Unfortunately waterproofing quality products, correct systems & methodology are overlooked in the planning stage of a construction, and very often is a last minute decision.
A common statement from with the insurance industry: waterproofing is approx 2% of construction costs however water defects account for up to 80% of insurance claims.
If it has a balcony, it will leak
This unfortunate statement above, is taken from an article by
Waterproofing defects and failures, including internal water damage and water entering from the exterior of a building, are the top source of building defects facing Australia's construction landscape today.
Water defects from ineffective waterproofing represent a huge cost to business and property owners.
Managing water leaks due to membrane failure, can create many issues long after construction is complete.
Damage brought on by water leaks can be extensive and also structural, which may then lead onto lengthy legal battles for rectification costs.
Waterproofing Membranes
Waterproofing can become a major problem for construction companies, developers, owners and property managers if it is not completed as it should be.
Acknowledging that waterproofing represents only a minor part of an overall building project, however it is critical to use a qualified waterproofing contractor together with the correct waterproofing system and products.
Serious damage can be caused by water leaks, both structurally and aesthetically.
A high-profile tragedy in California USA June 16, 2015, unfortunately highlighted the importance of waterproofing. Five Irish students and one Irish American died following the collapse of a balcony on the fifth floor where they were standing.
An often-quoted statistic in the waterproofing and insurance industry is: "waterproofing is 1.8% of construction cost but represent 83% of building defect complaints".
Water Leaks - Waterproofing Defects
A growing problem in Australia is lowering of standards, quality and taking shortcuts because of the pressures of boom construction times.
Waterproofing defects and failures, including internal water damage and water entering from the exterior of a building, are the top source of building defects facing Australia's construction landscape today.
Defects from ineffective waterproofing represent a huge cost to property owners and the construction industry.
Many waterproofing decisions are made based purely on price, and this leads to using cheap labour and unlicensed trades who use inferior products.
In many Australian states, waterproofing is unregistered and unlicensed.
Building Services Australia
Reputation Is For Providing “Can-Do” Approach To Complex & Challenging Remedial Projects.
This unregulated landscape has led many builders/developers/owners making the fatal mistake of not hiring professional certified waterproofers; instead handing the task to a contractor who claims to be a waterproofer thus resulting in a project that is not waterproofed to Australian standards.
The tell-tale source of waterproofing damage and defects across building and construction sites are many and varied, including:
Expert Waterproofing & Building Company
When planning the construction of a site, waterproofing services are commonly overlooked in the planning and construction phase.
Waterproofing failure is often fuelled by an inadequate understanding of the issue, inappropriate waterproofing membrane product selection, or a lack of installation expertise to obtain the job.
Failure of remedial works is often a resulted of incorrect diagnosis from an inexperienced contractor. In these cases, waterproofing repairs may fail to fix the source of the problem..
Waterproofing Failures - Cost Cutting
Cost-cutting on waterproofing in the building process is short sighted.
Consequences of failed waterproofing can be disastrous. Water leaks and the extensive damage may cause lengthy legal battles, expensive and extensive remediation works.
There are many installation techniques that are necessary to the long-term performance of a waterproofing system that can be overlooked in a cost-cutting procedure.
Waterproofing Contractors may cut costs by omitting recommended primers, or by selecting inadequate and inferior waterproofing membrane products.
There are many installation techniques that are necessary to the long-term performance of a waterproofing system that can be overlooked in a cost-cutting procedure.
Skimping on money in the build phase will inevitably result in costing you more as quick fixes accumulate in time, versus one high-quality waterproofing repair done right the first-time around.
Membrane Flexibility
Building settlement, building movement or inadequate amount (or lack of) expansion joints can cause the waterproofing membrane to loosen or tear from the substrate.
This may be exacerbated by selection of an inappropriate membrane, like one that has inadequate elongation properties.
How long does waterproofing last
Product marketing may say otherwise, a waterproofing membrane unfortunately does not offer a permanent life-long solution against water damage.
With time, a membrane's effectiveness will decrease and knowing when to re-apply or install completely new membrane, is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of a building..
As the national waterproofing industry association, the AIW are enthusiastic supporters of all forms of training to all sectors of the building industry
Waterproofing Short Courses
In addition to formal qualifications, it is necessary to educate other stakeholders on regulatory requirements.
AIW have currently developed several courses, prioritizing Australian Standards Compliance, Inspections, Material Compatibility and Membrane Selection, and Best Practice Applications.
Over the last year the Australian Institute of Waterproofing (AIW), collaborated with the Master Builders Victoria (MBAV), to design and have a scheduled short course: "Waterproofing in Construction."
This course is based upon a practical common-sense approach to utilize the Australian Standards available and apply the everyday practicable mentality to waterproofing.
Waterproofing Industry Seminars
Members of the AIW Committee are regular speakers at industry functions and associations covering waterproofing topics and answering questions, concentrating on BCA and Australian Standards compliance.
The AIW have presented numerous seminars for the ADEB (Architects Designers Engineers Builders).
AIW Committee members can also provide in-house information sessions for architects, builders, building surveyors, designers and developers on request.
If your company is interested to book an in-house training session on waterproofing, phone the AIW for further information: Ph:1300 249 466
Building Services Australia
Reputation Is For Providing “Can-Do” Approach To Complex & Challenging Remedial Projects.
To always represent the best interests of our members.
To promote relevant Australian Standards and inform members of significant changes.
To provide up-to-date 'best practice' waterproofing application assistance to members via electronic media.
To provide members with 'continuous learning' of construction and waterproofing via Stakeholder formal training, member sponsored downloadable modules and short courses.
Lobby Authorities and governments to promote waterproofing industry changes, plus lift AIW industry profile awareness.
Participate and hold activities in stakeholder functions to promote membership.
Support the education of the construction industry with the goal of obtaining defect free waterproofing.
