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Applying liquid waterproofing membrane on a Maltese roof

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Liquid Membrane & Insulation

We specialise in liquid membrane waterproofing and insulation solutions, providing superior protection against water infiltration, heat loss, and environmental damage.

We specialise in liquid membrane waterproofing and insulation solutions, providing superior protection against water infiltration, heat loss, and environmental damage. Our advanced systems ensure that your property remains dry, energy-efficient, and structurally sound, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial applications.

Superior Waterproofing & Thermal Efficiency for Long-Lasting Protection

Liquid membrane is a seamless, flexible, and highly durable waterproofing solution that forms a protective barrier over surfaces, preventing leaks and water damage. Unlike traditional waterproofing methods, liquid membranes offer superior adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for various applications.

Why waterproofing matters in Malta

Malta's flat roofs and terraces have a hard life. Long, hot summers and intense sun are followed by short bursts of very heavy rain, and coastal properties also face salt-laden air. Water that gets past a roof, balcony or bathroom floor can lead to damp walls, peeling paint, stained ceilings and corroded reinforcement in the concrete. Waterproofing is far cheaper to get right than the damage it prevents.

Where we use it

  • Roofs: flat roofs on houses, apartment blocks and commercial buildings, often combined with insulation.
  • Terraces and balconies: beneath tiles, especially where the area sits over living space.
  • Bathrooms and wet rooms: under tiles and microcement in showers and around baths.
  • Commercial and hospitality spaces: kitchens, washrooms, plant areas and outdoor terraces.

Signs your roof or terrace needs attention

Waterproofing problems often show up inside before they are obvious outside. Look out for:

  • damp patches or brown stains on ceilings beneath a roof or terrace;
  • paint peeling or bubbling near the top of walls;
  • cracks in the roof surface or in an old coating;
  • water pooling on the roof long after rain has stopped;
  • mould in top-floor rooms;
  • leaks around drains, water tanks, pipes or air-conditioning brackets.

Acting early usually means a simpler repair and less damage to the finishes inside.

On roofs, insulation is often combined with the membrane. Laid as part of the roof build-up, it reduces the heat passing into the rooms below in summer and the heat escaping in winter, a difference that is especially noticeable in top-floor apartments and penthouses.

Our process

  1. Inspection: we assess the surface, drainage, upstands and any existing leaks or damage.
  2. Preparation: loose material is removed, cracks and joints are repaired, and the surface is cleaned and dried.
  3. Detailing: vulnerable points such as drains, pipes, corners and wall junctions are reinforced.
  4. Application: the primer and membrane are applied in the specified coats, with insulation incorporated where required.
  5. Final check: the cured membrane is inspected for full, continuous coverage before any finishes go on top.

Why choose Shaw Contractors

Waterproofing is only effective if it works with the layers around it. We lay concrete screed to falls so water drains away, apply the membrane, and then complete the tiling on top, so the whole build-up is handled by one team. Where damp has already damaged walls, our painting and plastering service can put things right once the source is sealed.

We work on residential and commercial projects across Malta, from shell to furnished. Our clients have noted our attention to detail, our commitment to meeting deadlines and our clean, tidy worksites.

Dealing with a leak, or want to protect your roof before winter? Contact us to arrange an inspection.

Why liquid membrane & insulation works

  • Seamless protection

    Applied as a liquid, the membrane forms a continuous, joint-free layer that wraps around corners, upstands, pipes and drains, where leaks usually start.

  • Flexible and durable

    The cured membrane stays flexible, accommodating minor movement in the structure and standing up to strong sun and heavy rain.

  • Better thermal comfort

    Combined with insulation, roof waterproofing helps keep the floors below cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

  • Protects what's below

    Waterproofing beneath terraces, balconies and bathrooms helps prevent damp, stained ceilings and damage to neighbouring properties.

Liquid Membrane & Insulation: frequently asked questions

Why do flat roofs in Malta leak?

Most Maltese buildings have flat concrete roofs that bake in summer sun and then take sudden heavy downpours in autumn and winter. Over time, heat, UV and movement crack old coatings and screeds, and water finds its way through joints, around drains and at wall junctions. A properly applied liquid membrane seals these weak points with a continuous layer.

Can a liquid membrane be applied over an existing roof?

Often, yes. The surface must be sound, clean and dry, with loose material removed, cracks repaired and the right primer applied. If the existing finish is badly deteriorated or the roof does not drain properly, it may need stripping or re-screeding to falls first. We inspect the roof before recommending the best approach.

When is the best time to waterproof a roof in Malta?

The ideal time is before the rainy season, from late spring through early autumn, when the surface is dry and weather is settled. Membranes need dry conditions to be applied and cured properly. That said, leaks rarely wait for good weather, so we can also inspect and plan repairs as soon as a problem appears.

Is waterproofing needed under bathroom and terrace tiles?

Yes. Tiles and grout are not waterproof on their own. A membrane beneath tiles in showers, bathrooms, balconies and terraces stops water reaching the structure and any rooms below. In Maltese apartment blocks, where your terrace may be your neighbour's ceiling, it is one of the most important steps in the build.

Does roof insulation make a difference in Malta's climate?

Yes. Roofs take the full force of the summer sun, and top-floor apartments and penthouses can become very hot as a result. Insulating the roof reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, which improves comfort and can reduce the load on air conditioning and heating.

Guides on liquid membrane & insulation

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