New roofing material adopted after earlier sealant failed to stop leaks

The government says it has changed the materials being used to repair leaking roofs on public buildings after an earlier solution did not perform as expected.

During the Budget Debate, Housing and Works Minister Maria Browne explained that teams initially used a specialised sealant in an effort to address roof leaks that were contributing to mold and poor air quality in several government buildings. However, the material did not hold up as intended, prompting a review of the approach.

As a result, the Ministry of Works has switched to a different compound that officials say is more effective for sealing roofs and preventing water intrusion. The change forms part of a wider programme to improve building conditions and reduce moisture-related problems across the public sector.

Roof leaks have been identified as a key cause of air-quality issues in government offices, allowing moisture to enter buildings and create conditions for mold growth. By improving the materials used in repairs, the ministry aims to deliver longer-lasting solutions rather than repeated temporary fixes.

The updated sealing compound is now being used as standard in roof repairs and remediation work, as the government expands its efforts to stabilise and maintain public buildings ahead of the 2026 work programme.

Officials say the revised approach reflects lessons learned from earlier repair efforts and underscores the need to adapt methods when initial solutions do not produce the desired results.

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