Why is this article important now?
The rainy season in Riyadh usually begins in November and extends until March. Repairing a leak costs many times more than preventing it beforehand — because when water enters, it doesn't stay at the roof, but reaches the iron and rusts it, and the electricity and poses a danger.
Tashyiklist — Go through it in order
surface
- Tashyik the insulation for cracks, bulges, or peeling parts.
- Clean drains and gutters of dirt and leaves — this is the single most common cause of leaks.
- Make sure the slope of the roof directs the water towards the drains and not towards the walls.
- Tashyik around the bases of air conditioners and tanks — common weak points.
- Tashyik the welds around the chimneys and ventilation openings.
windows and exterior doors
- Tashyik the silicone around the window frames — if it cracks or comes loose, replace it.
- Make sure that the window drains (the small openings under the frame) are not blocked.
- Tashyik the thresholds of the exterior doors.
External electricity
- Make sure all outdoor sockets have waterproof covers.
- Tashyik the external spotlights and their connections.
- Tashyik the safety of garden wires or awnings.
Courtyard and entrances
- Clean the yard drains — if they are clogged, the entrance will be flooded.
- Make sure the yard level does not push water towards the house door.
Early signs mean your roof will leak
Don't wait for the water to drip. These signs precede it:
- Dark spots or yellowing in the corners of the interior ceiling.
- The paint is peeling or bulging at the top of the walls.
- There's a musty smell in the upper rooms.
- White salt on the wall (efflorescence) — evidence of moisture penetration.
What you can do yourself and what you cannot
The missionyourself?Cleaning gutters and drainsYesVisual inspection of the surfaceYesSilicone window replacementYesTreatment of a simple superficial crackYes, cautiously.full roof insulationNo — it requires experience and materialsHidden leak detectionNo — devices are neededTreating iron rustnoCommon question: Does the insulation need to be renewed?
Yes. Insulation isn't permanent—its lifespan ranges from 5 to 10 years depending on the type, quality of installation, and sun exposure. If your roof has been there longer than that without inspection, a check this season isn't a luxury.
Summary
An inspection in October is cheaper than a roof repair in January. Start by cleaning the gutters—a free task that prevents more than half the season's problems.