Sealing the Bases of Metal Posts on a Roof

1. The old seal had cracked

At the base of every metal post the old seal had crackedCrackA split or gap in render, concrete, a wall, a coating or wood. Fine cracks are usually only on the surface; ones that grow, keep reopening or run diagonally need attention. and come loose. That is where water finds its way under the membrane.

2. Cleaning and a first coat

Once the loose material is off, the base is covered with a white waterproof coatingElastomeric waterproof coatingA thick, rubbery waterproof paint for flat roofs, parapets and roofs. It stretches without cracking as the building expands and bridges hairline cracks..

3. Reinforcing the base

Reinforcing fabricReinforcement meshA mesh or fabric, usually glass fibre or polyester, set into render, a coating or liquid waterproofing to hold it together and stop cracks from opening. is set into the wet material, which binds the coating together and keeps it in one piece.

4. Up onto the metal

The coating is also taken up the post, because the joint between metal and roof is the weakest point.

5. A wider layer of fabric

A wider piece of fabric covers the whole base and reaches past the old dark strip.

6. Final coat

The white material goes over the fabric and covers the whole square.

7. Every post

The same work is done at every base, so no weak point is left on the roof.