Crack repairs are more common than most people think. We inspect and repair cracks on a weekly basis.

Cracks can play a key role in leaks experienced in roof slabs, balconies and general interior walls.

How Do You Know When A Crack Is Serious?

Identifying which cracks are detrimental to the structural integrity of a building can be tricky. Additionally, there are non-structural and unsightly cracks, but they serve no harm to the working condition of the structure.

Most cracks do not affect the stability or durability of a building. However, they do influence leaks. Allowing us to identify what type of crack you have and how it occurred, will help us determine what repairs are required. Any untreated cracks act as a passageway for water and chemical penetration.

Cracks that are fine (less than 0.3 mm), are acceptable as part of minor settlement.

Cracks that are 0.3 mm wide or greater will become a water ingress issue. Which can lead to concrete or plaster deterioration, affecting its strength and durability.

Successful long-term repair procedures must address the causes of the cracks as well as the cracks themselves. Repairs to concrete structures should be undertaken with the advice of a qualified and licenced professional. Inappropriate repair techniques may result in greater damage later. Repair of mass concrete structures will depend on the crack width, depth, if it is dormant or live (active) and the service conditions of the structure.

If I Do Not Repair The Crack, Will It Get Worse?

The key to successful and long-term crack repair starts by determining the cause and whether the cracks are dormant or active.

Dormant cracks will no longer progress and are stable. Cracks caused by drying, movement or temperature will be considered active cracks. However, sometimes they eventually stabilize and become dormant.

Fine cracks or hairline cracks may become a future durability problem. Therefore, we recommend these be sealed.

Active cracks experience growth. These types of cracks are as a result of continuous foundation movement or they act as contraction and expansion joints.

These cracks must be treated. Treatment for these cracks acts as if they are moving joints. Additionally, this repair must cater for the further potential movement of this particular cracks.

So, to answer your questions – It depends on what crack you have whether or not it will get worse over time.

If you require a crack repair inspection, or you require more information regarding our crack repair solutions, please get in touch with our team at info[at]apexwaterproofing.co.za

Polycarbonate roof sheeting are made up of the strongest plastic material in the world. The sheets are 250 times stronger than glass of the same thickness. Additionally, the materials is incredibly flexible and durable.

Roof Sheeting Replacement

Our professional team at Apex Waterproofing offer polycarbonate roof sheeting replacements and repairs. Besides the above-mentioned benefits of this roof type, polycarb roofs also offer the following advantages:

• No Fading Or Cracking
• Rust Proof (Obviously)
• Environmentally Friendly
• Cost Effective
• Hail Proof
• Highest Fire Rating In The World (Self Extinguishing)
• UV Protected

As a reputable waterproofing and roofing contractor in Johannesburg, you can expect quality roof sheeting replacement from Apex Waterproofing.

Polycarbonate roof sheeting is used in a number of construction applications, such as:

• Green Houses
• Skylights
• Patios And Awnings
• Industrial Roof Lights And Cladding

 

Colour	Light Transmission	Heat Transmission
CLEAR	93%	101%
GREEN	75%	75%
BLUE	75%	75%
BRONZE	75%	75%
DIFFUSER	85%	85%
OPAL	35%	30%

For more information on our polycarbonate roof sheet replacements, please email us at info[at]apexwaterproofing.co.za.

Roof Waterproofing cost can vary from an easy R3,000 to R100,000.00 depending on several factors. So, let’s narrow this down to residential roofs only.

How much can you expect to pay to waterproof your residential roof? We have put together a cost article for you to refer to so you know more or less what to expect to pay for professional roof waterproofing services in Gauteng.

First Things First, What Type Of Roof Do You Have?

The most common residential roof types are tiled roofs, metal roofs and flat (concrete slab) roofs.

Tiled Roofs

General scope of work for tiled roof waterproofing (or roof repairs) normally includes:

1. Caulk loose and missing pointing on roof ridges using latex modified repair mortar.
2. Install specialised waterproofing system to all joints on roof ridges complete with SBP membrane.
3. Replace a maximum of 15 broken tiles as supplied by the waterproofing contractor.
4. Apply 1 coat colour match roof paint to newly waterproofed roof ridges.

This roof waterproofing system can cost between R125 – R230 per meter. Of course this is subject to various factors such as:

• How steep is the tiled roof?
• What general condition is the tiled roof in?
• The larger the roof, the cheaper the cost per meter.
• Are other roof repair services also required? Ie. barge tile replacement, brandering replacement, roofing underlay installation etc
• Do you require roof painting as well?
• Are there any flashing requirements? Ie. replacement, installation, repairs, waterproofing.

 

Metal Roofs

Metal roof waterproofing cost is definitely not as “general” as tiled roofs. Therefore, it is not as easy to provide a cost for repair. A few factors to consider:

• Is stripping involved?
• Are there flashing details that need to be waterproofed, repaired, replaced, installed?
• What condition is the roof in?
• Are there roof screws that need to be replaced or tightened?
• Rust treatment required?
• How large is the roof area?
• What slope does the roof have?
• Roof sheet removal?

Taking all the above into consideration (and the extent of the repairs required) you can work on a cost between R95 and R220 per square meter for metal roof waterproofing.

 

Flat Roofs

General scope of work for new waterproofing on a flat slab is as follows:

1. Prime surfaces prior to installation of new specialised torch on waterproofing membrane by means of torch on heat fusion.
2. Specialised torch on waterproofing membrane to be tucked into outlets, sealed around protrusions and dressed over tops and sides of parapet walls.
3. Turn ups to perimeters to be 100mm in height and counter flashed using waterproofing membrane.
4. Apply 1 coat specialised bitumen aluminium paint to newly installed waterproofing.

Based on the above, the cost of your flat slab roof waterproofing can be between R295 – R480 per m².

This is subject to various factors:

• How large is the roof slab?
• Is there stripping involved?
• How accessible is the roof slab?
• Are there protrusions or obstructions?
• What condition is the roof in?

 

Flat Roof Waterproofing Maintenance Cost

Many waterproofing contractors like to charge clients for new waterproofing systems when in fact, the contractor is only maintaining the current waterproofing.

We urge all home and property owners to be mindful of this. You should not pay more than R105 per square meter for waterproofing MAINTENANCE. Unless the slab area is less than 10m² or if the original waterproofing membrane installed is of poor quality.

We hope this roof waterproofing cost article can give you a general idea of what to expect to pay to have your roof maintained and waterproofed. If you have any questions or queries regarding the rates we have stipulated above, please get in touch with our friendly waterproofing representatives and we will try assist you to the best of our ability.

If you are having water ingress issues with your tiled roof, or if you have damage to your tiled roof, this guide is for you!

Welcome. In this guide you will learn all you need to know about your tiled roof. So let’s dive right in.

So What Is A Tile Roof?

A tile roof is the overlapping of roof tiles which are securely attached to a solid substrate or roof deck on a sloped roof. Tile roofing is a specialized field of roof installation. Therefore, it requires a contractor that is experienced in the various materials and shapes of roofs.

Tile roofs are installed on all kinds of residential and commercial properties. From restaurants, hotels, office parks and churches.

When installed properly – some tile roofs can last 100 years or longer.

Tiled roof repairs are generally straight forward. However, because water can be channeled from all directions on a tiled roof, the water ingress source may be found meters away from where the water ingress is experienced.

This can sometimes make tiled roof repairs complex.

Let’s Get Into The Type Of Roof Tiles

Clay Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles are one of the original types of roofing materials manufactured centuries ago. This roofing tile is one of the oldest roof coverings and is well known for its inherent qualities such as thermal and strength.

Clay offers excellent moldability and while traditional clay tile roofs were naturally orange or red in colour. Today clay roof tiles come in almost any color. Additionally, a variety of shapes!

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete tiles (sometimes referred to as cement roofing tiles) are a popular tile option as well. This roof tile is a mixture of portland cement, sand, water, and various dyes to create colour options.

Concrete tiles are factory-molded into a variety of shapes and textures to mimic other tiles such as wood shake shingles, clay tiles, or slate tiles.

They offer excellent resistance to wind or roof hail damage. However, when comparing clay roof tiles vs concrete roof tiles, it’s important to note that clay tiles last much longer than concrete. Almost double the time in fact.

Slate Roof Tiles

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that has developed a foliation (sheet like layers) due to the pressure imposed upon it. This roof tile is a traditional, natural slate manufactured from rock.

Slate tile roofs are popular due to their natural appearance, durability, and longevity. Additionally, they come in a variety of colours and textures. The colours vary depending on the mineral content. Therefore, their colour can range from black to gray to purple to red to rust.

Due to the popularity of the look of slate tile, many clay or synthetic roof tile manufacturers mimic this tiles shape and texture.

 

Diagram Of Your Roof Tile System

 

1. Back Flashing

Flashings are a thin impervious material used as water shields around protruding objects such as pipes, skylights and chimneys.

2. Roof Ridges

The ridge of the tiled roof is the horizontal length of the roof where the two roof planes meet. This intersection creates the apex of the roof.

3. Valley

Your roof valley is where two roof slopes meet. The channeling water collects in a valley to flow off the roof. Valley installation is critical. If improperly installed, valleys are risks for serious leaks.

4. Eave

Eaves keep rain water off the walls and windows. They also prevent water ingress at the junction where the roof meets the wall.

5. Gutters

The gutter guides rain and storm water off the roof and away from the foundation of your property.

6. Gable

A gable allows for water drainage. This will cause fewer leaks as it eliminates any build-up of water. Therefore, ensuring that your roof remains fully functional for longer.

 

 

Which Part Of Your Tiled Roof Is Most Vulnerable To Damage?

Your tiled roof ridges are more likely to be battered during treacherous weather as they are struck directly by rain, rather than left to channel running water.

This is why roof ridge waterproofing is one of the more common roof tile repairs that waterproofing contractors offer.

 

Your roof ridges are critical to your roof’s overall integrity. These tiles fasten down the roof’s nearest

2 rows of tiles. Therefore, if your ridge tiles are loosened or damaged, it can lead to further tiles being dislodged.

How to Choose a Tile Roof Waterproofing Contractor

Tile roof waterproofing requires an experienced waterproofing contractor. Roof waterproofing projects require indepth knowledge of tile handling, installation practices and product compatibility. These skills are only learned through years of experience.

Look for a tile waterproofing contractor with the following:

• Are They Insured?
• Do They Have Experience Installing Your Type Of Roof Repair Or Waterproofing Project On Multiple Projects?
• What Does Their Business Digital Authority & Online Presence Look Like?
• Are They Offering A Guarantee?

Firstly, an essential thing in every homestead, especially when rainy seasons or winter is approaching, is a quality waterproofed roof. You don’t want to place buckets strategically in your house every time it rains. Or worse, having to fork our tens of thousands to repair damaged structures. Therefore, it’s vital to know everything about roof waterproofing.

A waterproofed roof protects the house from rain damages, and your belongings will be safe despite heavy, ongoing rains. Roof leaks are preventable through proper maintenance and roof installation.

Roof Waterproofing Guide

You may be wondering what roof waterproofing entails. It is the layer that’s added to the roof to guarantee that no water leaks occur. As much as many roof leaks causative agents exist, poor roof waterproofing is among the significant causes.

There are cities where heavy rains are typical, and storms occur often. That’s why it’s essential to have proper roof waterproofing.

What happens to a house with poor roof waterproofing;

• The roof structure goes through damages, and this can get dangerous if it goes unattended for a long time. The dampness in your rooms will become extreme, causing mould growth within no time. Such damages end up causing a break down in the house due to insufficient support.
• There will also be stains on your ceiling and walls when you have poor roof waterproofing. Removing the stains can be challenging. Mould growth also leads to health issues. Especially with those who already have complicated respiratory problems.
• Interior damage to your furniture and other precious personal belongings. Should your office roof be leaking, this could cause significant damage to computers, servers, office furniture and more.

Materials Used To Waterproof Roofs

Now the best part of roof waterproofing is that it doesn’t require complex waterproofing systems. Unless in severe cases.

A lot of people presume that the tiles, shingles or membrane on their roof mean that their roof is watertight. Although, they help and prevent water from leaking into your home, it takes more than that to have a waterproofed roof.

The essential materials for waterproofing your roof are;

1. Acrylic Waterproofing

This is a cost effective and durable compound, which is used in conjunction with SBP membrane. It is designed to waterproof ridge capping, parapets, roof screws and lap joints on metal roof sheeting.

2. Barge Boards

Barge boards are fastened to the projecting gables of a tiled roof o give them strength and protection. They also conceal the exposed end of the roof. Therefore, preventing water from leaking in under the roof.

3. Flashing

Roof flashings are a metal sheet that is installed in vents, chimneys, skylights or other vertical wall joints. The purpose of roof flashings is to divert water. Therefore, preventing the accumulation of water. The metal used in roof flashing include; aluminium, stainless steel, copper, and galvanized metals.

4. Gutters

Gutters help in roof waterproofing, and they divert roof water to a place far from home. However, they need maintenance practices to prevent sagging or clogging. When installing a gutter, you need a professional plumber because incomplete or incorrect installation causes roof rotting.

5. Roof Foil Underlay (Tiled Roof Waterproofing)

Underlayment is commonly used in roof installation as a water-resistant material for protection during harsh climatic conditions. There are many forms of underlayment materials, and they differ for flat or sloppy roofs.

6. Torch On Membrane

torch on waterproofing membrane is made up of a combination of modified bitumen layers coated with various sticky, viscous organic liquids. Bitumen, a hydrocarbon made from crude oil, is one of the primary components of this membrane.

The multiple layers create a waterproof surface that is also resistant to the sun’s ultra-violet rays. Torch on membrane is installed on flat roofs, balconies and retaining walls.

7. Shutter Boards (For Boarded Roof Waterproofing)

The boards are essential when you are installing a boarded roof system. These sheets act as a roof foundation, and they follow the rafters to seal them appropriately, so in rainy weather conditions, you will be safe.

 

What To Do Before Waterproofing Your Roof:

It’s not easy deciding on the best solutions. Nowadays, you have to be careful when hiring a roofing contractor or waterproofing contractor for the installation of the best roof waterproofing.

Consider the reliability, expertise, and material choices because when you are choosing the best roof waterproofing, you should consider these factors;

• Compatibility of the roof surface matters a lot when it comes to roof waterproofing solutions. You must know what material the waterproofing contractor will use.
• Clean the substrate thoroughly before applying the new roof waterproofing solutions. This increases the performance of the new waterproofing system.
• You need to prime the surface to improve the adhesion of the membrane.

Lastly, the big question. How much does roof waterproofing cost? It’s okay to tense about how much the process will cost you. However, there are certain things you need to know as a homeowner.

The cost of waterproofing a roof depends on your roof system. The material and skillset involved are worth it and the roof benefits in more ways than one.

Keep in mind that quality matters a lot, so don’t go for low priced services and expect to get productive results from it. However, this is normal as every structure requires maintenance at some point.

We hope this roof waterproofing guide gave you some more insight on what to expect. Please contact us should you require any advice or assessments. Info@apexwaterproofing.co.za

Plaster defects have been a problem in South Africa’s building industry for decades. However, the SABS specifications and the National Building Regulations do not have any requirements covering plaster quality. Additionally, most contract documents are not clear on the subject. Therefore, it may be difficult to force the contractor to make repairs should there be any defects.

Defects most frequently noticed and plaster fall into one of the following categories:

• Non-structural cracks
• structural cracks
• Debonding
• lack of hardness
• Grinning
• Expansion
• Popping

Non-Structural Cracks

“Crazing” is a network of fine cracks, usually in a hexagonal pattern, which measure between 5 and 75 mm across each hexagon. They are usually very fine and shallow and do not extend through the whole depth of the plaster.

They are usually the result of over-trowelling a rich mix (one with a high cement content) or using a sand containing an excessive amount of dust (more than 15% by mass passing a 0,075 mm sieve).

Crazing often occurs within a few hours of the plaster being applied to the wall and cracks may hardly be visible until dust or moisture makes them noticeable.

Craze cracks are of little importance, do not open and close with time, and can be covered using a reasonable quality paint. Glass fibre tissue is applied during the painting operation.

Cracking which results when an excessive amount of water is lost from the plaster in the first hours after application is known as plastic shrinkage cracking.

Plaster will always shrink and crack so it is desirable that is should develop a large number of fine, unnoticeable cracks at close spacings. Plasters with very high cement contents and those which are made with poor quality sands having a high water requirement will tend to develop a few, widely-spaced cracks. Plaster applied in layers that are too thick will also tend to crack in this way. These cracks are normally stable and can be filled with a proprietary filler and painted over.

 

Structural Cracks

Some cracks visible in the plaster may result from cracking of the wall. This can be caused by differential movement of the foundations, moisture expansion or drying shrinkage of masonry units, or thermal movement of the roof.

This type of crack often forms in straight vertical or horizontal lines, or in stepped diagonal lines, and may be quite unsightly.

The crack width will often vary with the seasons. Because these cracks originate in the wall and not in the plaster, repairing the plaster is ineffective.

A specialist should be called in to establish the cause of the cracking and to recommend remedial measures. Such measures may include structural alterations which change cracks into movement joints. Visible joints can be hidden by cover strips fixed on one side of the joint or sealed with elastomeric sealants.

 

Debonding Plaster

Debonding of plaster is often noticed as a hollow sound when the surface is tapped.

Plaster is inclined to curl and debond from the wall because the outside skin of the plaster that is exposed to the air will shrink at a different rate from the plaster in contact with the wall.

This is especially true of excessively thick plaster layers. Because debonding is generally the result of inadequate preparation of the substrate, it is important to make sure that the bond between plaster and wall is as good as possible. This can be done by:

• Cleaning dusty or oily walls thoroughly.
• Allowing the walls to reach the correct moisture content.
• Using a cement slurry or spatterdash coat before plastering.
• Using bonding liquids and following the procedure recommended by the manufacturer.

Small areas of debonding (about the size of a plate) are not significant, but larger areas should be removed and replaced.

 

Lack Of Hardness

There are no specifications covering the hardness or strength of plaster, and there is no reliable way of measuring it.

Scratch the surface with a hard sharp object such as a screwdriver or a key.

It is often better to have a slightly weaker plaster that is less likely to show significant cracking or debonding than one which is too strong. However, very weak plasters will be unable to resist impacts, will have reduced resistance to water penetration and picture nails will tend to fall out.

There are five common causes of soft plaster:

• Insufficient cement
• The use of sand containing excessive quantities of dust (more than 15% by mass passing the 0,075 mm sieve)
• The use of a mix with poor water retention properties
• The addition of extra water some time after first mixing (a practice known as retempering)
• Rapid drying due to plastering in full sun or wind.

Painted plaster can only be removed and replaced. The inconvenience of this option has to be weighed up against living with the weak, unsatisfactory plaster.

A coat of high quality exterior paint will normally reduce the risk of water penetration to acceptable levels if the plaster is strong enough to hold such a paint. Areas which are particularly susceptible to impact, such as corners, can be re-plastered with relatively little disruption.

Grinning

Grinning is the term given to the appearance of a plastered wall when the positions of the mortar joints are clearly visible through the plaster.

The difference in suction between the masonry units and the mortar causes grinning. Raking out mortar joints also causes grinning. Therefore, limit raking to soft clay brickwork. While grinning may be unsightly, it is unlikely to lead to further cracking. The choice is to live with it, or to remove and replace the plaster. Application of an undercoat or a spatterdash coat before plastering will help to avoid grinning.

 

Expansion

This includes swelling, softening, layer cracking and spalling of the plaster. Proprietary gypsum-based products in the mix causes expansion.

Under moist conditions, the sulphate from the gypsum reacts with the portland cement paste and forms compounds of increased volume which disrupt the plaster.

The only remedy for this type of plaster defects due to gypsum in the mix is to remove and replace the plaster.

Popping

Popouts are conical fragments that break out of the surface of the plaster leaving holes which vary in size. The presence of contaminant particles in the plaster mix causes popping. It reacts with the moisture in the mix, expands and causes cavities in the plaster.

Contaminants are usually seeds, other organic material, or particles of dead burnt lime.

The hole can be filled with a proprietary filler and painted over once the cause of the popout has been removed.

 

 

 

Plaster Defects

Contact our professional team today and we will assist you with a durable solution to your plaster problems.

The truth is, extreme weather can prove harmful to your home or office. Therefore, potentially causing short-term and long-term damage. If your building is not prepared, it may accumulate dangerous mould and erosion as well as possible costly damage to its infrastructure.

Tip 1: Check Your Roof

Look for any current damage and check for any areas that look vulnerable to leaks and repair these immediately. Don’t be afraid to chat to us for advice if you do not want to hire a water ingress professional.

Tip 2: Trim Your Plants and Trees Hanging Over Your Roof

Plants and trees with overgrown branches can pose a danger to your home or office. Blocked valleys, blocked gutters and downpipes, mould growth are just some of the problems overgrown trees can create. Additionally, roofs that have overhanging trees will void any guarantee on new roofing or repairs.

Tip 3: Waterproof Your Windows

Check the edges of your window sills to see if they need waterproof sealer. You can conduct a window flood test yourself by spraying your window with water to see if any leaks occur.

Tip 4: Clear Out Your Gutters & Valleys

It is very important that these are clear in case of heavy rain to prevent flooding and other roof damage. Debris reacts with water to form a sludge in gutters. Not only does this reduce the life of your gutters, but it is also a fire hazard on hot, dry days. Blocked gutters and downpipes are also the perfect spot for nesting insects and rodents.

 

Tip 5: Inspect Your Chimneys & Skylights

Chimneys, skylights and other protruding roof objects are usually weak points on roofs. Ensure you inspect these areas along with the rest of your roof area.

At some point, sooner or later, you will experience water ingress in your home. Whether it is a roof leak, rising damp, leaking windows or flooding. Identifying a potential problem will save you money and further damage to your home.

Get in touch with our waterproofing professionals should you need any advice on how to keep your home safe against damaging precipitation.

If your roof is leaking and you have home insurance, a lot of the policies offered today will cover the water damage and roof leak repair. Unless the damage is as a result of negligence on the home owners side.

Home insurance cover you for sudden or unexpected events. Hail damage, storm damage, lightning damage, floods, burglary damage and so on. They do not cover you for gradual deterioration or lack of maintenance.

Tips On How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Leak Repairs & Resultant Damage:

• Make Sure You Know What Your Insurance Coverage Is.
• Document the Damage and Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately.
• Source A Reputable Roof Repair Company.
• Take the Necessary Steps in Your Roof Replacement Claim As Advised By Insurance.
• Contact Apex Waterproofing For Your Repair and Replacement Needs.

What happens if I don’t use my insurance money to fix my roof?

Some home insurance companies will pay you the money instead of paying the roof repair contractor directly. You can keep the money if you want. However, you won’t be covered for any further water damage. Additionally, your insurance company may not renew your cover contract. Please note, it is illegal to deceive an insurance company.

Moral of the story; make sure your roof is inspected annually. Roof repairs and maintenance are a lot more affordable than roof replacements.

Roof Leak Repair With Apex Waterproofing

With Apex Waterproofing, we guarantee premium roof repair solutions. Our highly trained roof inspection team will arrange an on-site inspection at a time that suits you. Thereafter, you will be sent the relevant quotation and/or report on your roof’s current condition and the necessary maintenance that needs to be done.

Do you have questions regarding your roof? Get in touch with the our professional roof maintenance team today!

Is rising damp covered by insurance policies? The short answer, no. Damp or condensation damage is not ordinarily covered by home insurance. When you apply for home insurance, you need to agree to a list of assumptions. One of the assumptions you need to make is that you agree your home is in a ‘good condition’. Therefore, if your home has rising damp, it is recognised as ‘not in good condition’, leading you to invalidating your insurance.

Some insurers offer specific cover for rising damp treatment. Others also offer a more comprehensive cover which includes rising damp.

Why Won’t My Insurance Cover Rising Damp?

When you submit a claim to your insurance, the claim implies that the damage was sudden or unforeseen. How

ever, rising damp occurs over a period of time. Thus, the defect was caused by design or defective workmanship.

Damp is usually associated with poor waterproofing or defective damp proofing course. Therefore, if you submit a claim stating that the cause of loss is “damp”, you can expect your insurer to reject the claim. Purely because the loss occurred has been over time or that the loss was a result of wear and tear or defective waterproofing rather than storm, flood or bursting as is expected.

Rising damp treatment is not a cheap treatment and is intrusive to home owners or building occupants. It creates a large amount of dust and rubble as it includes hacking, drilling and chopping. The scope of work for rising damp treatment is always included in our quotations to the client. Therefore, you are aware of the mess it can make in the beginning. However, our damp team always clean up afterwards of course.

Do you have any more questions on rising damp treatment? Get in touch with our professional damp team today! They will answer any questions you may have.

The Importance Of Roof Maintenance

Roof maintenance should be every building owner’s priority. Waterproofing materials can not last indefinitely. Additionally, if the current waterproofing is not care for and maintenance, its life expectancy will be drastically reduced. 

South African climate is harsh. We experience tremendous changes in temperature. We sometimes experience high quantities of sunlight and ultraviolet rays, a long with strong winds and heavy rain or hail storms. Thus, regular attention to all exposed roof waterproofing systems is a must. Although, often overlooked. 

This responsibility should lie not only with the building owner but also with the original waterproofing contractor committed to advising the building owner when his roof maintenance is due. This regular maintenance extends the life of the system whether under guarantee or not.

Although some waterproofing manufacturers of bituminous membranes state it is not necessary to apply any protective coating to their membranes,  the norm is to initially apply at least one if not two coats of bituminous aluminium paint. The location of the roof will depend on how often a maintenance repaint is required.

In an industrial area where there is a lot of pollution, it might be necessary to repaint every one to two years.

Whereas in more rural areas, every four to five years might suffice. However, the industry ‘norm’ is every three years.

Tired of dealing with incompetent roof inspectors? Give our professional team a call today! or email tatum@apexwaterproofing.co.za