Why flat roofs leak
Most Jamaican homes and commercial buildings have concrete slab roofs. Concrete is strong, but it isn't waterproof. Over time it cracks, and where a roof is too flat, water sits in puddles instead of draining away.
That standing water finds the cracks, and the leak shows up on a ceiling somewhere else entirely. Waterproofing is about stopping water at the surface and making sure it runs off.
How we waterproof a roof
- Inspect & traceFind where water sits and where it gets in: drains, parapets, upstands and pipe penetrations.
- PrepareClean the surface, repair cracks and prime.
- Fix the fallsWhere a roof doesn't drain, we screed it to create slope toward the outlets.
- Apply the systemA membrane or liquid coating chosen for the roof, turned up at walls and sealed around drains and pipes.
- FinishA reflective top coat where heat is a concern.
Commercial membrane roofs
Large commercial roofs get membrane systems such as sanded bitumen, laid in overlapping runs and sealed at every edge and outlet. Our Montego Bay plaza roof is one example.
For commercial clients we schedule the work in phases so tenants can keep trading.
Gutters
Gutters fail quietly. A leaking gutter soaks the fascia and walls long before anyone notices.
We waterproof existing gutters and fabricate new ones sized for Jamaican rainfall, as we did at Adolph Levy & Associates.
When to do it
The dry months are the best time. Jamaica's heaviest rains come around May and June and again from September to November, so a roof waterproofed early in the year is ready for both.
Recent waterproofing work
TruJuice
Roof screeding to create a properly sloped surface, then waterproofing against leaks and weather damage.
View project
Adolph Levy & Associates
Zinc roof restored with a waterproofing membrane, gutters waterproofed, silver reflective finish.
View project
Commercial plaza
A membrane roof across a long commercial plaza.
Roofing in Montego BayFrequently asked questions
How do I know if my concrete roof needs waterproofing?
Stains or damp patches on ceilings, flaking paint, puddles that sit on the roof for days after rain, and visible cracks are all signs. If you see any of them, get the roof looked at before the rainy season.
Can you find where a leak is coming from?
Yes. Water often travels before it shows, so the stain on your ceiling may be some distance from where it gets in. We trace it back to the source and fix that, not just the patch you can see.
Do you waterproof decks, balconies and gutters?
Yes. We waterproof roofs, slabs, decks and gutters, and fabricate new gutters where the old ones are beyond saving.
How long does roof waterproofing take?
It depends on the size and condition of the roof, and on the weather, since membranes need a dry surface. You'll get a timeline with the quote.
How do I get a quote?
Call 876-290-7151, Niko on 876-437-2851, or email dasilvaconstructionja@gmail.com.