Water Proofing

Waterproofing

• In building construction, waterproofing is a fundamental aspect of creating a building envelope, which is a controlled environment.
• The roof covering materials, siding, foundations, and all of the various penetrations through these surfaces need to be water-resistant and sometimes waterproof.
• Roofing materials are generally designed to be water-resistant and shed water from a sloping roof, but in some conditions the roofing must be waterproof.

Many types of waterproof membrane systems are available.

Water Repellents

Keeping water from seeping into building materials is an important aspect of construction or building repair. One of the ways this can be accomplished is through the use of water repellents applied on the surface of the structure. Once the structure is coated with water repellent, it is able to resist absorbing water. Many times the product is used on concrete, concrete masonry, and plaster.

In general, water repellent should be the last substance applied to a structure, though there are exceptions. The amount of time that a structure should cure before the application of the repellent varies depending on what the structure is made out of. When applied to concrete masonry, the finished masonry should cure for 60 days in normal weather before the repellent is applied. Similarly, all repair and construction work, including crack repair and pointing, should be finished on plaster and concrete should cure for 30 days in normal weather before repellent is applied.

Foundations

The foundation is the backbone of any building. This is why it is so important to keep water away from the foundation, and make sure it doesn't leak. Waterproofing membranes are one way to keep your building's foundations nice and dry. The proper application and installation of the membrane to the foundation walls will keep water from penetrating the structure and will allow the foundation to function properly for a long time.

We at Damp Guru believe in prevention rather than cure, ironically sadly 90% of our work tends to be the latter.

What are you waiting for? Call us today to address the root cause of any ground water problems that have made their way to your foundations.

Underground Areas and Surfaces

Basements, underground storage areas, and underground parking garages all have something in common. They are all susceptible to water intrusion. These below grade structures need special consideration when thinking about waterproofing because they are in contact with soil and the water the soil may contain. Water content in the soil can also vary depending on the height of the water table and the weather. However, there are ways to deal with such a unique challenge.

When designing and building, it is important to think about what the structure is going to be used for and to properly integrate the appropriate waterproofing system. Substances such as liquid applied membranes and sheet membranes can be used to waterproof different types of underground structures.

It is also important to think about how various pipes and wires that travel through an underground wall will affect waterproofing. These areas need to be sealed in such a way that water will not be able to find an opening and seep into the walls and structures. Engineers use various techniques to make sure that any below grade structure is kept dry and functional, leaving a structure that everyone will be able to use and enjoy for a long, long time.

Crack Repair

Many big problems that are expensive to repair start out as little issues that could have been relatively easy to fix. This same principal can be applied to buildings: fixing a small problem can prevent a larger, more expensive problem from occurring. For instance, the timely repair of a small leak can prevent severe water damage. Regular maintenance on joint sealants can help keep water and other unwanted elements out of the joint. And crack repair can prevent a bigger problem with your building.

A crack can be a minor but important problem to repair. Water can seep into the crack and cause beams to rot or other types of water damage. Many times, these cracks can be filled with caulking or other appropriate fillers to keep it from opening more and to prevent water from seeping in. Should the cracks be left unchecked it could grow into a major hole. Cracks in the foundation, walls, or other structures may also indicate another more pressing problem. Therefore, it may be a good idea to find a professional who will be able to tell you if the crack is a problem or not, who can find out what is causing the crack, and who can offer appropriate solutions to fix it.

Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is designed to keep earth away from a certain area. Many different forces are working upon retaining walls at any given moment. The weight of the wall itself, pressure from the earth, hydrostatic pressure, seepage, and, if it is a foundation wall, the load of a building are all forces that the wall must withstand if it is to do its work.

Retaining walls can be made of many materials, including cast-in-place concrete and masonry, and may need to be waterproofed to ensure a long and functional life. Waterproofing such a structure, especially if the wall is a part of a foundation, is an important aspect that needs to be considered before there is water damage.

One of the most effective methods is just to keep water away from the structure in the first place. This can be done by including a draining system to relieve hydrostatic pressure that can be exerted on the wall.

Call us today so we can schedule an appointment with you to discuss all your options. Allow us to consult you on what's available in the market place and give you peace of mind.

Negative Side of a Wall (Inside)

Many waterproofing methods have been developed to address the task of keeping moisture out out of a building's structure. However, many of these methods are designed to be placed on the side of the structure that is actually exposed to water, which is usually on the exterior. In cases where the structure to be waterproofed is underground, this can be a problem. Waterproofing on the negative side can provide one solution to this problem.

Waterproofing on the negative side of a building means that the waterproofing system is placed on the side of a structure where water does not contact it. In the case of a building, this is usually the interior wall. The advantage to this is that repairs are easier to access than if the waterproofing was on the positive side.

Compared to positive side waterproofing, the choices for negative side waterproofing are limited. Usually, the only option available is a cementitious system in conjunction with chemical injection.

Wall Flashing Repair Painting Prep Work

Water is an important element to all life, but it is also something that buildings can often do without. In the wrong places, it can deteriorate building materials, cause mould, mildew, and rot, and weaken structural materials. All of that can be expensive to repair. This is the reason why so many products are devoted to keeping water out of places it doesn't belong. Wall flashings are one such material and are designed to redirect water away from a building and help prevent it from getting to where it is not wanted. This is why it is important to have proper wall flashing repair work done when the flashings fail.

In order to keep wall flashings working as they should and to keep water out of places it shouldn't be, repair on damaged flashings should be done promptly and efficiently. It is also important to keep up maintenance on the flashings to keep them working for as long as possible.

Should the flashing on a wall need repair, Damp Guru should be called out to examine it so we can offer solutions for its repair.

Expansion Joint Repair

Buildings in KZN can be made from a variety of materials in our experience we have noted that expansion joints are used in a variety of applications to accommodate for those materials' movement. Clay masonry, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, and Stone are all examples of substances that may need expansion joints when used in construction.

Without these joints, various types and amounts of damage could occur. For instance, Clay Masonry will expand when it is exposed to water. If this is not accounted for by the use of expansion joints, spalling, displacement, and other damage could arise.

When a building is constructed, expansion joints should be built into key areas. For instance, in Clay Masonry, the joints are placed at corners, at predetermined intervals, and at other such areas. As with most joints, sealants may be needed to keep moisture and other elements out of the joint. Should moisture seep into such areas, it could result in damaging effects. Thus, maintenance of the joints is essential. An important aspect of maintenance is to replace the sealant at regular time periods (this is where we come into the picture).

If any damage occurs because the expansion joint or its sealant has failed, a professional should be called to take care of it " Damp Guru" - We ensure that buildings remain strong and sound.

Planter Boxes / Flower Boxes Above Ground

Although the added beauty of planters can significantly improve the aesthetics and general ambiance of any dwelling or work place, the potential damage they can cause if not properly waterproofed, especially those over living areas, is horrendous. Planter leaks are often responsible for the delamination of surroundings.