most likely, poor-quality roofing material was used or mistakes were made that occur during the installation work.

What to do if the roof leaks in an apartment building? Many who are faced with similar problems do not know what to do in this case. In our article we will tell you everything possible options troubleshooting. gives no results.

Who to call first

First of all, you should contact the utility service to which your house is attached, to the dispatcher on duty. The application can be submitted orally, by phone or in writing with a trip to local utilities.

In practice, we can say that a more reliable option, if the roof is leaking, is a written statement, because a verbal request may not be noticed or simply forgotten.

How to write a statement if the roof is leaking? It needs to specify:

• your details, full address and phone number;
• in the main part of the application, you need to describe the problem in detail, indicate the exact location of the leak, when exactly it occurred, the date and time, and also issue a verdict on the material damage incurred;
• photo or video materials should be attached to the letter, on which the full force of the flow is clearly visible

It is worth remembering when a leak is detected that you need to immediately capture this incident on a camera or video so that the damage that it caused can be seen. You need to take it seriously and fix every little thing and every detail. It would be even better if the picture was stamped with the date and time. These materials will later become the most important evidence that the leak actually happened and caused you losses.

• in the final part of the application, you need to leave a mark with a request to start drawing up an act to eliminate the leak, as well as to start repair work;
• it is worth clearly numbering all requests, writing in a structured and clear manner;
• one copy of the application must be kept for yourself, it will serve as proof that your application was actually written if the problem remains unresolved.

An application of this format can be drawn up at home, without special forms, on clean slate A4 or fill in on the spot, in the communal department and hand it over personally. The application to the utility service must go through the registration stage, this requires your personal signature. When submitting an application, you should take your passport and a copy of it with you, as well as documents that confirm your rights to the apartment.

Contacting the management company

You should definitely contact the management company that services your home or the Emergency Dispatch Organization in your area. The appeal is made exactly like the application, and you need to keep a copy for yourself. The district office draws up an act indicating the nature and causes of damage. As third-party observers who will confirm the correctness of your words, it is worth inviting neighbors.

Utilities can be expected to:

• as soon as the application is drawn up and registered with the public utility, you need to expect the arrival of a locksmith or plumber. He is unlikely to fix the leak on his own, but he must fix it, that is, this visit is planned, in order to fix the incident. There is a chance that the locksmith will say that the leak is insignificant and will be fixed soon, and will ask you to wait. You can agree with this and patiently substitute basins during the rains, but if this categorically does not suit you, then you need to move on;
• you need to write another application addressed to the head of the communal organization and expect the arrival of a whole service of employees

Complaint to the prosecutor's office and other authorities

Comfort in the house, among other things, is determined by the integrity of the roofing. If the roof leaks, wet spots, mold, fungus form in the room, comfort is out of the question. What to do in this case? Changing housing is not an option. It is much easier and faster to repair the roof. But before starting work, it is necessary to determine the place and cause of the leak, select materials, and then pay due attention to preventive measures.

Why is the roof leaking

Roofing can leak for a variety of reasons. The most popular experts call:

Roofing can also become unusable due to mechanical damage.

There is another classification by which the sources of roofing leaks are determined:

• rain (formed immediately after rain);
• snowy (appear when the snow begins to melt);
• dry (condensate);
• flickering (appear in different places and indicate that it is necessary to change the entire roofing as a whole).

Let's look at each type of damage in more detail.

Exceeding the service life

Any roof covering, even the most expensive, has a kind of warranty period. So, bitumen lasts about 15 years, slate - 20, metal tile - about 30. If the roof has been used for more than 2-3 decades, it is likely that the material has become unusable for natural reasons. Due to constant temperature changes, precipitation and mechanical impact (cleaning), the roof gradually becomes thinner. The thickness decreases by 2–3 times. In some places, small holes are formed, which are sometimes simply invisible to the human eye. But water easily seeps through them and causes a lot of inconvenience to homeowners.

All roofing materials have their own expiration date, after which the coating becomes thinner, holes and cracks appear

Poor installation

Not always, but there are situations when roofing laying specialists frankly goof off and do their job carelessly. The results of such a careless attitude will be visible after the first rain. Sometimes negligent craftsmen try to save money and use an insufficient amount of sealant or insulation. Because of this, condensation forms, which appears in the form of unpleasant wet spots on the ceiling.

Any roofing work can only be trusted by professionals with a proven track record

Leakage

In places where pipes are laid, antennas are installed and walls are joined, the tightness is broken. In fact, a cavity appears between the roof and one of the above elements, inside which destructive condensate forms. Moisture accumulates and then flows down, respectively, yellow or dark spots. They spoil the overall aesthetics of the room and contribute to the formation of mold, fungus, and the growth of harmful bacteria.

Leaks in the roof most often appear at the junction of walls or at the junction of two slopes.

Video: causes of leaks on the roof

How to determine the location of a roof leak

To understand the cause of a roof leak, you need to find its “weak” place. To do this, it is necessary to conduct a thorough and complete inspection of the roofing from the inside and outside. If we are talking about an apartment building, the inspection should be carried out by employees of the management company that is responsible for the building. If the building is private, then its condition should be monitored by the direct owner.

Inspection of the roof from the inside

In order to check the roof from the inside, you need to get into the attic or attic. When looking for a leak, it is important to follow the tips below carefully so that the inspection is carried out with maximum benefit:

Exterior roof inspection

You need to climb onto the roof only in dry, calm and warm weather. Then the procedure will be safe and successful.

When visually inspecting the outer surface of the roof, one should be guided by the following principles:

1. You should not start an external examination if the internal one has not yet been made.
2. A light spot is sometimes formed at the place of leakage, it is worth paying attention to this fact.
3. The discovered hole should be marked with a marker, so that later it will not be long and painful to look for it again.

During an external inspection of the roof, it is necessary to take care of personal safety, and it is better to perform such work together

Video: how to detect a leak on the roof

How to fix a roof leak

The place of the leak is found - this is half the success. Now the defect must be eliminated so that the further operation of the roofing does not cause any complaints. Repair can be done in two ways:

• on one's own;
• with the help of outside experts.

The first option, although complicated, will help save money. After all, the masters will take money not only for materials, but also for their time, which is sometimes very expensive. However, for those who are not versed in repair matters, it is better not to take on the reconstruction of the roof. The result may not live up to expectations.

There is nothing difficult in hiring specialists - you need to call the appropriate service or company, explain to them the reason for the call, and as a result, pay for the work.

To fix the problem yourself, you need to arm yourself the right tools and materials and be patient. The reconstruction process is quite complex and very responsible.

Holding current repair roofing requires accuracy and minimal skills in construction work

Roof Leak Repair Materials

In order to correctly repair the roof, you need to know exactly what material it is made of, what is used as a heater and a waterproofing layer.

It should be remembered that during the repair it is necessary to replace not only the outer coating, but also all layers of the "roofing cake". Otherwise, the problem in the near future may again make itself felt.

Before proceeding with the reconstruction, prepare the following materials and tools:

• roofing;
• insulation;
• waterproofing;
• sealant;
• mounting foam;
• construction scissors or saw;
• nails;
• paint and brush (if necessary, restore the uniformity of the color coating of the roof);
• crowbar or hook;
• hammer.

Ways to eliminate leakage

Repairs can be major or partial.

Roof overhaul

When overhauling, follow the instructions below:

1. Remove entire roofing.

   When conducting overhaul old roofing removed completely

2. Remove the waterproofing layer.
3. Remove the heater.
4. Check the beams, ceilings and crate for strength. If they require replacement or repair, they are fixed on the spot.

   If the elements roof structure are worn out and need to be repaired or replaced.

5. The roof is covered with new insulation. As such, mineral or ecowool, expanded polystyrene, polystyrene or polyurethane foam can be used. These are relatively inexpensive, but popular and high-quality heaters.
6. Waterproofing is laid on top of the insulation. Usually, roofing felt or a rolled waterproofing coating is used for these purposes. Waterproofing is attached to the insulating surface with a stapler or nails. Sometimes mounting foam is placed between them for reliable fastening.

   The roof is assembled in the reverse order - first they put insulation, then waterproofing and topcoat

7. Next lay the outer covering. As such, bitumen, slate, metal tiles, corrugated board and many other materials can act. It is attached to the crate with nails or long screws. Corners and joints with adjunctions are sealed and treated with mounting foam.

Partial roofing repair

Roof repairs are carried out as follows:

1. Remove part of the outer roof covering. To do this, it is either cut out or removed with a hook and crowbar, depending on the material itself.

   In places of damage, the roofing is dismantled so that the new fragment can be securely fixed.

2. Next, remove part of the waterproofing.
3. The heater is not removed. Dry it if it is too wet. You can do this with a hair dryer or in a natural way - leave the roof disassembled for a day, if the weather allows.
4. A new one is placed on the old insulation with a thin layer, while different types it is desirable not to mix insulating coatings.
5. Next, attach the waterproofing. The size of the patch should be at least 2 times larger than the area to be closed in order to prevent leaks.
6. Then a surface coating is placed on the roof. In size, it exceeds the embedded part at least 2 times. Particular attention is paid to fasteners. So that moisture does not get to the insulation through screws and nails, they are treated with a sealant.
7. If the roof is painted certain color, the updated area should be painted so that the patch is not conspicuous.

   After repairing the roofing cake, a new top coat is laid on the damaged area and the roof is given its original appearance.

If the hole or damage is small, then part of the roof does not need to be removed. The gap can be sealed with sealant or cement mortar, but be sure to cover the top with roofing material.

By strictly following all these rules, you can simply and quickly put the roof in order without spending too much money and effort. In this way, pitched and flat roofs can be repaired.

A major overhaul of the roof is needed when there are too many small cracks, holes, holes on the roof. Making patches for this one is too long and difficult. It's easier to replace the whole roof. Especially if its operational life has long expired or is coming to an end.

Partial repairs do not require assistants. It is quite possible to do it alone. For a major reconstruction, it is advisable to invite at least one apprentice.

Video: how to repair a slate roof with your own hands

Safety rules for roofing work

Whatever the repair of the roof (partial or capital), when carrying out it, one should not forget about one's own safety:

If a person falls from a roof during a repair, you should immediately call ambulance. Until the arrival of doctors, it is forbidden to transport the victim, put any objects under his feet and head. It is only allowed to stop the bleeding if possible.

Roof leak prevention

The repaired roof needs careful maintenance so that it fulfills its “professional duties” for as long as possible. Leak prevention is as follows:

• careful control and thorough inspection is necessary for every roof without exception. You don't need to do it daily. Once every five or six months will be enough;
• if water accumulates on the roof during rain or snow, precipitation must be removed in a timely manner;
• do not allow birds to nest on the roof, this destroys the roof;
• if a very small hole is found, you should not wait until it becomes large, it is necessary to carry out restoration immediately, without putting it off;
• it is important to purchase certified materials for repairs. Product quality will largely determine the service life of the roofing sheet;
• nails and self-tapping screws should be sealed so that moisture cannot penetrate inside to the insulation;
• it is necessary to remove the appeared dirt and debris in a timely manner, to prevent accumulation;
• if possible, the roof needs to be painted, so there is additional protection in the form of a thin film of coloring matter;
• residents of the northern regions are recommended to insulate the roof in 2-3 layers. Then there will be no condensation.

A roof leak is not the end of the world and not a reason to urgently look for a new place to live. The roof can be repaired. Major or partial renovations in progress. You need to use only high-quality certified materials for which the seller has a license. How better materials the longer they will serve their owner. Professionals should be contacted if the repairs carried out with their own hands did not help or if it is not possible to carry it out on their own for some reason.