There’s nothing quite like spotting a damp patch on the ceiling to make you start watching the weather forecast. Every shower brings the same question: is it getting worse?
Whether it’s the roof over your kitchen extension, a garage or a garden room, a leak can feel like another expense arriving at the wrong time. Before assuming the whole roof needs replacing, though, it’s worth finding out what’s causing the problem and what condition the roof is in.
Lava 20 is one option for waterproofing suitable roofs. Here’s a straightforward look at what it does, where it can be used and what’s involved in getting the job done properly.
Lava 20 is a liquid waterproofing membrane that cures to form a continuous, flexible covering. Often described as liquid rubber roofing, it is a single-component polyurethane product designed to keep water from getting through the treated surface.
Because it goes on as a liquid, it can follow the shape of the roof. That is useful around awkward corners, edges and fittings, where careful detailing makes all the difference. Once cured, the membrane remains flexible, allowing it to accommodate movement as temperatures change.
Dooley Timber stocks the Lava 20 waterproofing system in 25 kg containers, alongside smaller sizes within the range.
It helps to think of Lava 20 as a complete system. Depending on your roof, the job may also call for primer, joint sealant, reinforcement and a topcoat. Buying the right combination at the start is much easier than discovering halfway through that something essential is missing.
There are finishing options too. The Lava 20 Dark Grey Topcoat goes over the main membrane to provide a durable, decorative finish. It may be worth considering where the roof is visible from an upstairs window and appearance matters alongside waterproofing.
The first thing to establish is what you’re working with. An older felt roof over an extension needs a different assessment from a newly built timber garden room.
Owl Lava 20’s product information identifies surfaces including timber, OSB, plywood, concrete, metal, felt and asphalt as suitable for the Lava 20 system, with the appropriate preparation. That gives it plenty of potential uses, but the condition of the surface still comes first.
If the roof covering is weathered but the structure beneath it is sound, a liquid waterproofing system may be worth exploring. If the decking is rotten, sagging or badly damaged, that needs attention before any coating is applied.
The same goes for persistent standing water. Waterproofing does not correct poor drainage, so blocked outlets or problems with the roof’s falls should be investigated.
You also need to consider how the roof is used. A roof that only needs occasional maintenance access has different requirements from a balcony people regularly walk across. The complete build-up and finish must suit the intended use.
If you’re unsure, get a professional’s advice and speak to Dooley Timber before ordering. Note the approximate dimensions, the existing covering and where the problem appears indoors. Those details give the conversation a useful starting point, although an uncertain or damaged roof may still need a roofer’s inspection.
When rain is finding its way inside, it’s tempting to get a coating down as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, rushing the preparation can leave you dealing with the same worry again.
Start by checking the roof carefully. Loose coverings, damaged boards, failed joints and debris around outlets all need attention. The surface must be clean, stable and meet the system’s moisture requirements before work begins.
Joints and gaps may need a compatible sealant such as Owl PU Mastic, used according to the system instructions. These smaller details deserve time: an otherwise well-coated roof can still let water in around an unfinished junction.
The next stage is the appropriate primer. Dooley Timber’s Lava 20 Primer is designed for use on a range of surfaces. Confirm the primer and preparation requirements for your particular roof before starting.
Reinforcement is another important part of the specified system. Chopped Strand Matting is incorporated into the wet coating where required, while 100 mm Polyester Tape is available for joint detailing. Follow the installation guidance for positioning, overlaps and coverage.
Apply the membrane at the specified rate, paying close attention to corners, outlets, edges and penetrations. Don’t stretch the material further than recommended to finish the last section. A coating that looks covered may still be too thin.
Allow enough time for the work and choose a suitable weather window. Temperature and moisture affect curing, so check the current instructions rather than relying on a drying time someone remembers from another job.
Dooley Timber also lists a Lava 20 Accelerator to improve curing time. Its use should follow the product guidance; it cannot compensate for unsuitable conditions.
And be realistic about access. If reaching or working on the roof feels unsafe, getting a competent roofer involved is a sensible part of the job.
Once the work is finished, you’ll probably be glad to stop thinking about the roof for a while. A little attention now and again, however, can help you spot problems early.
Check it periodically from a safe position, especially after storms. Look for fallen branches, accumulated leaves or damage caused by other work. Keep gutters and outlets clear so rainwater has somewhere to go.
If cleaning is needed, follow the care guidance for the installed membrane and finish. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools unless they are specifically approved.
Keep the product details, installation date and any warranty documents together. They are useful if you need advice or repairs later.
If you’re planning a project, browse Dooley Timber’s Lava 20 range and get in touch to discuss the materials. Knowing what your roof needs before you start can save a lot of uncertainty—and help you feel more at ease when the next spell of rain arrives.
