Palmer Street, Cammeray

Failed waterproofing membrane causes widespread leaks to large strata property

THE PROBLEM

This large strata property in Cammeray was experiencing water ingress issues due to failed balcony/terrace waterproofing, incorrect door thresholds and a lack of cavity flashings to 65 balconies. The strata committee had sought an expert report on the causes of water ingress and a scope of works was drawn up by SPMA.

THE CONSTRAINTS

• The properties were to remain fully tenanted during the works. Therefore external access was required for each and every balcony.
• All demolished materials and new building material had to be man handled to/from the nearest road access, which on this large property created a lot of challenges.
• The existing balcony doors were to be removed and re-instated to work with the new membrane system if possible.
• Water ingress during the works was a big concern and Preservation Technologies had to come up with a way of protecting the exposed substrates and door ways from inclement weather during the works.

THE SOLUTION

Preservation Technologies removed the dividing fences between the terraces and staged the works progressively from one side of the complex to the other in order to maximize productivity and reduce the material handling required. This enable us to progressively hand back terraces as works were completed.

The balcony doors were removed and temporary hoardings were installed during the works to protect the interior of the apartments. We installed a temporary membrane to the structural slab to protect against inclement weather during the works.

The residents had made it clear from the beginning that they wanted a premium membrane system that would provide a long term warranty. Taking this into account and also considering the nature of the works and constraints that were faced, it was unanimously decided that the Ardex Weldtech WPM 1000 under tile Butynol system was the right membrane for the job.

This membrane was installed over the top of the new screed to provide adequate falls to the drains. It was detailed on to the door hobs with suitable water stop angles, and was also utilized into the cavities to provide a continuous tanking flashing detail.

The terrace areas were all flood tested for a minimum of 48 hours prior to the
waterproofing been signed off. The doors were then reinstated, and the balconies were then tiled.

Finally the balconies were painted and had new dividing fences installed.

THE RESULT

The project ran for 15 months with three distinct phases. The clients were able to continue to occupy the property whilst works were ongoing and the end result was well worth the wait. The terrace areas are now protected from the elements with a new 20-year waterproofing warranty. All existing balcony doors were able to be reinstated due to the choice of the new membrane system. The new tiles, paint job and fencing gave the whole property a fresher feel, and the project was delivered 4 weeks ahead of schedule.