Bitumen membrane for villas in Alula

Prepared by the technical team · editorial review · last updated 13 November 2026 · Sources

Bitumen membrane in Alula: the local context

The centre of Alula sits about 697 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Main roads in or near Alula: King Abdullah Road.

Is a bitumen membrane the right choice for a villa in Alula, and what will it cost? Alula sits about 697 m above sea level, and that high desert setting is part of why roof and foundation protection matters for villa owners here. A bitumen membrane is priced at SAR 15–35 per m², which places it among the more economical waterproofing options next to liquid roof waterproofing at SAR 8–25 per m² and XPS boards at SAR 12–30 per m². Costs rise for heavier work, so basement waterproofing runs at SAR 50–150 per m², while epoxy coating is SAR 35–90 per m².

Our inspection starts with a walk over the roof and the areas where the membrane would be laid. The technician checks the existing surface for cracks, blisters, and loose edges, and notes any spots where water has previously gathered or stained the finish. Where cracks are visible, crack injection at SAR 40–120 per metre may be discussed as a separate item before the membrane goes down. The technician also looks at drainage points and parapets, because the membrane must meet them cleanly. After the visit, you receive a written note describing the condition of each area and the work that would be recommended, with the price basis for each item shown clearly.

Before the visit, clear the roof access and remove loose items such as furniture, pots, and debris so the surface can be seen in full. Note any past leaks, including the rooms affected and the time of year they appeared, since this helps the inspector trace the source. Have your villa's floor plan or roof layout ready, with the area of each section if you know it, so the per-square-metre figures can be applied accurately. If the villa has a water tank on the roof, mention it at booking, because tank internal coating at SAR 25–60 per m² is a separate job and should be assessed at the same time.

Villas often have several lines and tanks; we test them one at a time so the cause is clear.

Signs that call for bitumen membrane

These are the signs most often linked to bitumen membrane:

• A flat concrete roof that needs waterproofing
• Old rolls that are cracking

Where the problem usually comes from

• No protection layer.
• A common cause: seams that were not welded properly.

Tools and methods, and when we use them

How the work is done, step by step

1. Preparation: Cleaning, priming and repairs.
2. Torch welding: Overlaps are welded and checked.
3. Details: Upstands, drains and bases.
4. Protection and flood test: Protection is laid after a successful flood test.

Facts and costs — Alula

Questions from Alula

Mistakes that cost more

• Leaving the membrane exposed without protection

The written outputs

You receive: photos of the welds and the flood-test result, in a technical report with a verification code.