Bitumen membrane for warehouses in Makkah
In short: In Makkah (Makkah), bitumen membrane for warehouses 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.
What is specific about Makkah for bitumen membrane
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 work for a warehouse in Makkah starts with the roof and the slab, because these take the most sun and the most water movement. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level, so the site has a dry, hot climate with sharp temperature swings between day and night, and that repeated expansion and contraction is what opens up old seams and laps. Before any price is discussed, the technician checks the existing surface for cracks, loose sheeting, blistering and standing water, since a bitumen membrane bonds only to a sound, clean and dry base. Membrane pricing on this type of job typically falls in the range of SAR 15–35 per m², and the figure reflects the area to be covered, the number of layers and the condition of the substrate.
Several things can only be settled during the site visit. The technician needs to see the actual roof falls and drainage outlets, because ponding water is the most common cause of early failure, and no sensible quote is possible without knowing where water collects. They will also check for rising damp at the walls, any plant or equipment that must be lifted or protected, and the access route for materials into the warehouse. If the roof meets a parapet, a wall or a service penetration, each junction needs its own detailing, and those details change the scope. Where there are cracks in the slab, the technician will decide whether they can be sealed by injection, which is priced per metre at SAR 40–125 per m, or whether they need a different treatment. Only after these checks can the final area, layer count and method be fixed.
For the technician, it helps to arrive with the building's plan dimensions, the roof area in square metres, a note of any previous waterproofing and its age, and photographs of the roof in both sunny and wet conditions if the client has them. Ask the client whether the roof is used for storage or foot traffic, as this affects the choice of protective topping. Record the outlet positions, the parapet heights and any areas where stored goods sit close to the roof edge. Note whether other coatings are planned nearby, such as liquid roof waterproofing at SAR 10–25 per m² or XPS boards at SAR 15–30 per m², because the two systems must not be mixed without a clear plan. A clear record at this stage saves a return visit and keeps the scope accurate.
For warehouses, work is phased around operations and stored goods.
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
The most common causes
- No protection layer.
- Seams that were not welded properly — we check this before anything else.
Tools and methods, and when we use them
| 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.
Facts and costs — 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 warehouses?
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
What you get after the work
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
- 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).
- If you rent, tell your landlord or building management before the visit and agree in writing who pays; the written report can be shared with them.
- Keep photos of the problem and of any earlier repairs — they help the technician compare before and after.
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