Over 80% of complaints about building are waterproofing issues, and so many of these issues lie in the control of the builder or principle contractor.
So how does the builder, supervisor or site foreman be in control and on top of the waterproofing? The answer is in the knowledge of the other trades that go before or after the waterproofer.
Just how does the tiler interact with the waterproofer? What should the brick layer have in place for the waterproofing to be effective and how do you coordinate the windows installer, electrician, renderer, the plumber, the concreter, the landscaper, the air-conditioning installer?
Are you are aware that all these trades play a vital role in making sure the waterproofing works?
What about the architect or the engineer’s role? How can they make life simple for you or the worst position you will ever be in?
The builder or principle contractor oversee, coordinate and manage the entire project; and they own the project’s quality, professionally and legally. This may include arranging for subcontractors to complete specific jobs, and making sure that the project meets industry and government regulations as well as the clients’ requirements.
The builder or principle contractor is responsible for a range of manual, managerial and administrative responsibilities, which may include:
- Interpreting plans or organising for plans to be drawn that meet building code regulations and client specifications.
- Arranging inspections of building work.
- Organising contractors including carpenters, electricians, plumbers and painters to carry out building tasks.
- Calculating quantities and costs and sourcing of building materials.
- Supervising contractors or employees to ensure safety and compliance standards are maintained and works remain on schedule.
Don’t be sold on an idea from the waterproofer who has no idea on what the other trades are doing or how their work will interact. It is up to the builder or principle contractor to understand that role and to relay that information onto the waterproofer, not the other way around.
The builder or principle contractor must control the site and he/she must be aware of all the technical details to get that membrane applied and seeing out its expected life. They will be able to:
- Recommend changes to the architect to ensure compliance and workability.
- Know the substrate preparation that has to be done by the previous trade or the level of preparation expected of the membrane applicator.
- Know how the tiler must prepare his tile bed over the membrane and how far up the damp course must be to accommodate the membrane, the tile bed and the Australian Standards for the level of free-board above which damp courses or flashings must sit.
One must have a holistic approach to ensure a job is 100% waterproof; understand how each of the trades affects the waterproofing and be able select the right membrane system for the right application.
Andersal has over 30 years of experience in waterproofing and remedial construction. We acknowledge that quality and durability require remedial expertise, quality materials and workmanship plus meticulous project management and supervision. Our focus on quality and life expectancy on the products used is what separates us from our competitors.
If you have a query or require a quote for external waterproofing or remedial services of your residential strata block or commercial/industrial site, give Andersal a call on (02) 8437 1800.