Potchefstroom’s Roofs Under Sun and Rain

Charlene Bekker
Jul 10
4 min read

Potchefstroom’s highveld climate delivers scorching sun and sudden downpours. Over time intense UV and heat cause roofing materials to expand, dry out and weaken, while heavy rain and storms exploit any cracks or gaps.

Roof leaks often start as tiny cracks or loose screws in tiles or metal sheets, and unchecked water intrusion leads to rotting wood, mold and damaged interiors. The paragraph above shows part of a house roof (black-coated vs red bare); you can see how a SUPA Rubber latex coating (black area) fills hairline gaps and seals seams, forming a continuous waterproof membrane.

In Potchefstroom’s blazing sun and heavy rains, an untreated roof (red area) will age faster: unprotected metal sheets may rust at holes and wooden underlays can swell, while tile roofs can crack or lose their sealant under thermal stress.

Tiling and Metal Roofing in Potchefstroom

Tile roofs (clay/concrete) – Common in Potchefstroom homes for their durability and style. However, over years tiles can crack or shift. The mortar at ridges and valleys can deteriorate, letting water seep under tiles.
EcoRoofing notes that cracked or broken tiles and failing flashing are common leak culprits, especially under South Africa’s harsh sun and rain. Persistent heat can dry out mortar, and pooled water (from clogged gutters or heavy storms) will penetrate vulnerable spots.
Metal-sheet roofs (corrugated iron, chromadek, etc.) – Lightweight and reflective, but they expand and contract daily in the hot Potchefstroom sun. This movement can loosen screws or fasteners, creating gaps. Surface paint can chalk or peel under UV, exposing bare metal to rust. When rains come, water can then find its way through these gaps. Both roof types benefit from a seamless coating: SUPA Rubber’s latex paint adheres to concrete, metal and even wood, so the same waterproof membrane can protect tiled sections and metal sheets alike.

Maintenance and Recoating Frequency

Homeowners should inspect roofs at least twice a year (e.g. before summer rains and before winter). Regular checks (spring and autumn) let you clear debris and spot any broken tiles, rusty patches or sealant failures before they become leaks. As for full maintenance, standard roofing advice suggests resealing or recoating tile roofs every 3–5 years in South African climates. However, when using a high-quality latex membrane like SUPA Rubber, the interval can be much longer. In fact, one coat of SUPA Rubber is “like adding a 10+ year shield to your roof”. Their specifications recommend a refresher coat around 5 years , far less often than with traditional paints. In summary, plan on biannual inspections (twice a year) and full waterproofing recoats only every 5–10 years, depending on wear. This keeps your roof in top shape without unnecessary annual work.

Benefits of Latex-Based SUPA Rubber Coating

Seals leaks flexibly: Unlike rigid coatings or bitumen that become brittle, latex-based SUPA Rubber remains elastic and forms a seamless layer. It “fills in hairline cracks and covers seams,” creating a continuous waterproof barrier. Because it flexes with temperature changes, the membrane stays intact through Potchefstroom’s blazing sun, heavy rain, and temperature swings.

Long-lasting protection: A single coat of SUPA Rubber lasts over a decade before major maintenance. The coating is UV-stabilized for South Africa’s highveld climate, so the intense sun “won’t break it down easily”. In practice, homeowners report that even after years of punishing sun and storms, the SUPA Rubber layer “stays waterproof and intact”. This longevity means you won’t be re-waterproofing every season, saving time and money.

Eco-friendly and safe: SUPA Rubber is specifically formulated to be eco-conscious. It is a latex-based, waterborne formula with no toxic fumes. Once cured, it contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). That makes it safer for your family and the environment than solvent-based sealants, and even non-toxic enough for fish if used in ponds or pools.

Versatile and aesthetic: The SUPA Rubber formula grips concrete, stone, wood, PVC, zinc and metal. Whether your roof is tiled or sheeting, the coating can be applied with a brush, roller or spray , just like paint. SUPA Rubber offers a palette of 19 vibrant colours, so you can refresh your roof in a new shade or match existing tiles, rather than leaving a plain black or silver finish.

Cost-effective: Though the initial investment in SUPA Rubber is comparable to other quality coatings, its decade-long durability pays off. As the manufacturer notes, the long-lasting protection means “you save significantly in the long run”. By preventing repeated leak repairs and roof replacements, a latex coating often costs less over time than frequent patchwork or roof renewal.

By choosing a latex-based membrane like SUPA Rubber, Potchefstroom homeowners ensure their tiled or metal roofs gain a flexible, UV-resistant “second skin.” This robust coating guards against leaks through South Africa’s harsh sun and storms. For more information or to purchase SUPA Rubber products, you can visit the official SUPA Rubber website and explore their range of waterproofing solutions.