Waterproofing design, Project Management and Quality Assurance

Project Overview:

Weatherproof Consulting was engaged to assist in providing a Holistic approach in upgrading a roof top to ensure longevity and provide an aesthetically pleasing finish, given its primer Sydney Harbour positioning. As is the case on most existing structures, diligent planning and design is required in order to achieve compliance with the relevant BCA and Australian Standards.

Key issues:

  • Excess Water ponding;

  • Inadequate gradient to ensure adequate water discharge to the appropriate drainage provisions;

  • Degradation of the roof membrane;

  • Water ingress through varying elements;

  • Absence of overflow provisions.

Project Objectives:

The client requested a rooftop that is:

  • Fit for purpose;

  • Leak-proof;

  • Durable;

  • Equipped for future solar panel installation.

Design & Planning:

To address the complex variables, our comprehensive planning included:

  • Conducting a site level survey to determine existing gradients and specific requirements;

  • Performing a wind uplift study to establish membrane installation methodology;

  • Conducting a hydraulic analysis to determine necessary overflow provisions.

Implemented Solutions:

To meet compliance and project objectives, we applied the following:

  • N16 vertical steel reinforcement, N12 horizontal reinforcement, N24 dowels, and 32MPa concrete to increase wall parapet, achieving a 4-degree internal grade;

  • 6 overflow provisions cast in to concrete;

  • Vapour barrier installation;

  • 1:60 tapered insulation board;

  • PVC welded fully adhered membrane;

  • Weldable bars to install solar panels, ensuring no penetrations to penetrations to the structural slab;

  • ITP Checklist during the works, including seem probee, level survey and adhesion test;

  • Flood, Seem probe and Thermal scanning carried out post completion to ensure a watertight application.

Warranty:

Due to the extensive specification applied, a 20 year manufacturers and applicators warranty was provided to the client should any deficiencies occur within that time frame.