Repair asphalt roof/balcony

[bb48]

Our flat roof balcony, about 9 metres x 6 metres above a ground floor shop, is asphalted with promenade tiles.

There are some water leakage issues into the shop below. We are also keen to know that the support structure has not deteriorated in any way and is still sound for continued use of the balcony.

Is it possible to water proof the balcony without removing the existing asphalt and the tiles? Or would it require removing all old covering (asphalt & tiles) and replace it with new?

Any advice would be most appreciated.

 

[RobertPaulson]

Hey BB48

Yes you can use a liquid applied coating over the asphalt. Iv used ones on Asphalt made by Bauder and Sika which are specified by the manufacturer and installed by an approved contractor.

You will need to talk to Sika or Bauder to specify it as im not sure how it will stick to the promenade tiles.

Word of warning:

1. You must really try to find where the water is ingressing first.
2. Old promanade tiles usually contain Asbestos. If you want to remove then get them tested before removal.
3. Who is the owner of the shop? Are they a Tenant? - How does this affect the dilapidations at the end of the term?
4. How is the structure constructed? I wouldn't be concerned if its concrete as it will dry out. If its timber then the only way you can identify if there are any issues by looking from below. Is there a hatch or can you pop out ceiling tiles? Yes you should be concerned if its timber because of rot.
5. Removing the old asphalt in its entirety will trigger the building regulations and need to install greater insulation with the new roof covering. Id avoid installing asphalt on insulation as iv done it before on a large scheme and we ended up in litigation because there are issues with heat disbursement. In my experience asphalt should only ever be laid on concrete as the concrete absorbs the heat where the insulation causes the asphalt to retain it and then you get cracks on the joints of the insulation. There may also be issued with installing additional new insulation and detailing around openings, upstands etc.

In summary a liquid applied solution is your best option. Take photos and send them to the technical department of the companies mentioned above.

Any issues/questions then give me a shout.