THE FIRST LINE OF PROTECTION FOR A BUILDING

The roof is one of the most exposed elements of any building.

Rain, wind, moisture, temperature changes and the passage of time constantly act on it. That is why its condition directly affects the protection, insulation and preservation of the entire building.

At Gorka Lomeña, we carry out complete roof refurbishment and rehabilitation works, both as part of larger projects and as specific interventions on existing buildings.

We work on pitched roofs, flat roofs and different construction systems, adapting the intervention to the characteristics of each building.

Because not every roof has the same problem, and not every roof should be refurbished in the same way.

BEFORE REPAIRING, YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING

A damp patch on a ceiling tells us that there is a problem.

But it does not necessarily tell us where that problem is.

Water can enter through one point in the roof, travel through different layers or construction elements and become visible several metres away.

That is why, before intervening, it is important to try to identify the source of the problem and assess the overall condition of the roof.

Tiles, waterproofing, junctions with chimneys and façades, valleys, gutters, downpipes, structure, insulation and ventilation all form part of the same system.

Our objective is not simply to repair the place where the damp appears.

It is to understand why it appears and act on the cause.

REPAIR OR REFURBISH

Not every roof needs to be completely rebuilt.

In some cases, a localised repair may be sufficient. In others, visible leaks are simply the consequence of a roof that has reached the end of its service life or has several deficiencies.

That is why we assess the overall condition before proposing an intervention.

When a roof requires complete refurbishment, we believe it is worth using the opportunity to review the structure, waterproofing, insulation, ventilation and water drainage together.

Opening up a roof is a major intervention.

If it needs to be done, it makes sense to use the opportunity to leave it properly prepared for many years to come.

PITCHED ROOFS

Pitched roofs form part of many of the buildings we work on in both Gipuzkoa and the French Basque Country.

During refurbishment, we may intervene on the existing structure, replace deteriorated elements, improve insulation, renew waterproofing and rebuild the external roof covering.

We work with clay tiles, slate and other finishing systems depending on the architecture of the building and the project.

But a pitched roof does not work because of the tiles alone.

Underneath, there are different layers that need to provide insulation, waterproofing, ventilation and water drainage.

Junctions are also particularly important: chimneys, roof windows, valleys, ridges, façades, gutters and other critical points.

Many defects appear precisely in these details.

FLAT ROOFS AND TERRACES

On a flat roof, water does not have a steep slope to move it quickly away from the building.

That is why falls, outlets, waterproofing and junctions are particularly important.

We refurbish both accessible and non-accessible flat roofs, renewing the different layers required for each construction solution.

When the roof also serves as a terrace, it must not only prevent water ingress, but also withstand daily use, paving and external conditions.

Good waterproofing does not depend only on the material used.

It also depends on substrate preparation, falls, junctions, critical points and, above all, correct execution.

WATERPROOFING DONE PROPERLY

Waterproofing is one of those parts of a project that is normally no longer visible once the work is complete.

And that is precisely why it needs to be done properly before it is covered.

We work with different waterproofing systems depending on the substrate, type of roof and the requirements of the project.

There is no single solution that is suitable for every case.

The important thing is to choose the right system and pay particular attention to junctions, finishes, service penetrations, parapets, outlets and other points where a small defect can eventually lead to a leak.

INSULATION AND COMFORT

Refurbishing a roof can also be an opportunity to significantly improve the thermal performance of a home.

A substantial part of a building’s heat loss and heat gain can occur through its upper envelope.

That is why, when we carry out a complete roof refurbishment, we also assess the insulation and its continuity with the rest of the building.

The objective is not only to keep water out.

We also want the roof to contribute to the comfort of the home and reduce its energy requirements.

ROOF STRUCTURES

In existing buildings, we encounter many different types of roof structure.

Timber, concrete, steel or combinations of several systems.

Where structural elements are deteriorated, the intervention may require replacement, strengthening or partial or complete reconstruction of the structure.

We are accustomed to working both with construction systems commonly found in Spain and with traditional solutions frequently found in homes in the French Basque Country.

When the intervention affects the structure, we work in accordance with the project and the instructions of the responsible technical professionals.

ZINC, GUTTERS AND WATER DRAINAGE

A roof needs to collect water, but it also needs to direct it correctly to where it should go.

We install and renew gutters, downpipes and different drainage elements, working with zinc and other materials depending on the characteristics of the project.

We also pay particular attention to flashings and metal junctions around chimneys, façades, parapets and other critical points.

They are relatively small details within the overall roof, but they are essential to its proper performance.

SANDWICH PANELS

We also work with roofs built using sandwich panels, particularly common in industrial buildings, warehouses, commercial units and other constructions where speed of installation, watertightness and insulation need to be combined.

These systems integrate different layers into a single element and allow large areas to be covered with relatively low weight.

As with any roof, correct performance depends not only on the panel itself, but also on its installation, fixings, overlaps, finishes and junctions.

WHAT WORK DO WE CARRY OUT?

Among other works:

• Complete roof refurbishment and rehabilitation.

• Repair of leaks and defects.

• Pitched roofs.

• Accessible and non-accessible flat roofs.

• Renewal and strengthening of roof structures.

• Timber, concrete and steel structures.

• Installation and renewal of tiles and slate.

• Waterproofing.

• Thermal roof insulation.

• Roof ventilation.

• Roof windows and associated junctions.

• Valleys, ridges and critical details.

• Zinc work and finishes.

• Gutters and downpipes.

• Roof outlets and water drainage.

• Sandwich-panel roofing.

• Repairs and partial interventions.

A ROOF IS THERE TO PROTECT EVERYTHING BELOW IT

Once a roof is finished, much of the work carried out can no longer be seen.

Under a tile or paving layer lie waterproofing, insulation, structure, falls, junctions and many small details.

But the roof’s ability to perform properly for years depends on all of them.

That is why we believe good refurbishment is not simply about replacing what is damaged or stopping water from getting in.

It is about understanding the whole system, resolving each layer correctly and paying particular attention to the points where we know problems can arise.

Because a well-built roof should not draw attention to itself. It should simply protect the building.