How To Cover a Leaking Concrete Flat Roof With Iron Sheets



Posted: Friday, January 08, 2010

by Andrew Karundu
http://www.karundu.com

A leaking concrete flat roof in a building causes humidity and dampness in a room. It shows efflorescence on the soffits of the slab. It makes the room very uncomfortable during the wet season. There are different methods for treatment of the water penetrating the slab. This can be done through chemical or mechanical water proofing. Iron sheets are one of the mechanical methods used. It is done by laying an iron sheet roof structure above the existing concrete.

The leaking concrete flat roof of a home is built with normal concrete. The thickness of the concrete may vary depending on the intended loads. The water after the rains may flow away but a sizable amount may soak into the slab. This is the water that is to be prevented from penetrating the slab. Sometimes a floor screed is laid on the surface with a fall is to shed off the water. However over time the water starts to be absorbed into the concrete fabric.

The concrete slab to be covered with iron sheets is first dried out. If any water is still stagnant, it is swept off. A short parapet wall is then built all around the concrete flat roof. This done for aesthetics. This will house the iron sheets roof and gutters. The gutters join a down pipe for removing the water. The iron sheet roof is done to fall to one side and gutters fixed on the lower side. The height is two feet on the upper side and one foot on the lower side.

The iron sheet roof structure commences by drilling holes on the walls. This are done to house the rafters. They are spaced at two feet center to center. The rafters at the center are supported with a masonry wall. After the rafters are laid, purlins are nailed onto them. The sheets are nailed onto the purlins. A fascia board is down on the lower side with a gutter fixed to it. The joint of the iron sheet roof and masonry is finally finished with a flashing sheet all round. This is also done for the gutter part.

Andrew Karundu Is A Building Economist, Providing Home Based Solutions To Fixing, Repairing, Remodeling And Redesigning Homes. He Uses Simple Tried And Tested Methods To Improve Family Lifestyles.Visit His Site Here For Adequate Information On Most HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS .

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