Roof Waterproofing for an Old House
Roof leakage in an old house is usually more than a surface problem. Years of sun exposure, rain, standing water, cracks, damaged screed, weak joints and previous failed coatings can allow moisture to enter the roof system. Ghar Plans provides professional roof waterproofing for old houses in Pakistan with a repair-focused approach that identifies the source of leakage before applying the final waterproofing system.
Our roofing service is suitable for RCC roofs and terraces showing seepage, damp patches, peeling ceiling paint, recurring leakage or visible roof cracks. Instead of simply applying another coat over a damaged surface, we assess the existing roof, repair weak areas, improve critical details and then provide roof proofing with a suitable waterproofing system.
Common Roof Problems in an Old House
Older roofs can develop multiple defects over time. A successful roof waterproofing treatment should address the actual cause of water entry rather than only the visible dampness inside the house.
Cracks in concrete, screed or old roof treatment.
Water ponding because of insufficient or damaged roof slope.
Leakage around rainwater outlets, pipes and other roof penetrations.
Weak parapet-to-roof joints and cracked corners.
Loose, deteriorated or poorly bonded previous waterproofing layers.
Porous concrete or screed that allows water absorption.
Moisture stains, ceiling damage, paint bubbling or plaster deterioration below the roof.
Our Roof Waterproofing and Roof Proofing Process
1. Roof Inspection and Leakage Assessment
Ghar Plans first inspects the roof surface, cracks, parapets, drainage points, pipe penetrations, existing coatings and areas where water remains after rain. The visible leakage point inside a house may not always be directly below the point where water enters, so the roof condition is reviewed before the treatment method is finalized.
2. Cleaning and Surface Preparation
Proper preparation is one of the most important parts of a roofing service for an old house. Dust, dirt, algae, loose material and weak or failed coatings are removed where required. The surface must be sufficiently sound and clean for the selected waterproofing material to bond correctly. Damaged concrete or screed is repaired before the main roof proofing layer is applied.
3. Crack, Joint and Weak-Area Repair
Visible cracks, voids and vulnerable joints are treated before general roof waterproofing. Particular attention is given to parapet junctions, corners, drain outlets and service penetrations because these details are common paths for water entry. Where suitable, crack-sealing or repair products can be used as part of the preparation.
4. Slope and Drainage Correction Where Required
Standing water increases stress on old roof surfaces and waterproofing layers. If the roof has low spots or poor drainage, corrective screed or localized slope improvement may be recommended so rainwater can move toward the outlets. Waterproofing performs better when drainage problems are corrected rather than leaving water permanently ponded on the treated surface.
5. Application of the Waterproofing System
After repairs and preparation, a suitable waterproofing system is applied according to the existing roof condition. For exposed concrete roofs and terraces, a flexible liquid-applied membrane can create a continuous, seamless waterproof layer. For areas requiring a cementitious treatment or repair-compatible barrier, a suitable cementitious waterproofing product may be selected. The exact system depends on the substrate, previous treatment and final roof use.
6. Detailing, Final Inspection and Testing
The completed roof proofing treatment is checked at corners, parapets, drains, penetrations and repaired cracks. Where appropriate for the selected system and site condition, a controlled water or drainage check can be carried out after the required curing period. The roof is then reviewed for visible defects before completion.
Why Surface Preparation Matters on an Old Roof
Applying waterproofing directly over dust, loose screed, weak concrete or a failing old coating can reduce adhesion and shorten the life of the treatment. For this reason, professional roof waterproofing starts with a sound substrate. Existing defective layers may need localized or complete removal, cracks and voids should be repaired, and the roof should be cleaned before the new waterproofing system is installed.
Recommended Waterproofing Options for Old Roofs
There is no single roof proofing material that is correct for every old house. Ghar Plans selects the treatment according to the roof surface and type of defect.
Flexible liquid-applied waterproofing membrane for exposed roofs and terraces where a seamless coating is suitable.
Reinforced liquid waterproofing at roofs with cracks, joints or complicated details where additional reinforcement is required by the selected system.
Cementitious waterproofing for suitable concrete and masonry areas where a cement-based barrier is appropriate.
Crack and joint repair materials before the main waterproofing application.
Localized screed and slope correction where standing water is contributing to leakage.
Benefits of Ghar Plans Roofing Service
Professional roof waterproofing for old and leaking house roofs.
Inspection-based treatment instead of applying chemicals without identifying roof defects.
Repair of cracks, joints and vulnerable leakage points before final roof proofing.
Attention to roof drainage and water ponding.
Use of suitable branded waterproofing and repair materials where specified.
A complete roofing service covering preparation, repair, waterproofing and final inspection.
Why Choose Ghar Plans for Roof Waterproofing?
Old roofs require a different approach from newly constructed roofs. Previous coatings, damaged screed, active cracks, blocked or poorly positioned drains and years of weather exposure can all affect the result. Ghar Plans evaluates these conditions before recommending the roofing service, helping ensure that the selected roof waterproofing system is matched to the actual site condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best roof waterproofing method for an old house?
The best method depends on the existing roof surface, cracks, previous treatments, drainage and the source of leakage. A flexible liquid membrane, reinforced system, cementitious waterproofing or a combination of repairs and waterproofing may be recommended after inspection.
Can waterproofing be applied over an old roof coating?
Only if the existing coating is sound, compatible and properly bonded. Loose, weak or failed material should not simply be covered. The roof must be assessed and prepared so the new waterproofing system can achieve proper adhesion.
Can roof waterproofing stop ceiling seepage?
Roof waterproofing can stop seepage when the roof is the actual source and the entry points are correctly identified and treated. Cracks, joints, drains, parapets and penetrations should also be checked rather than treating only the horizontal roof surface.
Why does my old roof leak even when there is no large visible crack?
Water can enter through fine cracks, porous surfaces, failed joints, pipe penetrations, parapet connections or damaged previous coatings. Ponding water can also increase the chance of penetration.
Is roof proofing the same as repairing roof cracks?
No. Crack repair is one part of the treatment. Complete roof proofing can also require surface preparation, joint detailing, drainage correction and a continuous waterproofing membrane or coating.
Which waterproofing products can Ghar Plans use?
Depending on the roof condition and approved treatment system, products can include Sikalastic®-510 for flexible liquid-applied roof waterproofing, SikaTop Seal-107 for suitable cementitious waterproofing applications, and Sikadur®-20 for appropriate crack-sealing work.
How long does roof waterproofing take?
The duration depends on roof area, number of repairs, removal of old treatment, weather conditions and curing time of the selected materials. A project-specific duration can be provided after site assessment.
Book Roof Waterproofing for Your Old House
Recurring roof leakage can damage ceiling plaster, paint, electrical finishes and the overall condition of an old house. If your roof has cracks, seepage, standing water or a failed previous treatment, Ghar Plans can inspect the roof and recommend a suitable roof waterproofing and roof proofing solution. Contact Ghar Plans for a professional roofing service and site-specific quotation in Pakistan.