[jncoln]

Hello,

I'm completely new to the construction business and trying to learn right / wrongs as I hear different opinions from people around me.

What are some standard approaches to roof leak when dealing with flat metal & concrete roof?

Unlike shingle roofs (mostly in residential buildings), I don't see any obvious way to nail & install tarps & weather guards on metal / concrete roof (mostly in commercial buildings).

Does it make sense to tape & clip tarps on flat metal / concrete roof as shown below? (especially considering thermal expansion & storms in the south?)

I googled "metal roof tarp" but couldn't find anything specific to flat metal roof, I wonder if using tarp is not even a thing for flat metal / concrete roof at all. (for example, would using a sealant be far more efficient way than placing tarps?)

Thanks.

 

[Joe Fairplay]

This is not one size fits all issue. There are too many variables to consider to give a reasonable answer. How much damage is there. How big is the leak. How many leaks are there. How long do you need to protect the structure and what are the environmental conditions to be considered. Sometimes it will be a caulking gun, sometimes a bucket of flex seal, sometimes a small tarping in target areas, sometimes a full tarp covering is needed. Way too many options for such a simplistic scenario being described.

 

[Pounder]

I'd say walk away like it stinks. Once you tarp a building, you're assuming liability for any further water damage. There has to be a metric fukton of money in it to take the risk.

 

[Randy Bush]

Most blue tarps are junk, just slow the water down is all. What is your over all fix plan for the roof?

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

This is not one size fits all issue. There are too many variables to consider to give a reasonable answer. How much damage is there. How big is the leak. How many leaks are there. How long do you need to protect the structure and what are the environmental conditions to be considered. Sometimes it will be a caulking gun, sometimes a bucket of flex seal, sometimes a small tarping in target areas, sometimes a full tarp covering is needed. Way too many options for such a simplistic scenario being described.

Wait!!

You can’t learn everything you’ll ever want to know by googling it?!

 

[Ed Corrigan]

How long have you owned the building?

 

[Mordekyle]

If impermeable metal won’t stop water, I doubt a permeable tarp will.


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[Ed Corrigan]

If impermeable metal won’t stop water, I doubt a permeable tarp will.


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It's the thought that counts...

 

[G&Co.]

So what is a flat metal/concrete roof exactly? Can you post some pictures?

 

[Mud Master]

I’ve never tarped flat or metal roofing systems. When we’ve had to install emergency protection for leaks we have hung a heavy mil plastic on the interior ceiling joists. If there is an office or drop ceiling under the area take out the tiles, if they aren’t ruined already they will be and you need access. 12G hanger wire works perfectly and uninstalls easily after the repair.

Pull it fairly tight but leave a bit of slack in the middle.

If it’s leaking like a sieve nothing will be a long term fix except a proper repair, it can only hold so much weight. Buckets/trash cart/barrels underneath to catch runoff in case it gets through and safety cones for, well, safety.


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[JFM constr]

build a temp structure above it .drape your tarps over that .

 

[Randy Bush]

Better yet get a plan and get at it.