Leaking Roof Solutions
In the rainy season, one of the common problems that occurs in homes is leaks. Increased rainfall increases the possibility of water entering the house through the roof. Fixing leaks is not easy. Accuracy is needed in determining the cause of water entering the house so that this problem can be resolved. Leaks in the roof are very disturbing. In addition to causing damaged ceilings, dripping water can damage items in the house, disrupt occupant activities and what is also dangerous is that it causes an electrical short circuit. Moving items if there is furniture below that is exposed to water leaks, containing dripping water and cleaning wet floors so that nothing falls are all hassles due to leaks. Leaks should be resolved immediately so as not to damage and disturb the occupants of the house.
Roof construction must be planned and made with better requirements, because it must be able to withstand water entering the building construction. In addition, the construction and roof covering that are directly related to the weather must be checked periodically so that they can continue to function to protect against heat and rain properly. Especially in the rainy season, it is usually also done to see and evaluate whether the roof is leaking or seeping. If there is a water leak during rain on the roof, then the cause must be found, so that the handling needed to overcome the leak can be done properly. Some causes of leaks in the house include:
Roof Shape That Is Too Sloping
A roof slope that is too sloping will cause water to not be able to pour into the ground quickly. Especially during heavy rain with a large water capacity. As a result, water that is still on the roof can flood empty spaces and cause leaks. For roof construction with a type of roof covering made of tiles (clay, concrete, calcite) with a size that is not wide, a slope that is not sloping is required (around 25-45 degrees) so that rainwater can flow faster and does not cause excessive splashing when the rain is accompanied by strong winds. For the installation of tiles with a fairly large angle (steep), to avoid the tiles coming loose or sagging, the tiles need to be nailed to their supports/battens. Meanwhile, if a roof made of asbestos, corrugated iron, galvalum with a relatively large width and length is used, then a more sloping roof construction can be made, because the possibility of splashing is relatively small and the water flow is also relatively smoother.
Poor Roof Cover Installation
Errors when installing the roof cover can also cause rainwater leaks. This can happen because the craftsman does not understand the specifications and procedures for installing the roof cover. Or the craftsman is not careful when working on roof locations that are 'prone' to rainwater. For example, at the ridge/ridge location, edge/gewel joints, lisplank and gutters. At the ridge/ridge section, which if made too high will be prone to cracking so that it leaks when exposed to rainwater. If this happens, provide a waterproof layer such as aquaproof or rubber gutter on the leaking part.
Inappropriate Gutter Shape and Size
The gutter is a channel that will drain water from the roof down. Make sure the gutter is installed properly as well as the gutter gap and gutter joints. When choosing a gutter, choose a gutter made of quality material so that the gutter is not easily damaged. In addition to the shape and material of the gutter, the size of the gutter must also be in accordance with the capacity of the water to be channeled. The size of the gutter with a capacity smaller than its needs will cause not all water to be channeled quickly, which can cause leaks.
Gaps in the Ridge
The highest part of the roof is usually made of a mixture of cement and sand. If the ratio between cement and sand is not balanced, it can cause the mixture not to mix, which can cause cracks that allow water to enter. Changes in weather can also cause this mixture of cement and sand to become brittle. Another thing is that gaps can arise due to untidy work techniques at the ridge or roof joints. Minimize roof joints such as the use of ridges and ridges. The size of the ridge or ridge should not be too high because it will create gaps that invite water. Another way is to apply a special sheet that is waterproof, soft, and flexible on the surface of the ridge.
Porous Roof Frame
The causes of porous roof frames vary, for example water seepage that drips from between tiles and gutters. Replacing the entire roof frame must be done if the damage is severe, for example the rafters or most of the rafters are porous. However, if the damage is only to a small part of the rafters and battens, you can only repair the damaged parts.
Gutter Capacity Too Small
Gutters function to collect water and drain it towards the drain. If the rainwater discharge is too high while the gutter dimensions are too small, the gutter will not be able to accommodate rainwater. This will cause water to leak out of the gutter and spread to unwanted areas. If water spreads to an area that is not sloping enough and does not use waterproof, it will cause damage that can cause leaks. Procurement of gutters is very important, plan it well from the start of planning. Increase the capacity of the gutter and improve the direction of water circulation so that water can flow properly.
Garbage on the Roof
Another cause of leaks is the presence of garbage on the roof and gutters. Trash such as leaves that fall on the roof and pile up will cause the water flow to be obstructed and cause the zinc roof to rust so that it is at risk of leaking. Trash that clogs the gutter will cause a pile of water that can seep. So keep the roof clean from trash to reduce the risk of leaks.