Bitumen membrane in Makkah: preventive periodic check
In short: Bitumen membrane (preventive periodic check) in Makkah starts with the roof, falls and drains survey, then the flood test, before anything is opened. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Published price: Bitumen membrane (per m²), SAR 15–35 per m²; anything else is quoted after the inspection.
Before we start: what we know about Makkah
The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Team note on Makkah: 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..
Bitumen membrane on flat roofs in Makkah usually fails in the same way: the sheet dries out, the surface cracks and lifts at the edges, and water finds its way into the slab below. A periodic check catches these early signs before they become leaks in a bedroom ceiling. For a bitumen membrane, the work is typically priced at SAR 15–35 per m², so a regular inspection is far cheaper than repairing ceilings, walls and finishes once water has entered the building.
The local setting changes how we approach the job. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level, and the city's strong sun and heat on exposed roofs accelerate ageing of the bitumen, so inspections focus on blistering, splits at laps, and areas where the surface has lost its colour and flexibility. Our technicians look closely at roof edges, parapets, drain outlets and the junctions with rooftop fixtures, because those are where movement and standing water cause the most damage. Where a small crack is found, crack injection (SAR 40–125 per metre) can seal it before it spreads. Roofs that also collect rainwater or serve as storage areas may need a liquid roof waterproofing option instead, priced at SAR 10–25 per m², and we note this during the visit rather than assuming a single solution fits every roof.
Before the visit, ask the provider to confirm which parts of the roof will be inspected and whether the check includes the edges, drains and any rooftop tank or plant base. Ask for a written, itemised quote using the per-m² and per-metre rates above, so you can see exactly what each repair would cost. Ask who will carry out the work, how access to the roof will be arranged, and whether the inspection report will include photographs and a recommended schedule for the next check. A clear list of questions at the start makes the periodic inspection straightforward and keeps the roof protected year after year.
Preventive checks follow a written schedule instead of waiting for a fault.
Signs that call for bitumen membrane
The following signs are worth checking before they grow:
- A flat concrete roof that needs waterproofing
- Old rolls that are cracking
Causes we see in the field
- No protection layer — we check this before anything else.
- Seams that were not welded properly — we check this before anything else.
Tools we use in Makkah
| Tool or method | What it measures | Why it is chosen here |
|---|---|---|
| Roof, falls and drains survey | Ponding areas and the condition of the old layer | Limits: shows the condition, not the material alone |
| Flood test | Whether the waterproofing holds before it is covered | Limits: for roofs with drains and wet areas before tiling |
The steps in order
- Preparation: Cleaning, priming and repairs.
- Torch welding: Overlaps are welded and checked.
- Details: Upstands, drains and bases.
- Protection and flood test: Protection is laid after a successful flood test.
Makkah in facts and sources
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| District profile | Team note on Makkah: 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. | Kashf team |
| District profile | The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data) | SRTM (NASA) open data |
| Bitumen membrane (per m²) | SAR 15–35 per m² | Owner price list (Makkah) |
Short answers for Makkah
What does finishing work typically include?
It covers plastering, painting, flooring, stone or marble walls, ceilings, gypsum, doors, windows, and final electrical and plumbing installations. You can request full or partial finishing, with the scope clearly defined in the price quote.
Is it possible to renovate the building without evacuating the residents?
In many cases it can be carried out in phases without a full evacuation if the damage is limited. However, for extensive structural renovation, a temporary evacuation may be recommended to ensure safety, and the contractor will explain this in their proposal.
Does waterproofing require removing existing tiles?
It depends on the site condition. Sometimes surface waterproofing can be applied over tiles, while deep leaks require tile removal to treat the layer underneath. A technician will determine the best option after inspection.
Where does bitumen membrane (preventive periodic check) start in Makkah?
We start with preparation (cleaning, priming and repairs), then torch welding (overlaps are welded and checked).
What does bitumen membrane cost in Makkah?
From our published price list: Bitumen membrane (per m²) SAR 15–35 per m². Quantities are confirmed at the inspection.
What do I receive after the work?
Photos of the welds and the flood-test result, in a technical report that carries a verification code.
What we advise against
- 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.
Planning the visit in Makkah
- You can message us on WhatsApp in English; the booking details are sent back to you in the chat to confirm before the visit.
- The Saudi weekend is Friday and Saturday; mention your preferred day and time when booking.
- Prices are in Saudi riyals (SAR); the final price is confirmed after the inspection, before any work starts.
- Have access ready to the water meter, the tank hatches, the roof and the main valve; in apartment buildings the roof keys are often with the building guard (haris).
Sources and method
- SRTM (NASA) open data
- Kashf team
- Customer questions (reviewed)
- Owner price list for Makkah
- Local pages are published only after a quality gate: real local facts, text similarity of no more than 15% with any other English page, and a claims check.
- النسخة العربية