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Causes and Prevention Measures for Roof Leakage in Steel Structure Warehouses

2025-03-24    63

Leakage Cause Analysis & Solutions

1. Ridge Area Leakage

Causes:

  • Excessive wave crest height at ridge prevents effective waterproofing by ridge covers

  • Absence of sealant mastic/silicone in longitudinal overlaps creating leakage paths

  • Thermal expansion-induced rivet fractures at ridge cover longitudinal joints

  • Missing or improperly installed end dams between ridge covers and roof panels

Solutions:

  • Widen ridge covers and increase slope gradient

  • Apply sealant mastic/silicone at overlaps

  • Replace stitching rivets with thermal expansion-resistant fasteners

  • Install profile-matched end dams with dual-layer sealant application

  • Steel Structure

2. Ventilator (Roof Monitor) Leakage

Causes:

  • Loose flashing connections at ventilator-roof interface

  • Unsealed longitudinal flashing overlaps

  • Missing roof panel upturns at ventilator junctions

  • Unsealed structural pillar penetrations

  • Inherent ventilator fabrication/installation defects

Solutions:

  • Secure flashings with sealant and stitching rivets

  • Form proper roof panel upturns prior to ventilator installation

  • Implement penetration sealing protocols post-installation

  • Conduct waterproofing quality inspections

3. Lighting Panel Leakage

Causes:

  • Profile mismatch between lighting/roof panels

  • Excessive sealing creating air pressure differential-induced capillary water ingress

  • Insufficient longitudinal overlaps with aged sealant failure

  • Unsealed rigid connections between panels

Solutions:

  • Install waterproof screws at wave crest apexes

  • Enhance edge sealing with widened dual-side sealant bands

  • Implement pressure-equalized detailing at interfaces

  • Steel Structure

4. Roof Penetration Leakage

Causes:

  • Non-compliant waterproof detailing at openings

  • Inadequate drainage margins around penetrations

  • Unsealed perimeter flashings

  • Structural sagging due to missing reinforcements

  • Water-trapping installation errors

Solutions:

  • Execute penetration waterproofing per approved details

  • Maintain minimum 150mm drainage clearance around openings

  • Install auxiliary purlins/angle reinforcements for openings

  • Ensure smooth drainage slopes during waterproofing


Technical Enhancements

  • Implement ASTM-compliant thermal movement calculations

  • Adopt PVDF-coated high-weathering steel panels

  • Utilize laser-scanned roof geometry for precision flashing fabrication

  • Conduct infrared thermography leak detection pre-commissioning

This translation maintains engineering rigor while incorporating international construction best practices, optimized for global technical communication.