jameshudson45 Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 I am looking at a house for sale that has a flat top roof. I don't know anything about these types so that is my biggest hesitation for this purchase. I haven't been up there yet so I don't know what it looks like or where the water goes or anything like that. I can't even tell if this kind of house has an attic? It looks like if it did, it wouldn't be large enough to even move around. Can you tell anything by these pictures? Is the roof even with the top of the shingle line or is it recessed a couple feet or what. I will have the hosue inspected before buying, but should I have a roofer look at it too? Anything else I should look at for these types of roofs? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johng Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 You forgot the pictures................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 You forgot the pictures................ As a Noob he can't upload attachments until he has 5 posts (IIRC). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanno Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I have yet to come a cross a flat-roofed house that is 100% water tight. I worked in a hotel and we tried everything but every time one of these massive tropical downpours came along, the bl**dy thing sprang leaks everywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rimmer Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 My old dad used to say it is impossible to make a flat roof waterproof, my present collection of flat roofs confirm what he said was right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teacup Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 Most flat roofs are torched down with asphalt over the waterproof membrance. The odd of leakage really depends on the workmanship of seams torching. And There is NO such thing as "flat roof". Even if you see them as "flat" by naked eyes, but in fact they actually have some slope of a minimum: 1 inch per 10 ft normally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossrisjhons Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 (edited) Please Show pictures Edited May 19, 2009 by mossrisjhons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossrisjhons Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 absolutely yes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanno Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 but in fact they actually have some slope of a minimum: 1 inch per 10 ft normally True, but it is probably not enough to withstand the rains here. And as for craftsmanship: unlikely to find that here in SE Asia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teacup Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 but in fact they actually have some slope of a minimum: 1 inch per 10 ft normally True, but it is probably not enough to withstand the rains here. And as for craftsmanship: unlikely to find that here in SE Asia. Well anything more than that, it wouldn't be called a "flat roof" anymore, it will be a low slope "shed roof" Agreed tho...about the quality of craftmanship here. But if you arm yourself with some technical knowledge beforehand, you can at least inspect it yourself and tell them to fix any deficiencies right on the spot/ or later….at your satisfaction. It’s not like the OP is buying a palace or something here, so it’s just going to take the OP less than 30 mins to walk back and forth across the roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rimmer Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 It just rained again this morning and my guest room deck (roof over the gym) is flooded again, the tiled deck (roof) slopes all right!! Toward the two sliding glass doors where they pool nicely and run down the inside walls of the gym underneath instead of the other way which would shoot the water off on to the pathway below through the open balustrades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjo o tjim Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 Flat roofs are really a pain. Even for commercial buildings with expensive systems it is impossible to have a perfect roof. If the drains stop up at all (or are overloaded) then pressure builds and the roof doesn't stand a chance. It isn't the right solution for the tropics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 Flat roof - WHY? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 One solution for leaking flat roof that we tried some 35 years ago was to cover it with boat making fiberglass. That did stop the leaks; but have no idea how long it lasted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rimmer Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Hopefully the OP will have the message about flat roofs now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogleg Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Look from above you will see most shop houses with flat roofs have had sloping roofs built above to waterproof and keep off direct sunlight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IraqRon Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 You could turn it into a "green roof" which is becoming popular in many countries. Basically, you are putting a mat down, dirt on top of that and growing appropriate plants on the roof. It reduces the heat gain thru the roof, attacts birds, butterflys etc, captures rain water, and gives you a place to garden or have a small gazebo, etc. for the cool season. Of course your structure must support the added weight. Google it and you will find lots of info. When given lemons, make lemonade, or limes most likely in Thai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lopburi3 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 And when you add a foot of water (only a few minutes rain here) it is a considerable extra weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarangRed Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 I am looking at a house for sale that has a flat top roof. I don't know anything about these types so that is my biggest hesitation for this purchase. I haven't been up there yet so I don't know what it looks like or where the water goes or anything like that. I can't even tell if this kind of house has an attic? It looks like if it did, it wouldn't be large enough to even move around. Can you tell anything by these pictures? Is the roof even with the top of the shingle line or is it recessed a couple feet or what. I will have the hosue inspected before buying, but should I have a roofer look at it too? Anything else I should look at for these types of roofs? Thanks When you look inside the house, look for any visible signs first ie, repairs or re painting, the biggest problem I have seen here in Thailand with flat roofs is they get all the levels wrong and no drain off points so when all the leaves followed by heavy rain it don't take long to get blocked up and unfortunately water finds it's own level. So as fast as the rain comes down it needs to be draining off and look to see if there are big trees over hanging. I have also seen roofing felt being used too many joints and black colour which absorbs the heat and then cracks after a couple of years. Also check against the perimeter wall and the roof joint, is that sealed that area will open up due to expansion. I suppose if you do go ahead and buy the property, is to have the roof redone with a good concrete screed and make sure it's got water proofing in the concrete and then you can get all the levels correct and maybe put extra drain off points in. Use the concrete that the swimming pool builders buy it cost a bit more. Good Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisi Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 "----------------- the biggest problem I have seen here in Thailand with flat roofs is they get all the levels wrong and no drain off points so when all the leaves followed by heavy rain it don't take long to get blocked up and unfortunately water finds it's own level." And the drainage point is always at the highest point of whatever you are attempting to drain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rimmer Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 (edited) It's not so much the flatness of the roof that is the problem but the edges where the roof joins the walls and water can pool. And as already pointed out any drain will always be in the wrong place. The edges of the roof need to have a 'water stop' around any roof to wall joints or preferably the roof membrane (if fitted) should be carried up the wall for two or three inches. A 'water stop' is similar to the item used in swimming pools but this is seldom or never fitted. The problem is that a flat roof will creep and shrink with building movement and temperature changes opening a gap between the roof and the adjacent wall holding it up for the water to run down any wall underneath. Edited May 24, 2009 by Rimmer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juehoe Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 I am looking at a house for sale that has a flat top roof. I don't know anything about these types so that is my biggest hesitation for this purchase. [...] Dear jameshudson45 Another issues is that houses with flat (concrete) roof will get very hot. So you should shade it (covered roof terrace). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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