Industrial shed waterproofing

Industrial sheds with metal or fibre cement sheet roofs are everywhere: factories, warehouses, workshops, godowns and parking sheds. They're quick to build, but they leak in predictable places. Water gets in at sheet overlaps, around fasteners, at ridges, along gutters and around skylights. Replacing a whole roof is expensive and disruptive. In many cases, a properly sealed and coated roof can stop leaks and add years of life without replacement.

Where shed roofs leak

Our approach

1. Inspect from below during rain if possible, and on the roof to map every leak point.
2. Clean by removing dust, moss, loose rust and debris, since coatings won't bond to dirt.
3. Treat rust on metal sheets with rust removal and a corrosion-inhibiting primer.
4. Seal fasteners by replacing or capping failed washers and sealing each fixing.
5. Reinforce laps and joints with reinforcing fabric or seam tape bedded in the coating.
6. Repair gutters by cleaning, repairing and lining them with a waterproof coating.
7. Detail skylights by sealing around them and replacing cracked sheets.
8. Coat the roof with an elastomeric acrylic or PU roof coating, usually in a light, heat-reflective colour.

Heat reduction

A light, heat-reflective roof coating reflects a large share of sunlight that a bare metal roof absorbs. In summer, this can noticeably reduce heat inside the shed, which workers and stored goods both benefit from.

Safety on fragile roofs

Shed roof work carries real safety risks, and we take them seriously:

• Fibre cement and skylight sheets are fragile. They won't carry a person's weight. Work is done from crawling boards and walkways with fall protection, never by walking directly on the sheets.
• Old cement sheets may contain asbestos. Many older fibre cement roofs in India were made with asbestos. These must not be dry-sanded, drilled carelessly or broken. Where asbestos is suspected, we use methods that avoid releasing dust, or advise specialist handling.
• Metal roofs can be slippery and very hot. We schedule work for cooler hours and dry conditions.

When replacement is the better option

Coating isn't the answer when metal sheets are rusted through in many places, fibre cement sheets are extensively cracked or brittle, or the roof structure itself is damaged. In those cases, we'll tell you that replacing sheets or sections is more sensible, and can combine partial replacement with coating the rest.

Concrete roofs and walls

If your building also has concrete terraces, see terrace and roof waterproofing. For walls, tanks and basements, see our waterproofing services page.

FAQs

Can a leaking metal shed roof be fixed without replacing sheets?

Often yes, if most sheets are sound. Fasteners, laps, gutters and skylights are sealed, rust is treated and the roof is coated.

Can work be done while the factory keeps running?

Usually yes. We work from the roof, and only protect sensitive areas below where needed.

Is it safe to walk on a fibre cement roof?

No. Those sheets are fragile. Work must be done from crawling boards with fall protection.

When is the best time for shed roof waterproofing?

In dry weather, avoiding the hottest part of the day on metal roofs.

Call +91-8755475716 or send photos of your shed roof on WhatsApp.