Adobe homes and flat roofs

amarillo · #1 05/25/06, 10:31 AM

Is anyone here familiar with adobe structures and the potential problems with their flat roofs? I am looking at an adobe home that has a metal roof but was told by someone that it leaks like a sieve when it rains heavily.

If this is in fact true, does anyone have any suggestions on how this problem may be remedied on an adobe structure?

dezeeuwgoats · #2 05/25/06, 11:33 AM

I live in Arizona where there are lots of flat roofs. In general, the word is to avoid them. That said, we bought a 25 year old block/stick built home with a flat roof - and have had no indoor leaks at all - no roof trouble the four years we've lived here. My friend bought one and it is a nightmare - leaks all over the place. It pays to investigate each one - workmanship makes a difference.

Wish I could help with remedies, but thought I'd share what little experience I've had. There are lots of adobe homes around here with more traditional roof lines, as well as some flat ones. You see the more traditional ones with either tile or metal roofing.

niki

wilderness1989 · #3 05/25/06, 11:52 AM

I grew up in a house that had a partial flat roof that leaked I think every roofer in the area tried to fix it at one time or another.....and it still leaked. We finally had gable type of roof structure.....wala no more leaks. My advice is don't even put a flat roof on an outhouse. My 2 cents.

LisaInN.Idaho · #4 05/25/06, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezeeuwgoats

I live in Arizona where there are lots of flat roofs. In general, the word is to avoid them. That said, we bought a 25 year old block/stick built home with a flat roof - and have had no indoor leaks at all - no roof trouble the four years we've lived here. My friend bought one and it is a nightmare - leaks all over the place. It pays to investigate each one - workmanship makes a difference.

Wish I could help with remedies, but thought I'd share what little experience I've had. There are lots of adobe homes around here with more traditional roof lines, as well as some flat ones. You see the more traditional ones with either tile or metal roofing.

niki

Where do you live Niki? I used to live in Litchfied Park in the valley. I remember everyone sealing their flat roofs witht that white RV type sealnt.

tiogacounty · #5 05/25/06, 12:15 PM

I'm in commercial construction and most of the buildings I work in, on, and around have flat roofs. It's not the least bit unusual to see a brand new flat roof that leaks proir to the owner even taking control of the building. It's also not unusual to meet mantainance people who have spent entire careers in a building and have them tell you that "it was leaking the day I started, and it will still be leaking the day I retire". Personally, I would avoid it, if at all possible. I'm not sure exactly how a metal flat roof would work? Typically, in this area, they are either hot mopped tar and felt or rubber.

Cygnet · #6 05/25/06, 12:29 PM

The only flat roofs I've ever seen that were reasonably leak resistant were those with the spray-on foam. As a bonus, it's white (reflects sunlight) and insulating, so it helps the energy efficiency of the home.

Check on the construction as far as energy efficiency. Does it have an attic? If not, what's the house like on a reallllly hot day? I've seen some that have really deficient insulation.

Also, if it's got a raised wall around the roof (santa fe style) make sure the drain spouts stay clear.

Leva

nodak3 · #7 05/25/06, 02:12 PM

I grew up in one, and every time it rained one or the other canale would plug up and water would pour into the house. Of course, it only rained 2-3 times a year. But seriously, I love adobes and we wanted to find one here. They are super energy efficient, naturally cool in summer and warm in winter due to thermal mass. IF we had bought one, we would have considered the reflecting spray foam redo, then probably just built a peaked roof over it.

Billie in MO · #8 05/25/06, 04:55 PM

My husband's grandparents built an adobe home with a flat roof over 40 years ago. They are gone now but that home is still in the family and rented out. Always, always had problems with leaking. Finally, last year a metal roof with a 8"-10" pitch was put on and the renters have had no problems with leaks inside the house. That's our experience.