The roof is the building’s first line of defence against rain, sun and changes in temperature, and the part that suffers most. When it fails, the water gives no warning on the roof itself: it turns up on the top-floor ceiling, in the stairwell or in a ground-floor shop.
At Catalana de Rehabilitació we waterproof, repair and maintain flat and pitched roofs, terraces and roof terraces for owners’ associations (comunidades de propietarios), homes, commercial premises and industrial buildings. From Viladecavalls (Barcelona) we work across Spain and on international projects.
Problems we solve
- Leaks and water ingress from old or damaged waterproofing.
- Cracks in the roof deck, floor tiles or parapets caused by movement and temperature changes.
- Standing water due to insufficient falls or blocked outlets.
- Loose or broken tiles on terraces and roof terraces.
- Lack of insulation: top floors that are cold in winter and very hot in summer.
What we do
Waterproofing of terraces and roof terraces, private and communal, with or without taking up the floor tiles.
Roof waterproofing for flat, pitched and industrial roofs, with the system each one needs.
Roof refurbishment and maintenance, including thermal insulation and repairs to tiled roofs.
Hot-spray polyurea: a continuous, jointless membrane that is applied in hours and, in many cases, with no demolition.
If you want to know what kind of roof your building has, start with our guide to types of roof and the Catalan roof.
How we work
Inspection
We go up on the roof, check the waterproofing, joints, outlets and flashings, and trace the source of any leaks.
Proposal
We explain what needs doing and with which system, and give you a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Preparing the substrate
We clean, repair cracks and damaged areas and leave the surface ready for the system to bond properly.
Application and inspection
We apply the chosen system, check outlets, joints and junctions, and hand the roof over to you with maintenance recommendations.
Prevention is better
One inspection a year, and another after heavy storms, means an open joint or a blocked outlet can be spotted before it turns into a leak. For owners’ associations and businesses we organise this maintenance on a regular basis.
Have a similar project?
We visit you, assess the building and give you a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a roof be inspected?
At least once a year, and also after storms or heavy rain. During the inspection, outlets and gutters are cleared, debris and vegetation are removed, and the condition of the waterproofing, joints and flashings is checked.
When does a roof or terrace need waterproofing?
When leaks, damp patches on the ceilings below, cracks or a worn finish appear, or when the waterproofing has reached the end of its service life. It also makes sense to do it preventively before any damage appears: it works out cheaper.
How long does waterproofing last?
It depends on the system, the exposure and the maintenance. As a guide, good waterproofing lasts between 10 and 25 years, and continuous systems such as polyurea, properly applied, can last more than 20.
Can a roof be waterproofed and insulated at the same time?
Yes, and it is the recommended approach when refurbishing: the waterproofing system is combined with insulation boards or sprayed insulation. That way the insulation is protected from moisture and the top floor becomes more comfortable.
Who pays for roof waterproofing in a residential block?
The roof is a common element, so it is normally paid for by the owners’ association (comunidad de propietarios). The same applies to many roof terraces for the private use of one owner that also act as the building’s roof: their waterproofing is usually the association’s responsibility. It is worth checking the association’s bylaws (estatutos) in each case.
