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Key Takeaways
- Waterproofing your roof protects your home, prevents leaks, and saves you from expensive repairs.
- Choosing the right roofing material gives your home natural waterproofing power.
- A high-quality underlayment acts as your roof’s hidden defense, catching moisture before it causes damage.
- Skipping regular inspections is a rookie mistake—check your roof twice a year or pay for it later.
- Ready to waterproof your roof? At Apex, we make sure your roof is waterproofed the right way!
Why Waterproofing Matters for Your Roof
Your roof’s job is to keep the elements out. But without proper waterproofing, it may as well be inviting them in.
Here’s what happens when your roof calls in sick:
- Water Damage: Ceiling stains, warped floors, and an indoor waterfall feature you didn’t sign up for.
- Mold & Mildew: Because nothing says cozy home like airborne fungi.
- Structural Damage: Wood rot, weakened beams, and a roof that’s slowly plotting against you.
- Energy Loss: Gaps in your roof let heat escape, which means your HVAC works harder and your bills get higher.
| Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today! |
Foolproof Ways to Waterproof Your Roof
1. Choose the Right Waterproof Roofing Material
| Material | Cost per Sq Ft | Lifespan | Water Resistance |
| Asphalt Shingles | $7-$9 | 20-30 years | Moderate |
| Metal Roofing | $12-$18 | 40-70+ years | High |
| Concrete Tiles | $12-$18 | 50-100 years | High |
| Slate | $15-$30 | 100-200+ years | Excellent |
| Wood Shakes | $6-$8 | 30 years | Low (unless treated) |
| TPO/PVC (Flat Roofs) | $15-$25 | 20-30 years | High |
Note: These estimates represent the price for materials and are accurate at the time of writing, but may not reflect the exact prices in your area. They are for materials only and do not include labor, permits, or any potential repairs required to the underlying structure.
Which One’s Right for You:
- Live somewhere rainy? Slate, metal, and clay tiles are waterproof powerhouses.
- Got a flat roof? TPO and PVC stop water from pooling.
- On a budget? Asphalt shingles + a good underlayment = solid protection.
2. Invest in a High-Quality Underlayment
Underlayment stops leaks before they happen. It sits between your roofing material and the roof deck, catching what shingles miss. And trust us, without it, even the toughest roofs can turn into a soggy mess.
Pick Your Underlayment Like a Pro:
- Synthetic Underlayment: Tough, water-resistant, and built to last.
- Rubberized Asphalt: Fully waterproof and loves wet climates.
- Felt Paper (Traditional): The budget-friendly option, but not as water-resistant as newer materials.
3. Regular Inspections & Proactive Maintenance
What to Look For:
- Missing, cracked, or curled shingles.
- Signs of mold or algae growth.
- Flashing damage around vents, chimneys, and skylights.
- Water stains on ceilings inside your home.
DIY vs. Professional Checkups: When to Call in the Pros
- DIY: Grab a pair of binoculars and do a spring + fall checkup.
- Pro Inspection: Bring in a roofing expert every year. They’ll spot issues you can’t see from the ground.
4. Proper Drainage & Gutter Maintenance
How to Keep Your Roof Drainage in Top Shape:
- Clean your gutters at least twice a year.
- Check downspouts to make sure they’re directing water away from your foundation (not into your basement).
- Install gutter guards to prevent clogging from leaves and debris.
- Make sure your roof has the right slope so water flows off, not in.
5. Sealants & Coatings: Your Roof’s Extra Armor
- Silicone Coating: Flat roof’s best friend. UV-resistant, flexible, and laughs in the face of standing water.
- Acrylic Coating: Reflects sunlight, waterproofs, and keeps your home cooler.
- Bitumen (Asphalt-Based Sealant): Heavy-duty, super waterproof, but best left to the pros.
Where to Use Them: Smear these on roof seams, flashings, and skylights—aka the usual suspects for leaks.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Waterproofing
- Skipping Roof Inspections: Small leaks turn into big problems.
- Choosing the Wrong Material: Wood shakes in a wet climate? Expect rot.
- Neglecting Gutters: Clogged gutters are roof leaks waiting to happen.
- Improper Sealant Application: If you slap it on wrong, water will still find a way in.
- DIY Waterproofing Without Expertise: Some things YouTube can’t teach you. Give us a call before you end up with a science experiment on your ceiling.
Secure Your Roof Before the Next Storm Hits
At Apex, we don’t just patch problems—we prevent them. From top-tier waterproof materials to expert installation and repairs, we make sure your roof is built to withstand rain, wind, hail, and whatever else nature throws your way.
“My wife and I recently worked with Apex Restoration and Roofing to replace our roof, downspouts and a few windows that were damaged during a hail storm/tornado. Robert Lopez was our Project Manager who was extremely thorough in explaining the process to us, explaining our various options, addressing all of our questions and concerns as well as managing the project to its completion.The roof replacement went without a hitch. These guys are great!” – Bruce B.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Let’s make sure it’s up to the job. Call us today for a free roof inspection!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the signs that my roof needs waterproofing?
Water stains on ceilings or walls? Mold creeping in? Cracked or missing shingles? Those are big red flags. If you have a flat roof, check for pooling water. If your flashing around vents and chimneys is looking rough, that’s another bad sign. Leaks don’t start big—they start sneaky.
What are the different methods of roof waterproofing?
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to waterproofing, but these foolproof methods get the job done:
- Pick a waterproof roofing material.
- Invest in a high-quality underlayment.
- Apply sealants & coatings.
- Keep drainage in check.
Can I waterproof my roof myself, or should I hire a professional?
Sure, you can DIY small fixes—sealing up a crack or unclogging gutters. But for long-lasting, leak-proof protection? Call in the pros. An expert knows where the weak spots are, installs high-quality underlayment, applies sealants correctly, and makes sure your drainage system is doing its job.
Does roof waterproofing require maintenance?
Absolutely! Check your roof at least twice a year and keep those gutters clean so water doesn’t pool where it shouldn’t. Look for cracks, missing shingles, or worn-out sealant.
And if you really want to stay ahead of leaks, schedule an annual inspection with us—your future self (and wallet) will thank you!
