Failed waterproof membrane – a common QA failing on sites.

failed waterproof membrane

A common failing I am regularly seeing across our building sites is waterproof membrane integrity. As a project manager I believe it is our responsibility to check for a robust ITP process on site by the head contractor. Regular QA reviews should include inspections by the supplier of the product and more importantly, calliper testing should be undertaken to ensure the coverage is achieved in accordance with the product technical data. I often undertake this independent check process myself in the presence of the site manager and subcontractor.

Common failings on site are:

  1. Lack of slab preparation and cleaning prior to application of the product
  2. Lack of bandages across movement joints and service pipe conduits.
  3. Lack of testing required by the technical data sheets such as wet film testing and dry film testing.

Once the finished surface is laid over the top of the membrane, it is too late to check. There are some good specialists in waterproof membrane auditing that can be engaged by a client to undertake a peer review if there is a genuine QA concern.

The best outcome for a project is if both the head contractor and project manager work together to witness a selection of testing samples to ensure the longevity of the product and the ongoing success of a project. We all know the heartache for a client of finding the source of a water leak once a project is handed over and operational.

If your organisation would like to learn more about upskilling your staff in what to look for, please reach out for a technical session where we can discuss some easy steps to add into your existing QA service checklist and important scope elements to add into a PPR such as witness testing and peer review audits.

Manuela is a Director at Ceschino with over 22 years of industry experience. Contact here.