Owners of commercial buildings who lease out their property to other
businesses have a responsibility to ensure that it is correctly waterproofed. Statistics
indicate that waterproofing accounts for just 1% of a building’s costs, yet
water leaks and the resultant damage can account for 80% of all building
defects.
This article provides some useful tips on why waterproofing is necessary
for buildings, how to select the right waterproofing agencies, and product
options available in the market for best results.
Why you need waterproofing for
your commercial premises:
Preventing loss of rent
Buildings with water leakage and seepage problems can soon become uninhabitable.
To avoid loss of rental income in the future, owners should have their
properties waterproofed properly from the start.
Building safety
Water leaks are dangerous, especially when electrical wiring is exposed
to water leaking through the structure due to insufficient waterproofing. Such
situations can lead to fire or electrocution, making the building owner liable
for any damage or injury suffered by the tenants.
Structural stability
Water leaks caused by inadequate waterproofing can cause timber to rot, metal
to rust and lead to a form of degradation known as concrete cancer. A building
that is structurally unsound due to the long-term effects of water damage can
be a major disaster waiting to happen.
Keeping it healthy
Mould and mildew caused by water penetration can trigger allergic
reactions and respiratory problems in the building’s occupants, leading to
long-term illness. Bacteria can also thrive in damp areas, and could result in
the building being labelled ‘sick’, making it difficult to lease.
Hygiene
Damp buildings create a suitable environment for termites, cockroaches,
rats, mice and other pests, not only posing a health risk for occupants but also
creating an ongoing and unnecessary expense for the owner on pest control and
extermination services.
Who should you contact?
There are numerous waterproofing contractors in Australia. Key
considerations for selecting the right service provider include verifying whether
they are fully licensed and insured, so that the customer will be protected in
the event of a problem; checking that the waterproofing products they use meet
and/or exceed Australian Standards; confirming the timeframe in which the job
will be completed; and ensuring they offer a substantial warranty on their
products and workmanship.
What is the best product?
A membrane is the most reliable and durable solution for waterproofing a
commercial building. Wolfin’s waterproofing membranes, for instance, are UV
stable; can be applied to most substrates including concrete, timber, steel and
masonry; can be recycled; and come with superior profile terminations, preventing
water from entering behind the membrane once installed.
Wolfin waterproofing products are available in Australia from Projex Group .
