Waterproofing Membranes Melbourne from F.E.W Waterproofing

Water Leaks A NIGHTMARE

The Decade of Drought is over - are your projects watertight?

Over the last 10 years most waterproofing membranes have never really been tested due to lack of water. Now after consistent rains, unfortunately there are many membranes installed over the last decade that are simply not doing their job.

Issues such as incorrect choice of membrane or sloppy installation may have managed to get by previously with little rain. Until now......

Balconies are leaking all over Melbourne!

Classic signs of membrane failure - the adhesive and possibly the membrane are re-emulsifying and leeching up through the joints of tiles. This is caused by insufficient falls/ incorrect membrane which are not designed for ponding (standing) water.

This balcony requires tiles and membrane to be removed and re-installation of a new membrane. If falls cannot be made greater (new screed) then the new membrane, such as Liquid Rubber, needs to able to "HOLD" water and re-tiled.

The damage to the structures below is often extensive due to slow water ingress causing rotting timber structures and rusting of steel components. With recent heavy rain many balconies are just not waterproof. Water damage is happening all over Melbourne as we are seeing this the time.

Entire balcony requires membrane replacement

Another balcony with membrane failure. This entire balcony had the surface removed and a new Liquid Rubber waterproof membrane re-installed after water leak in the rooms below caused the tenants great inconvenience and damage.

Some simple tips to implement to help avoid water egress on projects.

The flow of water on any job is something that requires planning and proper management.

All too often we see this component regarded as the "she'll be right mate" attitude. Although we all admire our laconic attitude, we do need to be more diligent in planning ahead when it comes to site water management.

Design and plan the right method of water removal.

Ensure surfaces that require waterproofing are made and kept in good condition, this minimises the work and cost required to "make them right" for coatings.

Concentrate on the most vulnerable places of water ingress. One of the most common causes of water leaks is at the base of below ground walls where wall meets footing or edge beam.

There are a number of inexpensive and simple install methods to minimise this problem.

The external coatings should not have any location at all for water can sneak in.

We see many below ground walls covered with a membrane that simply finishes at the bottom of the wall and leaves the vulnerable joint at the base exposed to water ingress.

Liquid Rubber combats this as it is applied over the top of footing, over the junction and up the walls in one "seamless" membrane.

As it is spray applied, it gets into tiny holes and cracks that often don't get filled with conventional roll out types of membranes.

Of course the best way to avoid these nightmares is for your Waterproofing to be installed correctly the First Time.

F.E.W Waterproofing has three decades of
CONSTRUCTION & WATERPROOFING experience.

We "Think like a Builder" and approach the problem and prevention of water egress from a structural point of view.

The F.E.W Waterproofing Team provide professional services.

• Directly employed, fully certified waterproof technicians - no subcontract labour
• OH&S Compliant - Red Card, Elevated Platform, Confined Spaces certificates
• 10 yr Guarantees, warranties and insurances
• Professional member AIW & MBAV