Roof waterproofing for restaurants in Jubail

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

Before we start: what we know about Jubail

The centre of Jubail sits about 4 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Jubail is about 0.9 km from the sea coast (OpenStreetMap).

Team note on Jubail: Kashf teams serve this city and its nearby districts with the same documented inspection standard: device-based leak detection without demolition, a written report, and a clear scope before any work begins..

Is a restaurant roof in Jubail really worth waterproofing, given how close the city sits to the water? The answer depends on where the building stands and how the roof is used. The centre of Jubail sits about 4 m above sea level, and the city is about 0.9 km from the sea coast. That combination means salt-laden air and damp conditions are part of daily life here, and a restaurant roof that carries kitchen extraction, air units and foot traffic takes that exposure every day. For a commercial kitchen, a leak above the dining room or prep area is not just a repair bill but a risk to stock, equipment and service hours. Liquid roof waterproofing is commonly priced at SAR 8–25 per m², and bitumen membrane at SAR 15–35 per m², so owners can compare systems on cost before deciding which suits the roof.

A proper inspection starts with a walk over the whole roof surface, looking for ponding areas, lifted edges, blistered coatings and cracks around upstands, drains and roof penetrations for the extraction ducts and plant. Cracks are measured in running metres, since crack injection is priced at SAR 40–120 per metre, so the inspector records their length and location. Where the roof surface is in good condition but the concern is moisture coming up through a slab, the inspector may also check related areas. Spray foam, priced at SAR 20–45 per m², and XPS boards, priced at SAR 12–30 per m², are two options that suit different roof conditions and are discussed only after the survey is complete. The inspection report should set out the measured areas and the recommended method so the owner can judge the scope before any work starts.

To make the visit productive, gather the building's records before the inspector arrives. Bring any previous waterproofing warranties, invoices and drawings showing the roof build-up, and note where leaks have appeared inside, including the dates and whether they follow heavy rain or a particular wind direction. Clear access to the roof and to the kitchen ceiling void, and let the inspector know which parts of the roof are used for cooking exhaust, storage or seating, since those areas affect how work can be scheduled. Tell them about the service hours of the restaurant so that any future works can be planned around quiet periods.

For restaurants, visits are planned outside service hours and recorded for the premises file.

Signs worth paying attention to

These are the signs most often linked to roof waterproofing:

• Stains on the top-floor ceiling after rain
• Water pooling on the roof
• The old waterproofing is cracking

Where the problem usually comes from

• Damaged waterproofing around tank and AC bases — we check this before anything else.
• A common cause: wrong falls towards the drains.
• A common cause: cracks in the roof slab.

Tools we use in Jubail

The steps in order

1. Survey: Falls, drains and the condition of the old layer are recorded.
2. Preparation: Cleaning and repairs before any new layer.
3. Primer: The base coat that the system needs.
4. Waterproofing layers and details: Corners, upstands and bases get their own detail.
5. Flood test: The roof is flooded and checked before it is covered.

Quick comparison: facts and costs in Jubail

Common questions about roof waterproofing in Jubail

What we advise against

• Covering the waterproofing before the flood test
• Ignoring the tank bases

What you get after the work

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