What To Do If Waterproofing Fails in Your Sydney Home

Waterproofing is a critical component of construction that prevents moisture damage in homes. However, waterproofing can sometimes fail over time due to wear or improper installation. If you suspect waterproofing issues in your Sydney home, it’s important to address them quickly before major structure damage occurs.

In this article, we’ll look at:

• The purpose of waterproofing in homes
• Common signs of waterproofing failure
• Areas prone to waterproofing defects
• Methods for testing failed waterproofing
• Temporary steps to mitigate water damage
• Repairing failed waterproof membranes
• Upgrading to newer waterproofing solutions
• Working with waterproofing specialists for remedies

Understanding Waterproofing in Homes

Waterproofing involves applying a protective membrane during construction to prevent water seepage. Common waterproof materials include bitumen, PVC, acrylics, and liquid rubber. These coatings are installed in wet areas like:

• Shower recesses and tub surrounds
• Bathroom and laundry floors
• Decks and balcony spaces
• Retaining walls and planter boxes
• Roofing and guttering
• Water tanks and swimming pools

Effective waterproofing is crucial to avoid moisture damage to surrounding structures. It also controls mold growth and deterioration from leaks.

Signs of Waterproofing Failure

Some common indicators that waterproofing has failed include:

• Visible water leaks through walls, floors, ceilings
• Cracked or blistered paint and plasterboard
• Buckled, warped, or rotting floorboards
• Peeling away of waterproof membranes
• Damp patches on surfaces after rain
• High moisture readings on affected areas
• Mold or mildew growth on walls and corners
• Musty smell from excess dampness

Catching failed waterproofing early using these warning signs is key to minimize further destruction.

Areas Prone to Waterproofing Defects

Some areas in a home are particularly susceptible to waterproofing failures:

• Shower cubicles – failures allow leaks into surrounding walls.
• Decks and balconies – water can penetrate cracked membranes.
• Roof cavities – breaches lead to ceiling stain leaks.
• Ponds and water features – cracked liners cause water escaping.
• Building joints – damaged membrane junctions create gaps for moisture.
• Older membranes – degradation causes leaks in aged waterproofing.

Testing for Waterproofing Problems

If you suspect issues, a building inspector can test using:

• Flood testing – flooding the area with water to visually check for leaks.
• Dye testing – spraying non-toxic dye on the membrane to reveal cracks.
• Moisture meter – detects excessive dampness in materials below membranes.
• Thermal imaging – identifies temperature differences between damp and dry areas.
• Hydrostatic testing – seals off the area and applies water pressure to check for leaks.

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Mitigation Measures to Reduce Water Damage

Until full repairs can be made, steps to limit water damage include:

• Using buckets to catch drips from ceiling leaks.
• Sealing any breaches temporarily with waterproof tape or sheeting.
• Using water extraction tools, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry out excess moisture in walls and carpets.
• Running exhaust fans and opening windows to improve ventilation in damp rooms.
• Avoiding use of leaking fixtures like showers until fixed.

Repairing Failed Waterproof Membranes

Fixing faulty waterproofing involves:

• Removing loose damaged membrane completely.
• Drying out and sterilizing affected areas fully.
• Repairing any structural damage to walls, floors from leaks.
• Replacing failed membrane with compatible new waterproofing.
• Installing as per manufacturer instructions for proper performance.
• Seal around fixtures, drainage points, joints thoroughly.

Upgrading to Newer Waterproofing Solutions

In some cases, upgrading to a superior waterproofing system is the best solution long-term:

• Liquid membranes – seamless application without joints.
• Cementitious waterproofing – robust for high wear areas.
• Epoxy coatings – used for water tanks and pools.
• TPO sheet membranes – heat welded for superior seam bonds.

Working with Waterproofing Repair Experts

For major waterproofing replacement projects, it\’s advisable to work with industry experts like:

• Waterproofing specialists – provide product advice and defect rectification.
• Concrete repair companies – can rebuild water-damaged slabs, footings.
• Plumbers – assist with leak points at pipes, drainage flanges.
• Sydney bathroom renovators – redo entire waterproofed areas like showers.

Left unchecked, failed waterproofing can cause extensive destruction to a home. Acting quickly to diagnose issues using building inspections and rectify with appropriate waterproofing repairs is key to avoid major moisture-related damage.