Month: August 2013

Apartment Balconies Waterproof

Written by webmaster-mrwater on 19/08/2013. Posted in Leaking Balcony Repairs.

The Problem

Apartment block of fifteen units all had significant and dangerous leaks to balconies. Balconies had deteriorated to the extent that structural integrity was threatened. Damaged tiling was leaking back into building and through to structural concrete slab. Water was causing concrete spalling (breaking up of slab, pieces falling off). Ballustrades had rotted to the extent of being unsafe. Mr Waterproofing was asked to quote a solution after numerous other consultants, at great cost to the owners corporation, had failed to deliver a cost effective solution. Mr Waterproofing developed a plan and had it checked off by structural engineer who inspected works as they were completed.

The Solution

Use of WetsuitTM to waterproof balconies, major works were required including scaffolding of two entire faces of the building and removal of balustrades, removal of existing tiles and saturated screed substrate, as well as rehab of concrete cancer in slab, then waterproofing with WetsuitTM and reinstatement of tiles and new glass balustrades for a modern look. Works also included stabilisation of footings, Helifix crack stitching for cracked masonry walls, re-rendering the entire building and repainting, as well as rehab of corroded steel.

The Result

All units remained occupied by tenants at all times throughout the works. Access to car park and all entrances was also maintained. This significant project meant the outcome was crucial as multiple stakeholders including tenants, owners and body corporate were involved. Many tenants went so far as to personally thank Mr Waterproofing for works completed, previously having been fearful of what the resale value of their units would be on the open market given the water ingress issues, decaying carpet and structural integrity of the balustrades.

Underground Car Park

Written by webmaster-mrwater on 19/08/2013. Posted in Basement And Below Ground Waterproofing.

The Problem

Major leaks to large underground commercial car park (approx. 500 car capacity) caused by poor initial construction technique and lack of tanking or waterproofing applied. Leaking was extensive to the point of water puddling internally on underground floors causing slip hazards to the public and other OH&S issues. Owners had tried and failed to secure contractors able to confidently undertake and remedy the problem. The leakage was causing corrosion of structural elements of the building and in heavy down pours causing travelators to shut down due to mass water in sumps.

The Solution

Initial trials were conducted prior to job including external excavation of slab/beam joints and crack injection in worse sections. Mr Waterproofing and building consultants developed a solution method that centred around crack injection into the voids between floor slab and tilt panel walls where the water ingress was coming from (spreading down walls and across floor). Three different materials were injected; 2 diff. hi-tech resins and state of the art void filling grouts. Once the voids were effectively filled all water ingress was prevented. To avoid disruption of major retail trading operations work was undertaken out of hours and over night shifts for an ongoing period.

The Result

The premises has endured several major Melbourne extreme weather events with no leaks whatsoever in the areas treated. The tenant is delighted to be able to continue with retail operations with no disruption to trading and no fear of any further damage and contracted further works by Mr Waterproofing to complete the job. This project is a case study in Mr Waterproofing Services’ analytical approach to determine cause first in order to provide an effective solution. Mr Waterproofing rely on the use of advanced technologies such as Infrared and CCTV technologies rather than a ‘dig and hope’ approach. Proposed methods were first trialed and then applied to the job in conjunction with ongoing client consultation throughout. This resulted is the guaranteed success of the solution at a significantly lower cost than traditional excavation and external tanking of cold joints.

Melbourne CBD Green Balcony

Written by webmaster-mrwater on 19/08/2013. Posted in Leaking Balcony Repairs.

The Problem

This 7th floor roof balcony on a commercial office building in Melbourne’s prime commercial district was leaking like a sieve causing water damage to the lower floors.

Other water proofers and builders had quoted and advised all tiles and the screed had to be removed to fix the water leaking. This would have required vacating the main tenants (a large advertising agency) out of the building for an entire month and exposed the building owner to huge expenses and potential litigation.

The Solution

Mr Waterproofing proposed a quick, easy and cost effective solution. WetSuit® straight over the top (after a good clean and repairs to broken and lifting tiles). Before works were undertaken an adhesion test was undertaken to prove the method, which worked faultlessly. Masking of the glass balustrade and windows was then done to avoid over spray. WetSuit® spray on waterproof tanking was then applied directly over CMU, ICF and concrete. WetSuit® 1 Part and trowel grade was used under glass balustrade where 2 part couldn’t be sprayed and over expansion joints and drain connections.

Then the entire area was sprayed with 2 part in a few hours. Five days later artificial grass was laid out which not only looks great but keeps the offices cooler and is used as a staff retreat and BBQ area, especially during March when the Australian F1 Grand Prix is run in the park opposite the building.

The Result

The cost of the WetSuit® and the grass came in at less than the cost of just removing the tiles and screed. Building owner and tenants very happy indeed.

The Block Rooftop Waterproof

Written by webmaster-mrwater on 19/08/2013. Posted in Roof Waterproofing.

The Problem

The Block TV series was so happy with the work Mr Waterproofing did on the 2012 series, they came back for more in 2013. This series stepped it up a notch; instead of a row of terraces, this season would see an entire high rise Motel building transformed. Once again the roof needed urgent water proofing for rooftop decks. The 1960’s complex was modified with a rooftop penthouse, in addition to gardens and entertainment areas being added. These needed to be properly waterproofed before cladding, paving, grass, plants, fittings and furniture could be added. The site represented unique challenges with multiple trades working on site concurrently, equipment access issues and working around film crews, all to extremely tight deadlines (4 day turnaround). As a building regulation requirement the waterproofing however could not be compromised.

The Solution

As with 2012, Mr Waterproofing were able to accommodate and work flexibly around and within others demands and constraints. The existing concrete slab roof had a plywood floor installed, with the waterproofing membrane being installed on top of this. The entire roof of the five storey apartment building was completely waterproofed. The complete Wetsuit seamless spray applied tanking was used. Hand load in and load out was undertaken under extreme access difficulty and pressure.

The Result

No leaks or breaching of waterproofing has occurred. Go Alisa and Lysandra! We love you guys. When you catch us speeding on one of your S.A. highways, don’t forget those nice, polite guys from Mr Waterproofing are who kept you both dry at night (what can we say, it’s what we do). Project completed on time, on budget, no extras (get it… extras… TV set…)

The Block New Rooftop Decks

Written by webmaster-mrwater on 18/08/2013. Posted in Roof Waterproofing.

The Problem

TV reality series ‘The Block’ needed urgent water proofing for rooftop decks during filming of the 2012 season. The 4 heritage listed terrace buildings had been modified with rooftop gardens and entertainment areas added. These needed to be properly waterproofed before cladding, paving, fittings and furniture could be added. The site represented unique challenges with multiple trades working on site concurrently, equipment access issues and working around film crews, all to extremely tight deadlines (3 day turnaround). As a building regulation requirement the waterproofing however could not be compromised.

The Solution

Mr Waterproofing were able to accommodate all requests and work flexibly around and within others demands and constraints. The roofs of all four three story townhouses were completely waterproofed within timelines. The complete Wetsuit seamless spray applied tanking was used. Hand load in and load out was undertaken under extreme access difficulty and pressure.

The Result

Several of the contestants implemented roof top gardens, no leaks or breaching of waterproofing has occurred. A.R.S. has since been asked to undertake additional waterproofing works for the next Melbourne series of the block to be aired in 2013, so watch this space! Yes we are rock stars. Forget about Dan and Dani, get in line for a Mr Waterproofing autograph, signed photos will cost you more…

Green Roof Installation

Written by webmaster-mrwater on 16/08/2013. Posted in Roof Waterproofing.

The Problem

The aim of this architect designed home in an outer Melbourne rural location was to employ cutting edge design together with leading environmentally sustainable building practices. The house was designed to exceed all building code requirements, using the six star energy rating as a base guide. The owners wished to genuinely embrace green principles and create a sustainable lifestyle. The curved green roof was to be the focal point of the free flowing building design. Effective waterproofing of the plywood substrate was crucial to its success. Hence, a green roof installation.

The Solution

To start this green roof installation, the wood deck was first stripped in with Undercover and 6” Invisilink fabric on all joints. Next, WetSuit® 2-Part was spray applied to a 100 mil dry membrane thickness, our standard thickness for garden roofs. After curing, penetrations and roof details were “counter flashed” with WetSuit® 1-Part and Fiber Trowel.

Once the waterproof membrane was complete the green roofing system was supplied and installed. Installation of the garden began with a root barrier, drainage mat, soil retention system, soil, and native grasses. Grasses for this green roof project were selected to replicate those naturally occurring in the local ecosystem. Only 100mm thickness of growing media is required, reducing overall weight.

The Result

Benefits of the green roof project were seen immediately including reduced storm water run off, added insulation value, reduced HVAC consumption, and mitigation of the urban heat island. Minimum maintenance is required and the growing media layer actually increases the lifespan of the waterproofing membrane.

The Warburton Arch House Build Project was featured on TV series Grand Designs Australia. Click here to view Warburton Arch House Project. The house also utilised WetSuit® to waterproof the below ground foundations and basement area. The green roof project was used globally to spotlight effective use of WetSuit® by manufacturers Neptune Coatings in the US.