Waterproofing Inspection. What are they and do you need one?
russell from wa building inspections perth

Waterproofing Inspections - Do You Really Need it?


waterproofing inspection

Having a waterproofing inspection on your property's waterproofing is something that you should do for your home when it being built. If you don't do it, then you could find out that the waterproofing that the builder or waterproofer has installed on your home is defective, causing leaks and damp issues. This can be dangerous to your home and also expensive.


Waterproofing Inspection Perth


During the waterproofing process, the quality of waterproofing material and design is assessed. This is a vital component of any building. When a waterproofing membrane fails, it can lead to significant damage over time. It is also important to note that the construction of a waterproofing system must comply with Australian Standard AS 3740-2021.

Waterproofing is the best way to protect your home from the elements. It prevents water from seeping into the concrete. In many cases, water will penetrate the exterior of a wall and if left untreated, will eventually rot and attract termites. In most cases, a failed waterproofing membrane is covered under a builders indemnity obligation. The good news is that it can be repaired, as long as the builder complies with the Australian Standard and it is detected before tiles are laid.


Waterproofing Inspections for existing Houses


Whether you're buying a new home, buying an existing house, or suspect your waterproofing has failed in your own home, a waterproofing inspection will help you determine the condition of the structure and of the waterproofing itself. There are several factors that contribute to problems with waterproofing. These factors include sloped ground, improper drainage, and structural defects. The right inspection can catch these issues before they become large, expensive problems.

waterproofing inspection is performed to ensure the building meets regulations. The inspector checks the walls, foundation, and roof. They look for leaks, cracks, and nooks and crannies where water can get in. If there are issues, the inspector should provide recommendations to fix the problem.

It is important to find an independent third party to perform a waterproofing inspection. This will reduce the risk of moisture damage and help to lower insurance rates. You can also minimise long-term repair costs.

For newly constructed homes, you should also seek a warranty from the builder or waterproofer that includes a direct contract between the manufacturer and the owner.


Do you need a waterproofing inspection in Western Australia?


Western Australia is following NSW and QLD as the only states in Australia where new waterproofing installations must be inspected by a building inspector by law. Regardless if it's legally mandated or not, it is still worth the cost to undertake a waterproofing inspection Perth for your new house build for peace of mind.

While waterproofing inspections Perth do come at a cost, they pay for themselves many times over if waterproofing is defective. The report we produce forces the builder/waterproofer to take action before it’s too late.



How do you know if waterproofing has failed?


Luckily, there are a few simple ways to tell if your waterproofing is in good condition. Whether you're a homeowner, a property owner, or a commercial property manager, knowing how to tell if your waterproofing is in top condition is an important step in maintaining the value of your property.

The first thing you'll want to do is determine the cause of your water ingress. This is a crucial step before you can design and install a remediated waterproofing solution. After all, the problem may not be your waterproofing at all. That's exactly why waterproofing inspections Perth are a crucial first step.

There are many different possible causes of waterproofing failure, from improper installation to improper selection of products. The most important thing to remember is that your membrane is only one of many elements that make up a successful waterproofing solution. The failure of one component may not affect the rest, but it can still cause extensive damage.

Failed or failing waterproofing can cause a variety of problems, including water seepage and mold growth. If you notice these, call a professional building inspector right away.



What causes waterproofing to fail?


Regardless of the quality of the waterproofing materials, they are only as good as the installation and maintenance. If you are not careful, they can lead to problems that are not only expensive but also harmful.

Waterproofing failure can cause serious damage to a structure. It can also cause health problems such as mold and mildew. Mold can cause irritation to your throat and eyes, as well as respiratory problems.

Moisture can also cause concrete to crack and crumble. It can also damage paint, drywall, and wood. Water leaks can also cause fires and power outages.

Waterproofing is an essential part of a building's protection. It's important to check for leaks regularly. If you discover a leak, you should act quickly to ensure that it doesn't cause more damage. A qualified professional can repair and maintain your structure.

Among the most common causes of waterproofing failure is shoddy workmanship. If you hire a reputable company, they will follow the best approach and use time-tested solutions.



What happens if waterproofing is not done?


It's important to check that your waterproofing is up to the standards. A professional waterproofing inspection can help to avoid major problems in the future. A waterproofing specialist can help to identify water problems and suggest solutions.

waterproofing inspection can help to save money and time on future repairs. A waterproofing specialist can identify and fix problems that may have gone undetected for years. This saves money and ensures that your building remains in good shape.

Often, small leaks go unnoticed for years. These leaks can lead to rotting of plasterboard, sub-stricture, timber, studs, bottom plates and flooring. When these leaks are discovered, it's important to repair them as soon as possible.



What is involved in a waterproofing inspection?


A professional waterproofing inspection looks for leaks, seepage problems, and foundation damage. A good waterproofing inspector can identify these problems and recommend solutions that work.

For a waterproofing inspection to be worthwhile, it needs to be conducted in the right way. This means a thorough visual examination of the building structure to look for problems that may not be immediately noticeable. Check out the video below of our lead building inspector Russell who found moisture in the walls following a waterpoofing inspection in Perth's western suburbs.