Remedial Waterproofing – Think First!
Remedial works present all sorts of challenges, such as: • Structural failures • Condition of the building • Poor workmanship of previous works • Situation requires a permanent solution • Multiple product application options Quite often the best tool we have in regard to remedial works is - ‘between the ears'. Once the cause of the problem is identified, solutions present themselves. A COUPLE OF EXAMPLES: PROBLEM: CEILING DRIPPING IN THE CORNER OF THE ROOM Investigation found the building movement had dropped ceiling corner housing the drainage pipes from guttering resulting in a negative fall. The flashing in the roof [...]
Discussion Paper on New Victorian Registration and Licensing of Tradespeople
There is much confusion about the mechanism and requirements of the Victorian Government changes to Register and Licence Trades, including Waterproofing. In Queensland and New South Wales, the State Governments have already gone down the path of registering Trades. The problem of building defects and consumer confidence in the industry still remains. In Victoria the single highest claim pay out figure relates to water issues. The test case for Registration and Licensing of Tradespeople will be the final legislation relating to Carpentry, Stage 2 will involve Waterproofing. The principles of Registration of subcontractors and Licencing of employees will be worked [...]
Waterproofing Basements
Basements are used for a number of different purposes with the most common types as follows: Car parks Car parks with storage units Plant rooms Habitable room spaces Depending on the basement usage there is a different demand on the waterproofing. The different requirements for the four types are discussed below. Carparks Cars bring water into the basement when it is raining and drop much of their surface water onto the floor of the basement. This can be observed in shopping centre carparks where water is carried often hundreds of meters into the carpark as vehicles enter. With these types [...]
Vertical Up – Stands Around Decks-Balconies
The height required to prevent water breaching over the termination of the waterproofing around the edge of decks or balconies is often not high enough to stop water entry from wind driven rainwater. Australian Standard AS4654 – 2012 ‘Waterproofing membranes systems for exterior use - Above ground level Part 2: Design and installation’ has in Table A1 of Appendix A a guide for the height required to prevent breaching with heights of 40 to 180 mm depending on the exposure to wind speeds. The reason for its inclusion in an Appendix is that it is a guide only rather [...]
Why the Membrane’s Classification Doesn’t Matter
(at least not the way you think it does) In the 2016 & 2019 NCC, there is a requirement for the waterproofing membranes used both internally and externally to comply with appropriate Australian Standards. AS 4654.2: Waterproofing membranes for external, above ground use is the standard for complying with Section F1.4: External above ground membranes. AS 3740: Waterproofing of domestic wet areas is the standard for complying with Section F1.7: Waterproofing of wet areas in buildings. The associated product testing standards (AS 4654.1 & AS 4858 respectively) have a variety of testing needing satisfactory results to ensure that a waterproofing [...]
Security of Payment for Waterproofing Work
It is a common question. What is the Security of Payment Act? The most many contractors can say about it is that they refer to it on the bottom of their invoices. But what is it and how does it work? In short; Security of Payment is a process whereby a dispute over payment gets decided by an external adjudicator based on written submissions only. No hearing, no meeting, no lawyers. Each side makes its submissions in writing and the adjudicator sends out a written decision as to who-owes-who how much. From claim to decision in about 5-6 weeks. There [...]
Balcony Waterproofing Repairs
Leaking Balconies - Getting It Right - Do It Once Leaking balconies, roof & rooftop terraces Can cause catastrophic damage to structures below. Water leaks may cause not only aesthetic superficial damage but can progress to affect the structural integrity of the building envelope itself. If a failed waterproofing membrane is the reason for the water leaks, then re-grouting or surface sealing is not the way to repair or restore a balcony. This is a band-aid method which may stop or slow down water leaks temporarily. However, when the balcony moves, the tiles, grout & membrane will crack & leaks [...]
Risk Management and Planning, Why Do I Need That!
Risk management and planning are essential tools for any waterproofing business owner to actively use and utilise. Waterproofing failure is one of the most often mentioned issues facing the building industry today. There are far too many horror stories to ignore. Waterproofing is an essential item in a building program, and let’s face it a watertight result is not difficult to achieve but is only one step in a multi-stepped process. Let’s go back in time and look at the construction phase of a balcony. The waterproofing applicator arrives on site to get on with waterproofing the balcony. What’s the [...]
Tiling After A Flood Event
Following the recent flooding events in Townsville and the surrounding area, questions regarding the restoration/replacement of affected tiled areas are commonly raised. The short answer is that each tile installation must be assessed individually, as the effects of the inundation will vary. Ceramic tiles, including porcelain, vitrified or glass tiles are note usually affected by water, including flood waters and for this reason are the most common floor covering used in wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries, saunas and swimming pools. Poor quality tiles, however, may exhibit permanent expansion and staining. Often there is no option but to replace these [...]
Case Study – Queensland Public Hospital
Queensland Public Hospital Two leaking concrete tanks are part of the main supply of water for the fire sprinkling system throughout the hospital, with a capacity to hold 354,000 litres. Overview Property Type: QLD Public Hospital Contractor/Applicator: Waterstop Solutions Testing of existing and renewed membrane: International Leak Detection Australia (ILD) Category: Membrane Renewal Product Used: Specialised bitumen modified highly flexible waterproofing membrane. Installed in multiple layers to a moisture barrier primer system. Product Benefits Compatible with the existing membrane Highly flexible Effective barrier against waterborne salts Resistant to atmospheric gases Compliant to Australian Standards for potable water (AS4020) [...]