Causes and Prevention Measures for Roof Leakage in Steel Structure Warehouses


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
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
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
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