Roof waterproofing in Jordan: a practical guide
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The short answer
Most leaks on Jordan’s flat concrete roofs come from old or cracked waterproofing, blocked drains and damage around water tanks and solar heaters. The usual time to fix it is late summer or autumn, before the rains. In an apartment building the roof is normally a common part, so the owners share the cost through the building’s owners’ association1.
Signs the roof needs work
- Stains, bubbling paint or mould on top-floor ceilings after rain.
- Cracks, bubbles or bare patches in the roof membrane.
- Water pooling for days after rain, or blocked roof drains.
- Damage around tank stands, solar heaters and pipes.
Common methods
- Bitumen membrane (rolls) laid with a torch, often with a reflective coating.
- Liquid coatings (acrylic, polyurethane or cement-based) brushed or sprayed on.
- Thermal insulation boards under a protective layer, which also cut heat in summer.
- Repairing slopes and drains so water does not stand on the roof.
Questions for a contractor
- Will the old layer be removed or covered, and how will the surface be prepared?
- Which material, how many layers, and how are tank stands and edges sealed?
- How long is the written warranty, and what does it cover?
- Will they test with water before handing over?
Who pays in an apartment building
Under the Real Estate Ownership Law, the common parts of a building, which usually include the roof, are managed by the owners’ association, and a regulation sets how maintenance costs are shared1. In practice owners agree the work and split the bill. A tenant normally reports the leak to the landlord rather than paying for roof work.
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When is the best time to waterproof a roof in Jordan?
Dry weather, usually late summer and autumn before the first rains, so the materials can cure.
How long does roof waterproofing last?
It depends on the material, the workmanship and how the roof is used. Ask the contractor for a written warranty period.
Who pays for the roof in an apartment building?
Usually the owners together, through the owners’ association, because the roof is normally a common part1. Check the building’s registered plans and rules.
I rent the top floor and the roof leaks. What do I do?
Tell the landlord in writing with photos. Our page on who pays for repairs in a rental explains the general rule.
hagzi-guides::app.sources_title
- Real Estate Ownership Law No. 13 of 2019, article 123 (owners’ association manages the common parts, including maintenance), Arabic text hagzi-guides::app.checked_on
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