26 May Best time to refurbish rooftop waterproof membranes
When the weather is dry, it is a great opportunity to carry out remedial waterproofing on concrete rooftops and be prepared for the next wet season.
Have you checked your rooftop waterproof membrane for signs of deterioration?
The best time to refurbish defective rooftop waterproof membranes is during dry weather conditions, which usually coincide with the year’s cooler months. To ensure that a liquid rooftop waterproofing system performs as intended, the substrate must be dry for the membrane to adhere properly and provide an effective waterproof barrier.
Installing a liquid waterproof membrane system during periods of high humidity and wet weather can significantly impair the membrane’s performance. To ensure optimal results, it is important to avoid installing the system when it has recently rained, is currently raining, or when rainfall is expected soon. If the surface is already wet, moisture can get trapped between the membrane system and the substrate, leading to issues like bubbling, blistering, or even complete membrane failure. To prevent such problems, waiting for drier conditions before proceeding with the installation is best.
When removing the existing, failed waterproof membrane, the substrate may be saturated with moisture from previous rainfall(s). This means that the area needs to be left to aerate before moving on to the next step.
Design, installation, and maintenance – the keys to reducing waterproofing failures.
The rate of waterproofing failures and remedial costs can be significantly reduced by implementing the correct system through good design, installation techniques, and maintenance procedures. In addition, the proper waterproofing system maintains the building’s intended design life.
There are several reasons why concrete rooftop waterproof membranes may fail. Here are some commonly observed reasons for their deterioration:
- Insufficient substrate preparation.
- Incorrect product specification – A waterproof system that is not fit for the purpose and/or the environment the rooftop is exposed to. Rooftop environments can subject liquid waterproof membranes to various stresses, such as thermal expansion and contraction, UV radiation, extreme temperature variations, and mechanical damage. If the membrane is not designed or selected to withstand these environmental factors, it can deteriorate over time and fail to provide effective waterproofing.
- Failure to prime the respective parts and surfaces before the application of the membrane.
- Seam failure and other installation errors such as adhesion failure between the primer and the membrane.
- Insufficient Thickness: Liquid waterproof membranes need to be applied at the recommended thickness to provide effective waterproofing. If the membrane is applied too thinly, it may not be able to withstand the stresses and strains that the rooftop is subjected to, leading to premature failure.
- Inadequate Maintenance – Like any other roofing system, liquid waterproof membranes require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity. Failure to perform routine inspections, address repairs promptly, or maintain proper drainage can lead to the deterioration of the membrane and subsequent failure.
Minimising water damage from water ingress is key to protecting the building’s lifespan and preserving its value. Inspecting rooftops regularly is critical because if you discover any early-onset defects in the waterproof membrane or any other entry points for water, you can remedy the defects before they become a bigger problem. Conversely, a seemingly minor issue may become a big problem if left untreated or incorrectly repaired.
Cracks and voids can form in concrete due to thermal expansion, contraction, concrete shrinkage and building movement, so water will likely seep through these voids if there are any breaches in the waterproof membrane.
Roofs are constantly exposed to direct sunlight and rain, making them vulnerable to tremendous environmental stresses that can affect their physical properties and performance. Therefore, selecting the correct waterproofing system is imperative to keeping the roof water-tight to ensure structural integrity and protect the homes and assets of the residents.
The proper design of falls is an essential consideration in the overall drainage of a flat roof. Falls create flow paths to direct the rainwater away from the roof to suitable discharge points. To be effective, it is essential to clear surface water as rapidly as possible from the flat roof to avoid ponding or stagnation of water on the roof itself.
The key to successful remedial waterproofing is thorough surface preparation and vigilant detailing of all penetrations and junctions, married up with high-quality materials.
If you have any issues with water ingress, rooftop leaks, leaking balcony, cracking concrete slabs, structural cracks, concrete deterioration, deteriorated joints, moisture, seepage, efflorescence, rising damp and/or high-flow active leaks in concrete structures, we would be happy to assist you. You are welcome to contact us with any questions that you may have.
Brisbane office: (07) 3205 1899
Email: [email protected]
Sydney office: (02) 9346 8308
Email: [email protected]
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Good maintenance begins with a proactive approach to maintain, keep, preserve and protect a building.
Remember that seepage/water ingress into areas such as balconies, basements, concrete roofs, car parks and retaining walls, should not be ignored – call a remedial waterproofing professional today for an assessment to provide you with the best solution for your situation.
At Waterstop Solutions, we carry out a wide range of remedial works to concrete structures post-construction stage in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney and outlying areas in Queensland and New South Wales.
Equipped with major civil works experience, we can quickly determine the best approach to rectify all seepage and concrete deterioration issues.
It takes licenced remedial waterproofer and leak sealing experts like us at Waterstop Solutions to ensure that the pathways for water to ingress are properly sealed off. A depth of technical knowledge and experience, along with a proud reputation for integrity and reliability, has made Waterstop Solutions the go-to company for many Defect Managers working for major construction companies across Queensland and New South Wales.
We at Waterstop Solutions have the technical and practical expertise to diagnose the source of the leak and will provide you with our recommended solution to achieving an effective, high-quality, long-lasting repair to stop the water ingress with minimal disruption
We believe in and are committed to always delivering high-quality solutions by utilising the right products and techniques for each specific project combined with our industry-leading know-how on tap. We have a large talent pool of specialist leak sealing and concrete repair technicians with Certificate III in construction waterproofing in Queensland and New South Wales that are extensively trained in our systems and project execution methods.
The leadership positions on every Waterstop Solutions project are operated by highly qualified, certified and experienced industry professionals. Our in-house skills and expertise gained from more than 60 years of industry experience provide a full range of high-quality remedial waterproofing and concrete repair works to commercial buildings, civil infrastructures, industrial sites and residential properties. From waterproofing diagnostics, preventative and remediation solutions – All of our waterproofing solutions are quality guaranteed.