Roof Leaking

Our flat roof used to leak, but tiling it completely cured the problem.

Have your tiles got grouting between them, or are they just butted up against one another? If they're just edge butted, which Spanish builders often do to cut down the work involved, then that is probably the reason. Also check if there's a fall on the roof to enable water to drain away - if puddles can accumulate, then that will just make matters worse.

If there isn't grout between the tiles, there isn't an easy solution. What gaps there are probably won't be large enough to get grout in, but you could try it. You could inject silicone mastic with a mastic gun to try and seal the gaps, but I doubt you'd like the final look. You could also open up the gaps with an angle grinder. Using a decent diamond blade should only cause minor chipping on the tile edges, and they could then be grouted. (my favourite grout is Morcem Color).

Thanks Jim

Don't forget you are usually covered by household insurance for water damage so you can get the repainting done that way!

There is no denying that the weather in Torrevieja yesterday would qualify as a storm, but was it the storm that caused damage to the roof, or lack of maintenance, or sub-standard workmanship in the first place? Insurance will only pay out if it is actual storm damage and may have an excess which could make it more cost effective to get it sorted yourself. I would get someone in to have a look at it to get a quote before contacting the insurers or even lift a few tiles where you think the water came in and have a look yourself. Even the best built flat roofs have a life span and it may just be time to bite the bullet and get it renewed/refurbished..

It may well be bite the bullet...I only bought it in May and have no idea when it was last tiled etc I will have to get some prices on a full refurbished complete with tiles and have no idea as to cost

Thanks for your help Cheryl

Other ideas.

Though the roof may appear flat there should be a slight fall which normally goes to a drain point in the skirting.  From there it will go into down guttering or on some cases just an open channel with the water dripping down to the ground.

Is the leak above that point?  If so, you may find that water is leaking from where it goes through the skirting and down the building blocks.

Another thing is that the fall is not enough.  Do you get any puddles?  You shouldn't, but if so water will permeate through.  Bear in mind that water can travel along and leak in a different place from where it does come through.

Apart from the other suggestions, one further bit of investigatory work you can do involves a golf ball!  Merely drop it from no more than 20cm onto each tile.  It should bounce a little.  If the tile is not property fixed (which may result in water getting trapped underneath), and thus hollow, it will hardly bounce.  Additionally it will sound totally different to that of a fixed tile with a dull thud.  

Good luck

I wouldn’t panic Jerry over the roof itself. If the tiles themselves aren’t cracked you can paint or spread sealant over the whole lot sealing everything. It’d be relatively inexpensive. Even use clear seal if you’ve patterned tiles you like looking at. There might be a tiled border up the wall too so seal there also. If there isn’t you’ll need to seal up a few inches in case rainwater lodges and rises up. Just make sure you’re a good anti-slip seal. There will surely be a enough slope in the roof and drainage holes for water to run off after. 

Hi Thanks for the information I will certainly look into that

Would you have the name of the clear sealer or where could I get it

Thanks again

Jerry

I used a clear resin seal at home on tiled roof of a swimming pool that the cured seepage alright then. Over here I wouldn’t know where best place is to buy but maybe start at Leroy Merlin in La Zenia.