Roof Problems

Aquashield roofing problems

Lichen and moss are nature´s first two stages in the attack upon rock, and as far as nature is concerned your roof is a rock. Aquashield is a roof coating that give old roofs a stunning new roof look at a fraction of the repair and replacement cost.

Lichens often lead the way, creating an environment for algae, moss and later other higher plants. They do not have roots and can grow in locations impossible for other plants such as bare rock, walls and roofs.

Algae and moss form the second stage of the attack. Since the Clean Air Act (1956 and further amended) airborne sulphur, poisonous to moss, has been dramatically reduced, this and a milder climate have contributed to the unprecedented spread of roof moss. Moss rhizoids can penetrate granite and so concrete and clay tiles provide little comparative resistance. Once established they speed up degradation and further assist water penetration of the tile.

Concrete and clay tiles even when new aren´t waterproof. Where concrete is used as a solid floor inside a house, 4 inches thick, it is laid on a polythene membrane to stop the damp rising. When concrete has dried and cures it contains microscopic voids and allows water to pass through by capillary action.

Bricks unless highly compressed when formed are not waterproof, neither are clay tiles similarly made. Different qualities of both types of tile exist and some have a design life of only 25 years. The reason they are used is not because they are good but because they are cheap and readily available. They replace the scarce and expensive slates which are waterproof. Most slate roofs even after 100 years look clean and fresh and don´t have the porosity problems of concrete and clay. Moss and lichen is absent as water and nutrients are not available to sustain growth. The problem with slates is they hang on the fixing nails, which corrode, the slates slip and the roof becomes “nail weary”.

So why is the lack of waterproofing a problem?

Initially it creates an environment attractive to lichen and moss. Secondly it causes the physical erosion process. The tile surface becomes wet and during the winter when it freezes it expands cracking the surface, causes pits, and erosion begins. The sand and aggregate eroded from your tiles washes into your gutters.

As the surface degrades, more water is retained in and on the tile. The salts present in the tiles begin to dissolve creating additional microscopic voids. Lichen, moss, acid rain, air borne pollution, bird lime, all accelerates the process. As the moss becomes established it grows between the tiles and under the laps taking water directly to the timber beneath.

When the moss freezes it expands pushing the tiles up cracking them. The moss, acidic in nature, bleaches the surface and further attacks and weakens the chemically alkaline tiles. The moss flourishes and growth becomes luxuriant. The conditions are ideal, there is a reservoir of water, nutrients are taken from the tile (more voids being created) and further fertilised by the birds.

Even a thin covering of moss is a problem but worse still a thick covering hides the damage to the tiles. The weight of the roof covering dramatically increases causing stress and strain on the structure. Birds and heavy rain dislodge clumps of moss blocking drains and gutters.

Moss and lichen are a problem, but not the problem; they are a symptom of the greater and more fundamental problem of the degraded, damp and porous tiles.

Eventually the whole tile becomes very porous; water penetrates to the timber under-structure which rots. Tiles become unsafe, unstable, major roof repairs and/or re-roofing is necessary. All this happens long before you see water dripping into your home.

What does the Aquashield total waterproofing and roof renovation system do?

It is a four stage process, but at its simplest it stabilises and waterproofs the tiles. The water based, micro porous acrylic coating creates a waterproof barrier but not a vapour proof barrier.

This allows the tiles and roof structure to breathe and the tiles to dry out. We also do not seal the gaps between the tiles or the laps and this allows air to circulate preventing condensation forming on the underside. This is an effective application of a long standing technology. Aquashield have the sole UK rights to the coating and are therefore the only company offering this exceptional system and guarantee.

How do we achieve this?

Our coating is water based, so when we apply it the molecules of the compound can migrate through the damp and penetrate deeply into the tile. It then “dries” and subsequently “cures” to form a microscopic mesh. This allows the smaller water vapour molecules to pass out through it; but stops the larger water liquid molecules from re-entering, just as in high tech breathable (GORTEX) waterproof clothing.

Becoming part of the tile it is protected by the concrete and clay matrix and won´t flake, peel, crack or blister. It is flexible, moves with the tile and is UV stable. As it doesn´t sit on the tile the texture and character of the tile and roof is maintained. The tile is stabilised and erosion ceases. We believe, because of these characteristics, an Aquashield renovated tile is better than a new one.

As the pointing and verges are also waterproofed they don´t deteriorate, maintenance is minimised, saving you money all around.

Heavy rain washes bird lime and dirt from the roof which helps to maintain the look for years. Your gutters stay free of moss, sand and aggregates. Conservatory roofs, patios and pathways remain cleaner, longer. Unlike other companies who offer minimal guarantees, we give a 10 year guarantee.

Our coating will not flake, peel, crack or blister and moss or lichen will not re-grow. Only Power washing, scraping or brushing will leave a cosmetically unappealing surface, spreads moss spores and creates a great substrate for lichen and moss.

COATING Available in five colours one will ideally suit your home.

If your home has been extended an Aquashield protected roof has the additional benefit of unifying its appearance.

Enhanced ´kerb appeal´. Improved Saleability. Increased Value