Documenting for Waterproofing Internal

According to the most recent research on faults in Class 2 buildings, and the available research on Class 1 buildings, the most common fault and the fault most likely to cause irritation, litigation and contribute to increasing PI premiums is waterproofing failures. 

The four areas of most concern are

1) waterproofing at balconies,

2) box gutter failures,

3) cavity wall failures and

4) internal wet area waterproofing.

Two issues in particular plague Class 2 apartment buildings; leaks at balconies and internal wet area waterproofing failures. 

The reasons for these failures are multifactorial and in consequence the remedies require some careful thought on the part of the design and documentation team.  
 

Two key problems are:

1. National Construction Code (NCC) is a minimum standard only. It is not intended as a guide to good practice, or even adequate practice, and designers and documenters need to understand that slavishly following the recommendations in the Code and the Australian Standards it calls up are potentially a recipe for failure.  

Developers and developer builders are often tempted to design down to the standard rather than provide a durable solution.

2. On site miscommunication/misunderstanding - Subcontractors are unable to interpret documentation, do not know the Australian Standards they are being asked to apply and have insufficient knowledge of the behaviour of the materials they are using. The builder and the subcontractor cannot effectively deliver a durable waterproof detail if they cannot follow the documents, and this is likely to be the cause of disputes.  

Mecca is presenting two CPD Webinars next month that have been designed to address waterproofing problems and close the gap between design intentions and on-site delivery of the project.

Webinar 1 will focus on External Waterproofing of balconies and Webinar 2 will focus on Internal Waterproofing of wet areas. 

The webinars will identify key compliance points with the NCC 2022 and the applicable standards, but also focus on the durability and reliability of details and ways of preparing documentation and inspection methods to ensure that subcontractors know what is expected of them and that they can demonstrate compliance with key elements to deliver durable waterproofing.  

These seminars are aimed at Architects, Building Designers, Builders, BCA Consultants, Structural Engineers and Certifiers

Webinar 1 External Waterproofing
2.5 Formal CPD Points

Topics:

• Design to avoid waterproofing issues

• Review of legislative and regulatory controls

• What goes wrong in practice, learning from litigation

• NCC Requirements and solutions

• Standards for Balcony details

• Waterproofing materials complying with AS 4654.1 and selection guidelines

• Waterproofing materials installed in accordance with AS 4654.2 and documentation guidelines

• Are flat slabs and hobs a durable solution? Suggestions to deal with the issues arising.

• Slab steps to balconies

• Drained cavity options using proprietary and non-proprietary solutions

• Documentation for inspection, inspections and documentary evidence using photography.

Presenters

• Geoff Hanmer, Registered Architect

• Craig Barry, Builder and Expert Witness

• Steve Smith, Smithys Contracting

Webinar 2 Internal Waterproofing
2.5 Formal CPD Points

Topics

• Design to avoid waterproofing issues

• Review of legislative and regulatory controls

• What goes wrong in practice, learning from litigation

• NCC Requirements and solutions

• Wet areas complying with AS 3740 and Specification 26

• Selection guidelines for materials

• Suggestions for details

• Waterproofing materials installed in accordance with AS 3740 and documentation guidelines

• Floor falls and wastes

• Proprietary solutions for shower drains

• Documentation for inspection, inspections and documentary evidence using photography. 

Presenters

• Geoff Hanmer, Registered Architect

• Craig Barry, Builder and Expert Witness

• Steve Smith, Smithys Contracting

Our Expert Presenters/Panel

Steve Smith

Smithys Contracting

Steve is a contract waterproofer with over 50 years experience in the industry. Steve established his own contract waterproofing business (Smithys Contracting) back in the early 1970's when Leighton contractors, Girvan Brothers, Jennings, Civil n Civic and other long gone names graced the industry. Over the years, the business has worked with thousands of clients across residential, commercial and industrial projects that have encapsulated every aspect of waterproofing. For many years the business employed a crew of 36 applicators. Recently, the business was sold to 2 applicators who have worked with Steve for over 20 years. The business is now called Smithy’s Group Pty Ltd. Over his long and illustrious career, Steve has taught waterproofing courses on behalf of the MBA ( Sydney & NSW) for up and coming waterproofers, designers, engineers and architects. Steve will be sharing insights from his career and extensive knowledge of material developments and methods for successful application of waterproofing products and systems. As a designer of waterproofing solutions, Steve sees the architect, builder and applicator as a close knit "family unit" that need to be compatible and in sync with each other‘s goals to ensure an optimal waterproofing outcomes on their projects

Craig Barry

CKB Projects & Consulting

Craig has over 20years experience in the construction industry including residential, commercial, institutional and industrial projects, then later as a consultant in the structural engineering sector. With specialist experience in the diagnosis and remediation of defective buildings, he now manages his own firm that oversees all aspects of remediating and upgrading defective and dilapidated buildings. Craig specialises in providing expert witness services in all manners of building disputes, representing early in the dispute resolution process and court proceedings. At UTS Craig brings current industry experience into the lecture theatre of undergraduate and post- graduate students in construction and property courses. He is also involved in a UTS building program with not-for-profit partners that travels to Cambodia.

Geoff Hanmer

Arina Architects

Geoff is an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the University of Adelaide, and Honorary Professional Fellow at UTS and the Managing Director of Arina, an architectural consultancy. ARINA has run design competitions for many Australian universities (including UNSW) and statutory authorities, including the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. Geoff is a registered architect and writes on construction and buildings both contemporary and historical. He has taught and researched construction at UTS and UNSW for over 20 years.