8 Waterproofing Mistakes That Cost South Africans Millions Each Year
Rubbergard
EPDM*
- Weather Resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Easy to apply
8 Waterproofing Mistakes That Cost South Africans Millions Each Year
In the building and construction industry, waterproofing is considered one of the most important steps and one that shouldn’t be overlooked under any circumstance. Whether choosing the right waterproofing membrane or an expert to install it, the wrong choice often costs South Africans millions each year. Fortunately, the right choice can help you save money for almost a lifetime.
Each year we encounter homeowners in South Africa wrestling with roofing problems. At the fundamental level, it was all caused by the use of low-quality waterproofing membranes, and that was mainly done because they were on a tight budget. However, once the roof starts showing signs of damage, it costs 4x more to fix. But this is a mistake that can easily be avoided.
Homeowners, developers and contractors need to have a working understanding of the importance of using a suitable waterproofing membrane. In this article, we attempt to educate everyone about the importance and, thus, the complexities associated with waterproofing a roof.
Mistake #1 - Puncturing The Waterproofing Membrane After It Is Installed
Now you may ask, why would anyone do this? Well, most people will not intentionally, but some work may be carried out later that inadvertently punctures the membrane. Once the membrane is punctured, it allows water to seep in, eventually destroying everything in its wake.
Work that can puncture the roof includes carpentry, tiling, and installing accessories. If the carpenters carrying out the work aren’t experienced, they may puncture the waterproofing membrane with a nail or drill, which destroys the entire system. Worst of all, it can sometimes be hard to notice until the damage becomes more visible. This may also be a concern when carrying out other work, such as when the contractor may need to drill a hole in the roof to secure lighting cables or maybe install a deck.
Mistake #2 - An Inadequate Slope Causing Stagnant Water
Now, this is an issue that’s more common than it should be, mainly because it is common sense, if not anything else. Waterproofing systems are not meant to be exposed to excessive water for a prolonged time but there are exceptions, like Waterproof Lab’s EPDM membrane. That’s why the roof should have a sufficient slope so that the water runs efficiently into the nearby drain.
While Waterproof Lab’s EPDM membrane can take pooling of water, its not good building practice to have pooling on a membrane or even roofs. it should always be SEMI SLOPED or to a fall. Although most roofs are built with a fall …. truth be told, sometimes buildings settle and pooling can occur. Especially in Industrial Box Gutters where pooling of water happens extensively. Common bitumen membranes cannot take pooling of water. This is the beauty of using WPL’s membrane.
Mistake #3 - Not Applying Angle Fillet
Now, this is another very common waterproofing mistake made in South Africa and has to do with the floor slabs and walls but there are exceptions. After a few months or even years, the joints between the floor slabs and walls will start cracking as it settles, and if the crack is large enough, it will also break the waterproofing membrane. That’s why applying angle fillets in these areas is mandatory before applying the waterproofing membrane. The angle fillet helps reduce the damage to the membrane that can be caused by cracking.
Note: WPL’s membrane is flexible and thin enough (although very durable) which does not require filleting.
Mistake #4 – Inadequate Surface Preparation
Many South Africans understandably are on a budget and thus may end up hiring a roofing contractor who isn’t as experienced. The contractor may talk big, but the quality of their work suggests otherwise, and one area where many contractors skimp is on surface preparation.
Over the years, and having installed waterproofing membranes across hundreds of roofs, we can safely say that inadequate surface preparation is one of the leading reasons your waterproofing didn’t last as long as it should have. The ideal surface preparation means that it does not have any loose particles, weak surface materials or grease. There are two ways of doing it, the first being by using a chemical cleaning agent and the other by using mechanical cleaning. However, most roofers will use a high-pressure jet washer which should suffice too.
Note: WPL’s membrane is superior in many ways, one of which is it does not crack.
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Waterproof Lab EPDM Rubber Waterproofing
Company Details
- Waterproof Lab EPDM Rubber Waterproofing
- The Siding Business Park, Unit 12, 22 Plantation Rd, Ottery, Cape Town, 7708
- 087 012 5339
- info@waterprooflab.co.za
Rubbergard
EPDM*
- Light weight
- No maintenance
- Eco Friendly
Mistake #5 -Paying Insufficient Attention To Penetrations and Pipes
The joints between the penetrations and pipes, along with the floor slab, are often the weakest, and water will usually leak through these joints. That’s why pipe penetration needs to have an extra layer of protection installed. The waterproofing membrane applied should adhere to the pipes and their surrounding area, where it is prepared with quality joint sealing systems.
Mistake #6 – Assuming That Tile Grouts and Tiles Are Waterproof
Contrary to what many people assume, the grouts and tiles aren’t waterproof, regardless of how they may appear. Some homeowners come to us stating that re-grouting the tile gaps will help solve their problem, which can’t be further from reality. Tile grouts in South Africa are cementitious and thus not waterproof. However, even epoxy grouts aren’t moisture, vapour and waterproof.
Mistake #7 – Not Priming The Surface To Save Money
South Africans have garnered a reputation for doing this type of thing, and it is not a good practice. Primers need to be applied on the substrates and surfaces before waterproofing is applied. The primer helps create an adhesive substrate and helps with bonding between the membrane and substrate. If you don’t prime the surface, the waterproofing membrane will not bond well and thus peel off. Make sure you are priming, especially if it is a newly constructed substrate.
Mistake #8 – Not Conducting A So-called Flood Test
After installing a waterproofing system, it is essential to carry out a ponding test before doing any other work. This will help to ensure that the waterproofing system is correctly installed and that there is no leak. If problems are spotted, like leaks, then rectification work should be carried out right away.
Final Word
A well-designed roof waterproofing system will last you almost a lifetime. However, the emphasis should be on quality and being careful when maintaining it. All South Africans are advised to avoid the above-mentioned waterproofing mistakes to save a bundle of cash on repairs and re-installation.