Waterproofing
WILCOTE is qualified and experienced with all aspects of Waterproofing in Southern Africa. These include the following:
- Flat Roof waterproofing.
- Lining of concrete and Asbestos box gutters.
- All aspects of Roofing including concrete tiles, corrugated iron, asbestos etc.
- Ridge capping and valleys on tile roofs, chimneys, parapet walls and vent pipes.
- Lateral and rising damp including waterproofing of weather facing walls.
- Waterproofing of fibre cement, face brick and concrete block surfaces.
- Reservoirs, troughs, earth dams etc.
Due to the many aspects and different criteria relating to waterproofing, WILCOTE has developed numerous Waterproofing Products, coupled with our Systems and Solutions, and are able to solve and remedy, each and every specific problem.
Waterproofing Products
WILCOTE are Approved and Nominated Contractors for a wide range of Flat Roof Waterproofing Manufacturers, as well as applicators of Bituthene and Torch-On related products, including Italian and Spanish Torch-on Systems.
WILCOTE are proud to manufacture long lasting, quality and durable products, for all the different Waterproofing related solutions, including flat roofs. WILCOTE has Waterproofing Branches in most major centres in South Africa.
Damp proofing, offers solutions to the often frustrating problem of damp, whether rising or lateral. This issue occurs when moisture travels up from the ground and through the foundation and walls of a building. Once damp has set in, a number of issues will soon become apparent – damp patches on the walls, peeling paint and wallpaper and even plaster, that falls from the walls. Structural damage can occur, if damp is left unchecked, damp can also lead to health problems, if not remedied in timeously.
The most common type of damp is rising damp. Often symptoms of this type of damp can be mistaken for symptoms of lateral damp or condensation. As each type of moisture damage occurs, this requires a very different approach to be treated. It is essential that you consult our Dampproofing Specialists, who have the experience and expertise, to resolve these problems.
Many homes are built with a damp proof course (DPC) that is installed during the building process. This system, goes a long way in helping prevent damp, but if it is not positioned correctly, when installed, and deterioration will occur, over time if it has been damaged, by renovation to the building, then the effectives of the DPC has been compromised and damp will set in.
How is Damp Caused?
Implementing correct Damp proofing solutions, at the onset, are a lot more cost effective than repairs, down the road. In particular cases, Dampproofing Specialists, will often need to make necessary changes, to correct the damage and prevent further damage. This can be time-consuming and costly – especially when there are serious issues, that need to be remedied.
Making sure, initially that your building is effectively water and damp proofed, against all types of moisture damage, is far more simpler and cost effective, all round. The process to getting your home or work premises protected, against dampness, begins when a Specialist, such as Wilcote, carries out an evaluation to determine the damage of the damp.
It also helps to understand some of the most common causes of damp, so that the necessary solutions are adopted. The primary causes include the following:
- Defects in roof coverings
- Defects in flashing
- Defects in valley gutters
- Unsuitable roof design or inadequate roof overhang
- Lack of gutters and downpipes
- Condensation caused by the absence of air-bricks
- Inadequate drainage
- Poorly placed tiles or paving
- Floor cracks, broken walkways and leaking balconies
- Poor load bearing of lintels
- Rising damp caused by failed damp proof course (DPC)
- Leaking downpipes and geysers
- Plumbing leaks in bathrooms and kitchens
- Unsealed tops of walls and parapets
- Inadequate roof timber
- Rocky slope foundation on building site
- Gardens, sprinklers and water features placed too close to walls
- Weak plaster caused by insufficient cement
- Inadequate foundations on clay ground with a high water table