Roof waterproofing in Makkah: before summer & rain season
In short: In Makkah (Makkah), roof waterproofing (before summer & rain season) begins with the roof, falls and drains survey and the moisture meter for ceilings and walls; 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: Liquid roof waterproofing (per m²), SAR 10–25 per m²; anything else is quoted after the inspection.
Roof waterproofing in Makkah: the local context
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).
Roof waterproofing in Makkah most often fails at the parapet joints and around roof drains, where a thin skin of old coating has cracked and let rainwater run under it into the top floor. The summer heat then dries the surface and widens those cracks, so by the start of the rain season small leaks have become stains on ceilings. Checking these edges before the heat builds up is usually the most useful step a homeowner can take.
The local setting changes how we approach the job. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level, and the city moves between long, hot dry months and short, heavy bursts of rain that arrive with little warning. That pattern means a roof has to handle intense sun and then sudden water, so the surface is prepared and sealed with the rain season in mind rather than just the look of the finish. Liquid roof waterproofing, at SAR 10–25 per m², and bitumen membrane, at SAR 15–35 per m², are two common options, and the right choice depends on the roof's condition, how it drains, and how much access the top floor has. Spray foam, at SAR 25–35 per m², is another route for certain flat surfaces where a seamless layer is needed.
Before the visit, ask the provider to walk the roof with you and show where water currently collects, which joints they plan to treat, and how crack injection, at SAR 40–125 per metre, would be priced if cracks are found. Ask what preparation is included, how the drains will be cleared, and whether the quote covers the parapets and edges or only the main flat area. Request a clear written scope that lists the materials and the area in square metres so you can compare it with the rates above. Raising these points early means the work is timed well ahead of the rains and the roof is ready for summer heat.
Checks before summer and before the rain season catch problems while they are still small.
Signs that call for roof waterproofing
If you notice one of these signs in Makkah, it is a good moment to talk to the team:
- Water pooling on the roof
- Stains on the top-floor ceiling after rain
- The old waterproofing is cracking
Causes we see in the field
- A common cause: wrong falls towards the drains.
- A common cause: damaged waterproofing around tank and AC bases.
- Cracks in the roof slab — we check this before anything else.
Tools we use in Makkah
| Tool or method | What it measures | Why it is chosen here |
|---|---|---|
| Flood test | Whether the waterproofing holds before it is covered | Limits: for roofs with drains and wet areas before tiling |
| Moisture meter for ceilings and walls | Where water is entering now, from inside | Limits: measures the effect, not the water path |
| Roof, falls and drains survey | Ponding areas and the condition of the old layer | Limits: shows the condition, not the material alone |
From the first visit to the report
- Survey: Falls, drains and the condition of the old layer are recorded.
- Preparation: Cleaning and repairs before any new layer.
- Primer: The base coat that the system needs.
- Waterproofing layers and details: Corners, upstands and bases get their own detail.
- Flood test: The roof is flooded and checked before it is covered.
Facts and costs — Makkah
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| District profile | The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data) | SRTM (NASA) open data |
| 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 |
| Liquid roof waterproofing (per m²) | SAR 10–25 per m² | Owner price list (Makkah) |
| 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.
What is the first step of roof waterproofing (before summer & rain season)?
We start with survey (falls, drains and the condition of the old layer are recorded), then preparation (cleaning and repairs before any new layer).
How much does roof waterproofing cost in Makkah?
From our published price list: Liquid roof waterproofing (per m²) SAR 10–25 per m²; Bitumen membrane (per m²) SAR 15–35 per m². Quantities are confirmed at the inspection.
What do I get at the end?
A quality record with photos and the flood-test result, in a technical report that carries a verification code.
Common mistakes we see
- Ignoring the tank bases
- Covering the waterproofing before the flood test
What you receive
You receive: a quality record with photos and the flood-test result, in a technical report with a verification code.
If you live in Makkah and are new to the area
- Keep photos of the problem and of any earlier repairs — they help the technician compare before and after.
- 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.
- 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