Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Common Mistakes Societies Make When Repairing Old Building Roofs

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Old building roofs eventually need attention. But quick-fix repair jobs can sometimes create new problems instead of solving old ones.

One common mistake is focusing only on patchwork. Simply coating over visible cracks without checking the underlying cause (like slope issues or damaged concrete) may stop leaks for one season but not long-term.

Another is blocking or narrowing drains unintentionally. During repairs, debris, mortar, or new layers of material can reduce drain openings. Then, even small showers can cause waterlogging.

Using low-quality materials or skipping proper curing times to “finish quickly” is another issue. Waterproofing systems often require specific layers and drying gaps. Rushing the process weakens the whole system.

Societies also sometimes allow random structures—extra tanks, sheds, heavy stored materials—back on the roof immediately, adding load and puncturing the new treatment.

A better approach is to get a proper assessment, choose a suitable system, follow application instructions strictly, and protect the roof surface from later damage. Roof repair is not a place to cut corners.

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