Waterproofing plays a major role within new buildings.  In this article we highlight the KEYS to keeping your reputation as a quality builder intact.

Low cost investment protects reputation and prevents high repair bills

The cost to waterproof new builds is typically in the range of 1-2% of the total build cost yet they attribute to 80% of building defects.  Waterproofing failure costs can be up to three times the original cost of the project that depends on the extent of the damage that has occurred over time.  Building defects can be time consuming and mentally and emotionally draining for the consumer and the builder.  Protect your reputation and operate effectively be sure to invest in the best waterproofing system, installed by professional licensed experts.

Right membrane for right job type

There are many different types of membranes available to the building industry; internal, external, below ground, trafficable, slip resistant, etc.  Using the correct membrane/system that is fit for purpose on different types of jobs is imperative.  Defects in waterproofing are often traced back to tradespersons not complying with the manufacturers specifications or trying to use a product or systems to perform a specific task that it has not been designed for.  Wet-seal are Branz approved and manufacture quality waterproofing systems designed to exceed the specifications laid out in the New Zealand Building Code for waterproofing.

Gaining the best results as a Builder:

When it comes to waterproofing, the best results come when the builder ensures the job meets the building code requirements, manufacturers and design requirements.  Quality waterproofing practitioners can ensure that the waterproofing is installed the right way every time and is up to date with the different internal and external waterproofing standards.

These include: New Zealand Building Code.

What to look out for

• Is competent and has excellent knowledge of basic building requirements (e.g. type of substrate, moisture readings, preparation, falls, waterproofing height requirements and drainage).
• Is focused on waterproofing and totally understands the product/systems they are using.
• Considers the ongoing tradespeople, leaving the job neat is a must to ensure the waterproofing installation is done right the first time.
• Provides an insurance backed warranty and has strong corporate backing to ensure assistance is forthcoming at crunch time.

Wet-seal franchisee’s meet these requirements & are fully trained and experienced in the correct installation of waterproofing membranes to protect the build and the builder.

For any other advice of a technical nature, including system specifications, Wet-seal’s highly experienced technical team will be happy to take your call.  Wet-seal’s Technical Team can be contacted on 0800 436 000 or via email at technical@wet-seal.ws

Alternatively, please speak with your local Franchisee directly.  Details of how to contact your local Franchisee can be found at Find A Franchisee

The measure of performance of a waterproofing system is associated with assessing the key functions of waterproofing itself.  By definition, a “waterproofing system” is a combination of elements that are required to achieve a waterproof barrier.  The term “Waterproof” is defined as the property of a material that does not allow moisture to penetrate through it.

Given that the existing provisions require the area outside of a shower to be complete with a Type 5 Perimeter flashing, the room itself, in conjunction with the completion of waterproofing in a shower and bath etc, provides a wet area with a barrier that does not allow water or moisture to penetrate into adjacent rooms and building elements.  This level of performance is key in the success of preventative damage due to moisture movement in wet areas.

Moisture escaping a shower enclosure is the number one cause of moisture related issues in wet areas within the building industry.  The volume of water used when showering, the frequency with which a shower enclosure is used and the inability for shower enclosure screeded beds to subsequently “dry out”, all contributes to moisture escaping the enclosure itself.

The most common causes of moisture escaping shower enclosures is not due to the failure of waterproofing, but rather issues relating to shower screen positioning, shower screen maintenance, failure of sealants and tiling related issues.  More specifically, common causes include:

• Shower screen not adequately sealed after installation.
• Shower screen sealing worn away due to regular cleaning, and sealant not maintained.
• Shower screen incorrect positioned on shower hobs.
• Water escaping between top of waterproofing membrane and bottom of tile on top of hobs.
• Water escaping below a shower screen frame, and over the top of water stop angles due to minimum 5mm protrusion not compliant (AS3740-2010 Figure 3.6).
• Water easily escaping from frameless shower doorway opening due to lack of water deflection devices directing water back in towards centre of shower (water stop flush with top of tiles at shower door opening location).
• Water migration behind wall tiles and over shower water stop.

It is not uncommon for moisture to escape a shower enclosure, particularly given that there are multiple trades involved in the construction phase that all work together to ensure that the shower enclosure itself is built as waterproof as can possibly be achieved.  Unfortunately, however due factors outside of the control of building regulations, the escape of moisture and water from a shower enclosure is a common occurrence.

For any other advice of a technical nature, including system specifications, Wet-seal’s highly experienced technical team will be happy to take your call.  Wet-seal’s Technical Team can be contacted on 1800 025 081 or via email at technical@wet-seal.ws

Alternatively, please speak with your local Franchisee directly.  Details of how to contact your local Franchisee can be found at Find A Franchisee