What is Roof Waterproofing?

As the main protection against the elements for your home a functioning roof is integral to the safety and security of your home and family.  Waterproofing is one of the most important steps in the installation process of your roof.  If your roof isn’t keeping water out of your home, what is it doing?

What is Roof Waterproofing?

Roof waterproofing is the extra layers of protection for the roof to ensure that no water gets into your home.  Poor waterproofing is one of the main causes of roof leaks and the resulting water damage.

Why is Waterproofing Important?

Frequent storms and severe weather can lead to roof leaks and water damage inside your home.  Poorly waterproofed roofs are not capable of withstanding the often severe Denver weather.  Some of the signs that your roof’s waterproofing has failed are:

• Water stains on the ceilings and walls
• Musty smells from unknown sources
• Visible mold on ceilings, walls, and in attics
• Visible and active water leaks

Roof Waterproofing Components

When your roof system is installed it has several waterproofing components beyond just the shingles that are standard for a roof installation.  These components are integral to the proper functioning of your roof.

Base Sheet

The base sheet, as it sounds, is the base layer of your roof that is directly on top of your decking.  This layer is often made of fiberglass, reinforced polyester, or a composite reinforcement. The base sheet serves to seal the rafters and roof foundation.

Underlayment

Underlayment has many forms, but not matter the type of underlayment its main purpose is to serve as a water resistant material that acts as extra protection from harsh weather.  Sloping roofs and flat roofs do not have the same type of underlayment.  Residential roofs are typically sloping and the most common underlayment for them is felt.

Flashing

Appropriately installed flashing is extremely important to the waterproofing of your roof.  Flashing is the metal sheeting that is installed around vents, skylights, valleys, joints, chimneys, and any other area of the roof where one material meets another.  These areas are very susceptible to leaking and the flashing serves to divert water away from these weak areas to ensure water doesn’t infiltrate them.

Additional Waterproofing Options

In addition to standard waterproofing that is part of a roof system installation there are other waterproofing options available to property owners.  Integrity Pro Roofing is the #1 roof rejuvenation contractor in Denver.  Our roof rejuvenation services can extend the life of your roof and prevent leaks when you’re in between the stages of your roof beginning to wear down and needing a complete roof replacement.  Our expert technicians will clean your roof and perform minor repairs to prepare it for the rejuvenation service then spray the roof with an environmentally friendly solution that will restore the shingles, prevent leaks, increase waterproofing, and extend the life of your roof.

As your local roofing experts in Denver, Integrity Pro Roofing is always prepared to help with your roof waterproofing needs.  Call the trusted roofing company in Denver today for a free estimate!