Bitumen membrane for schools in Makkah
In short: In Makkah (Makkah), bitumen membrane for schools begins with the roof, falls and drains survey and the flood test; nothing is opened until the position is clear. 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.
Why bitumen membrane differs in 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..
The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data), and that elevation shapes how a bitumen membrane is planned for a school roof here. Before any material is ordered, the technician first checks the roof's existing slope, the condition of the parapets and drainage outlets, and whether older layers are still bonded or have begun to lift. Water is expected to run off quickly during the short heavy rains the city sees, so outlets that are blocked or set too high are the first thing to correct, because a membrane laid over a poor drain will still pond and fail at the edges. The technician also notes where the roof meets walls, rooftop units and stair enclosures, since those junctions are where bitumen most often lifts.
Several things can only be settled on the site visit. The true area of each roof section, the number of penetrations, the state of the substrate after cleaning, and whether a screed or insulation board such as XPS needs replacing all depend on what is physically found. The cost of the bitumen membrane itself is listed at SAR 15–35 per m², but the final figure depends on the membrane grade, the number of layers, and how much detailing the junctions need. Where cracks run through the roof deck, crack injection is quoted at SAR 40–125 per metre, and the technician will measure those lengths in person. Access arrangements, working hours around school sessions, and safe storage of hot-applied materials are also agreed on site rather than from a desk.
To help the technician arrive prepared, it is useful to have the school's roof plans, the date of the last waterproofing work if any is known, and a note of any leaks reported after rain, including which rooms lie below them. Ask for access to the roof space and the drainage shafts ahead of time, and let the school know that the work will produce smoke and odour that need to be kept away from classrooms. Clear the roof edge of loose equipment so the surface can be inspected fully. With this information in hand, the technician can confirm the right membrane layers, the detailing at each junction, and a realistic schedule, so the school receives a roof that drains properly and stays dry through the seasons.
For schools, the larger jobs are planned for weekends and holidays.
Signs worth paying attention to
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
- A common cause: no protection layer.
- Seams that were not welded properly.
How we choose the tool 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 |
How the work is done, step by step
- 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.
Quick comparison: facts and costs in Makkah
| 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) |
Common questions about bitumen membrane in 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.
What is the first step of bitumen membrane for schools?
We start with preparation (cleaning, priming and repairs), then torch welding (overlaps are welded and checked).
How much 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 get at the end?
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.
If you live in Makkah and are new to the area
- 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.
- 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).
- Prices are in Saudi riyals (SAR); the final price is confirmed after the inspection, before any work starts.
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