Why You Should Use A Licensed Waterproofer
Why You Should Use A Licensed Waterproofer
There are many reasons why you should use a licensed waterproofer when undertaking any type of bathroom renovation or addition. Waterproofing is an extremely important step that can have huge problems if not done right.
With many homeowners and investors opting to DIY their projects, bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, toilets (or wet areas as we call them in the trade), are the main areas for the home renovator to tackle.
These areas are often the most expensive rooms per m2 to renovate and therefore have the most cost involved if rectification is required. Ensuring that the waterproofing membrane is installed correctly should be high on your list of priorities.
Waterproofing and Home Renovations
With all the latest home reno shows on TV, the DIY’er is armed with a lot more motivation and ideas to create their new space. As such, you would be forgiven for thinking that waterproofing wet areas was just a matter of slapping a coat of liquid around and she’ll be right. The reality is, it’s a little more involved than this.
I’m not saying that you can’t have a crack yourself but rather think about the long-term ramifications if it is not installed correctly and fails causing huge problems.
What Happens If Waterproofing Fails?
Perhaps the worst outcome if a membrane fails is that there is potential for structural damage which can be extremely expensive to rectify. Leaks may not become evident for many years and this is when the most damage has already occurred.
One of the first signs that a waterproof membrane has failed is moisture escaping the wet area in question. You will notice 1 or more of the following things:
- Damp odour
- Discoloured and damp carpet
- Architraves and skirting boards starting to swell up
- Spongy floor outside the bathroom when you walk on it
- Dampness and mould underneath the floor in question
- Mouldy and damp smelling room or cupboard board the wall
- Rotten wall frames and floor joists
These are some of the most noticeable outcomes of membrane failure and should be acted upon quickly to stop any further deterioration.
Using a Licensed Waterproofer
Unless you are confident in your ability then you should seriously think about using the services of a licensed and insured waterproofer. Also, you should check with your local council to see what their regulations are as many require wet areas to be waterproofed by a licensed technician.
An experienced waterproofer will have the knowledge and capacity to identify the best possible solution for your situation. Not all jobs are equal and therefore some require a bit more work than others to ensure your bathroom is leak-free.
All new council approved dwellings will require a Certificate for Waterproofing before they will issue your final certificate, this should be supplied by your licensed waterproofer so that you can forward to council.
Even if you are doing a lot of the work yourself, you should consider using a licensed waterproofer for applying your membranes leaving you with piece of mind knowing it will be done correctly.
Learn more and find out how Supaflex Waterproofing can help you with your next waterproofing project, big or small.
