Leaking Roof Decks – Why they leak and how to fix problems:
Many homes in New England have walk-on, flat roof decks with living space under them, and 90 percent of these deck roofs leak, ruining your rooms.
Stains on sheet-rock ceilings, popping hardwood flooring, wet carpets and rotted framing are just some of the damages that you may sustain as a result of these leaks.
Destruction of personal property such as beds, book shelves, computers, TVs and other electronic equipment can also occur in cases of severe leaks.
Most roof decks leak because they are typically made of flat roofing materials, that were created over a century ago, and were not designed for use as roofing for residential homes and living areas.
Another reason is the original design flaw implemented by architects and/or builders, who have no experience in flat roofing, and do not have appropriate roofing technology to use.
Avoid conventional flat roof materials – they will leak!
A properly waterproofed deck should never need repairs or replacements. Even with a floating wood deck on top, you should never have to do maintenance or deal with leaks.
This CANNOT be accomplished with rubber roofing (EPDM), becuase rubber is a GLUED system. Glue breaks down with time, and even faster, when you add water to it.
However, using IB / PVC Cool Flat roofing membrane, you can waterproof your deck and forget about!
Here is what a well done roof deck looks like:
Flat Roof Deck in Wellesley, MA
What causes flat roof decks to leak
Ponding Water Leaks
Very often you can find ponding water accumulating on these deck roofs. The majority of flat roofing systems existing today cannot sustain constant ponding water, and as a result water enters your house, and destroys your possessions and property.
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Wood Deck and Railing Leaks
Often there is a wood deck installed on top of a flat roof or some sort of a railing system. To make these railings securely attached to the roof, builders often create penetrations for every railing post on the roof. The only way to “seal” these penetrations for most builders, is to use roof cement or pitch-pockets – both of these methods are considered unacceptable by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Yet, most builders don’t have the appropriate products, expertise, and many times, don’t care enough to make these penetrations water-tight.
This results in more leaks – usually these leaks don’t appear inside your home for years, but the hidden damages can cost thousands of dollars to fix. Water slowly enters your home and rots the beams and studs. While unnoticed for a long period of time, such leaks may sometimes result in partial or complete re-framing of your roof and/or support walls.
Creating a leak-free Roof Deck with IB roofing systems
Damages caused by leaks are very expensive to fix. Yet, you can easily solve this problem in a fairly cheap way (when compared to costs of replacing and repairs you have to incur if you let the leaks continue) with IB’s life-time roofing product. With an IB Roof, you will never have to worry about leaks again and you could finally regain full use of your roof deck or patio.
We offer two different solutions for you to permanently solve your deck leaks. Both ways utilize IB’s time-proven CPA membranes, featuring hot-air welded seams. The main difference between the two methods is the product you choose to use, and the aesthetics you desire.
Assembly Type 1:IB DeckShield
A fully integrated waterproofing membrane system designed for use on walk-out roof decks. DeckShield is highly slip-resistant, and not only complies with, but also exceeds ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. DeckShield can be used for a small balcony, as well as a large roof deck, and for everything in between. Hot-air welded seams make IB DeckShield a long-lasting waterproofing solution that is both eye-pleasing and safe to walk on when it is wet. Expect many compliments from your family and friends when they get to see your new roof patio with IB DeckShield.
Since IB DeckShield is made from the same material as other IB membranes, it is easy to accommodate for any roof penetrations, such as a Railing System and Roof-Wall detail. This will ensure that your roof will be water-tight and you can take full advantage of your deck or patio once again, invite your friends and family for a cookout, enjoy a cocktail, or watch the stars.
IB DeckShield Roof / Deck Assembly and Installation
DeckShield is easiest to install on new construction homes. However, it can be easily adopted for retrofit use on existing homes. IB Deck Shield is installed as a fully-adhered application on top of Dens Deck – a fiber-cement type board that is 1/4 of an inch thick, or over plywood.
The surface for installing IB DeckShield must be clean, smooth and flat. That is why in some retrofit applications use of DeckShield may be difficult or impossible. When you have an uneven surface, it is best to use the regular IB Roofing Membrane with a wooden deck over it. If you still want to use Deck Shield for a retrofit roof deck project, expect the additional costs of making your roof surface even.
Learn more about how IB Deck Shield membrane is installed, installation prices and more general information on roof deck waterproofing, using IB DeckShield membrane.
IB DeckShield – a beautiful and durable decking waterproofing membrane.
Benefits of Using IB Deckshield Assembly
- Enhances the appearance of decks
- Eliminates annual painting and staining of wood decks
- Durable, slip resistant waterproofing system
- Resists mildew, chemicals, and UV rays
- Eliminates hazardous wood splinters and unsightly concrete cracking
- Complies with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements
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DeckShield Colors and Texture
Assembly Type 2:IB PVC membrane with a wood deck installed over it
A more traditional way of roof deck construction, features an IB Lifetime single-ply membrane with fusion-welded seams. This method will ensure permanent water-tightness of your roof deck, combined with a deck and railings system built with your choice of wood and pattern. Download IB Roof brochure
Benefits of Using IB 80-mil Membrane with PT / Composition Deck on Top:
- Wooden deck on top of IB 80 mil roofing membrane protects the roof from accidental mechanical damages
- Allows you to have a more traditional wooden deck / patio
- Composition deck assembly eliminates the need to stain / paint the wood
- Allows extended use of outdoor grills, without worrying that you’ll burn through the roof
- Allows for creation of beautiful deck designs and the use of steel outdoor furniture
IB 80-mil PVC roofing membrane with composition board deck assembly create this beautiful patio
A happy client enjoys her private roof-deck in Arlington, MA. Roof assembly consists of 80-mil IB Roof for waterproofing, and a diamond-shaped, low profile deck.
