Building waterproofing is, unfortunately, an overlooked aspect of building construction and maintenance. Part of the reason for this is that its importance is often only appreciated in retrospect, once the water damage has reared its ugly (and costly) head.
Nevertheless, protecting your property comprehensively requires reliable, long lasting and effective building waterproofing. Poor waterproofing can – and most likely will – lead to far bigger costs and headaches down the line.
In this blog we will help you understand what the difference between good and bad waterproofing is and help you avoid making the wrong decision when it comes to protecting your valuable assets.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Building Waterproofing
Unsightly stains are the most recognisable sign of water damage. However, the potential costs of bad building waterproofing go far beyond the mere aesthetic and superficial.
There are a number of hidden costs that you should be aware of.
1. Structural Damage
Water ingress can cause further damage, for example concrete cancer, steel reinforcement corrosion or general building material deterioration. This sort of structural damage can threaten the building’s integrity and require extensive remedial solutions to keep the building safe.
2. Mould Growth
Persistent dampness fosters health issues in the form of mould growth. Over time, exposure to mould can pose health risks to occupants and tenants. The longer mould growth is left for the more difficult and costly it is to remove.
3. Decreased Value
Water damage can reduce the market value of your building and cost you money whether you are looking for a potential buyer or tenant.
4. Unusable Spaces
Severe water damage can even render sections of your building unusable. This can disrupt businesses or displace residents, neither of which is ideal, and mean that significant repair work is required.
5. Insurance Complication
Insurers have been known to deny claims related to water damage if poor waterproofing was identified as the cause. Along with the increased repair costs, this could mean you are even more out of pocket than you normally may be.
6. Regulatory Compliance (Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020)
The Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBP Act) outlines the regulatory requirements for all waterproofing work on buildings classified as Class 2, i.e., multi-unit residential apartments.
In short, it states that all regulated designs – which includes waterproofing – must be prepared and certified by a qualified Class 2 Design Practitioner to make sure that it meets the current standards, ensures the building’s safety and maintains its integrity. What is important to note, however, is that even remedial building work that is considered ‘exempt development’, the waterproofing component will remain subject to this DBP Act’s regulation.
Without professional, certified registered drawings and design compliance declarations prior to waterproofing work commencing, your building could be the subject of scrutiny during audits or inspections. Without the right oversight from industry-recognised experts, your waterproofing could fail regulatory requirements and expose you and your asset to significant liability.
For more information regarding the DBP Act, get in touch with our team or visit our webpage today.
What is the Difference Between Good and Bad Waterproofing?
At the end of the day, the difference between good and bad waterproofing is simple: Is your building sufficiently protected against water, rain and moisture?
As the premier waterproofing service provider in Sydney, the BIM Remedial team have seen our fair share of water damage. Good waterproofing uses high-quality materials, correct techniques for application and a thorough, expert understanding of a building’s needs.
Preparation
Your building needs to be prepared before waterproofing can be applied. If your chosen remedial builder does not properly prepare and clean the surface of your property before application, the membranes and sealants may not adhere correctly.
Techniques
While it may sound simple enough to apply the waterproofing system to the specified area, the reality is that simple technique mistakes can be costly. For example, waterproofing membranes need to be applied differently depending on whether the surface is an interior or exterior application.
Investigation
Good waterproofing service providers pay attention to more than just the immediate job at hand. Looking actively for areas where water ingress is most likely, such as bathrooms, balconies and foundations, can ensure far more effective waterproofing.
Maintenance
Waterproofing is rarely a one and done job. Regular inspections and ongoing maintenance to identify and address minor issues can ensure that the problem doesn’t get out of hand or risk breaking the bank.
Signs of Bad Waterproofing
On the other hand, bad waterproofing could be the result of any or all of the following.
- Subpar Workmanship – whether its skipping surface preparation or incorrect application of primer
- Bad Quality Material – substandard or incorrect materials will undermine the waterproofing
- Incorrect Application – critical areas prone to water ingress often require meticulous membrane application
- Lack of maintenance – neglecting ongoing maintenance and thereby ignoring warning signs of water damage can lead to big problems down the line.
Ultimately, proactive, quality and effective waterproofing comes down to the right materials, techniques and service. Bad waterproofing might seem like it expedites the service and saves money, but it is likely to cost a lot more in time, effort and money in the future.
How to Avoid Poor Building Waterproofing
To protect your property and investment here are our best tips for ensuring high quality building waterproofing:
1. Address Issues Promptly
If you, or your property inspector, notices any sign of potential water damage it is critical that you do not delay repair work. The quicker you action the remedial services the more contained the damage and lower the repair costs. It is also easier to apply good waterproofing materials moving forward.
2. Regularly Inspect
Bad waterproofing becomes worse if not caught early. Routine property checks can help identify early signs of water ingress and ensure that minor issues caused by inadequate waterproofing services can be attended to by high quality services.
3. No Shortcuts
When waterproofing, it is important not to take any shortcuts. Surfaces must be clean and dry, then primed, before waterproofing products are applied. Plus the right method for interior or exterior applications need to be used, respectively.
Lastly, quality materials matter. It is worth investing in high-quality and durable products that are suited for the specific application and environment in question.
4. Critical Areas Require Attention
Some areas of your building, such as bathrooms, balconies and basements, are all more susceptible to water damage and ingress. If your waterproofing provider is not taking this into account, it may be a sign of substandard services.
5. Hire Qualified Professionals
At the end of the day, waterproofing is a service best left to the experts. We recommend always engaging with experienced remedial building specialists with a reputation for high quality waterproofing services. The team here at BIM Remedial, for example, understand the local building types, climate and various regulatory considerations that go into waterproofing in Sydney.
Contact the BIM Remedial Sydney for Reliable Waterproofing Today
BIM Remedial provides waterproofing services throughout the Sydney region. We combine expert industry knowledge with local familiarity to ensure a comprehensive service complete with high-quality materials and reliable techniques. At the end of the day, it’s about delivering a long-term, durable and effective solution for you and your building.
So, whether you need internal or external waterproofing, we’re here to make sure your roof, basement, bathroom, kitchen, balcony, window or even your building’s foundation are well protected from the hidden (or not so hidden) costs of water damage.
Need some building waterproofing services? Contact us today for a custom, no-obligation quote.
