Construction & Contractors Blog
Waterproofing a building during construction is a critical consideration in Australia to ensure the longevity and protection of a structure from water damage. With the country's occasionally extreme weather conditions, particularly when heavy rainfall and floods occur, it is essential to explore various options for waterproofing during construction. Retro-fitting waterproof materials after the building phase has been completed is often more costly and would only usually happen after significant water damage had already occurred. What are the main options for keeping permanent structures free from unwanted water ingress? Read on to find out.
Solid Membranes
One popular option for waterproofing a building during construction is the use of waterproof membranes. These membranes are typically made of materials such as bitumen, PVC or EPDM. They create a barrier that prevents water from seeping into the structure and, even better, they are typically unrolled onto flat roofs for a simple installation process. Sheet membranes — made of rubber, plastic or modified bitumen — are also commonly used in areas where heavy rainfall is frequent due to their easy installation and low maintenance requirements. Another option is concrete admixtures, which can improve the concrete's resistance to water penetration by filling voids.
Liquid Membranes
Liquid-applied membranes are another popular option, particularly for flat roofs, balconies and concrete surfaces. These membranes provide excellent adhesion, flexibility and UV resistance, too. This means that they are good for all sorts of weatherproofing, not just for dealing with rainfall.
Green Roofs
Green roofing is a more environmentally friendly option that is increasingly popular in some parts of the country. These roofs are covered with vegetation that absorbs rainwater and slowly releases it over time, thereby reducing the impact of heavy rainfall on a building while also providing insulation and improving air quality. However, they require more maintenance and may not be suitable for all building types since they tend to weigh more than other options.
Tiled Roofs
Traditional tiled roofs have been a popular choice for waterproofing buildings for a long time in Australia. Tiled roofs offer numerous benefits for waterproofing a building, including their durability and resistance to weather damage. They can withstand heavy rain, wind, and hail, ensuring that water doesn't seep through the roof and damage the structure. Additionally, tiled roofs are low maintenance, fire-resistant and energy-efficient, making them a cost-effective and sustainable option. When a building is being constructed, the skills needed to produce a tiled roof are readily available, so this also helps to keep their cost down.
Contact a waterproofing company to learn more.
Share20 April 2023
Welcome to my blog, my name is Blake and from now on, I will be writing a series of blogs which will deal with the process of finding and working with contractors when constructing a new building. I am not a construction specialist but last summer I gained a lot of experience in this area when I hired a team of 32 contractors to build a holiday home. When hiring contractors, it is important that you understand how to communicate with them and their ways of working. Below are a series of blogs which will help you to find the best contractors.