Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about waterproofing, from what it actually does to how much it costs and how long it lasts. If you don’t see your question here, get in touch and we’ll answer it directly.
General Waterproofing
What is waterproofing?
Waterproofing is the process of applying a continuous, water-resistant barrier over a surface, such as a roof, slab, wall, or gutter, so that moisture cannot penetrate the material underneath. It’s a functional membrane, not a cosmetic finish.
Why does waterproofing matter?
Water that gets past an unprotected surface causes structural damage (rot, rust, concrete spalling), damp and mould inside the building, and a steady loss of property value. Waterproofing stops that damage before it starts, rather than repairing it after the fact.
How do I know if my roof needs waterproofing?
Watch for damp patches or discolouration on ceilings, visible cracks in concrete or box gutters, bubbling or peeling paint, water that pools for more than a day or two after rain, and any roof older than 8-10 years with no waterproofing history.
What happens if I ignore water damage?
It compounds. A waterproofing job that costs a few thousand rand today can become a structural repair costing ten times that once water reaches ceiling joists, electrical conduits, or insulation. Water damage only gets more expensive the longer it’s left.
Is waterproofing just paint?
No. Paint is a cosmetic finish. Waterproofing is a functional membrane engineered to flex with a surface’s expansion and contraction, resist UV degradation, and form a continuous barrier against moisture, none of which ordinary paint is built to do.
How is waterproofing different from damp-proofing?
Waterproofing stops liquid water from penetrating a surface entirely, forming a continuous barrier designed for direct exposure to rain. Damp-proofing resists moisture vapour to a lesser degree and is typically used below-ground or on less exposed surfaces. Roofs need waterproofing, not damp-proofing.
Process & Materials
What are the main types of waterproofing?
The four main categories are liquid rubber (cold-applied, seamless membrane), bituminous (torch-on or pour-and-roll sheets), cementitious (a rigid cement-based coating), and sheet membrane (pre-manufactured rolls joined at the seams). Each suits different surfaces. See our full comparison guide for details.
What is liquid rubber waterproofing?
A cold-applied membrane sprayed, rolled, or brushed directly onto a surface, curing into a single fully bonded, seamless layer. It has no joints for water to find and can stretch up to 800% without cracking, making it well suited to South Africa’s temperature swings.
How long does waterproofing take to install?
It depends on the size and complexity of the surface, but most residential roofs are completed within one to three days, including surface preparation. We’ll give you an accurate timeline as part of your quote.
How long does the membrane take to cure?
A liquid rubber system typically cures within one to four hours depending on the product and weather conditions, though full cure to maximum strength can take longer. We’ll advise on foot traffic and rain exposure windows during installation.
Can waterproofing be applied over an existing roof?
In most cases, yes. Liquid rubber systems can usually be applied directly over existing concrete, metal, asbestos, or tiled roofing without a full tear-off, provided the surface is structurally sound, clean, and free of loose material.
Do you need to remove old waterproofing first?
Not always. If the existing membrane is stable and well-bonded, we can often apply a new system directly over it. If it’s failing, delaminating, or trapping moisture underneath, it needs to come off first. We assess this during inspection.
Cost & Practical
How much does waterproofing cost?
Cost depends on the surface area, the system used, roof complexity, and current condition. There’s no accurate answer without an inspection, which is why we offer a no-obligation quote before any work begins.
What affects the price of a waterproofing job?
The main factors are total surface area, the waterproofing system required, how much surface preparation is needed (repairs, cleaning, priming), roof accessibility, and the number of penetrations, gutters, or complex details involved.
How long does waterproofing last?
A professionally installed, quality liquid rubber system typically lasts 10 to 15 years or more, depending on the product, application quality, and UV exposure. Regular inspection, especially before and after summer storm season, extends that lifespan.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes, we stand behind our work with a guarantee. Ask us for the specific terms relevant to your project when you request a quote.
Is professional installation worth it over DIY?
For anything beyond a small patch repair, yes. Incorrect surface preparation, the wrong product for the surface, or skipped steps in the application process are the leading causes of early waterproofing failure, and those mistakes are expensive to undo.
Specific Surfaces
Can you waterproof an asbestos roof?
Yes. Asbestos roofing that’s structurally sound and not friable can be waterproofed using a liquid rubber encapsulation system, which seals the surface and the fibres in place without disturbing them. This is significantly cheaper than asbestos removal.
What’s the best system for box gutters?
Liquid rubber. Box gutters involve tight corners, multiple joints, and standing water exposure, exactly the conditions where a seamless, fully bonded membrane outperforms anything with seams or overlaps.
Can metal and IBR roofs be waterproofed?
Yes. Liquid rubber can be applied directly over existing metal or IBR sheeting, sealing lap joints, screw penetrations, and rust spots without needing to strip and replace the roof.
Do you waterproof basements and retaining walls?
Yes, typically using a cementitious system. Below-ground applications experience minimal thermal movement, which suits cementitious waterproofing’s rigid, chemically-bonded structure better than it suits an exposed roof.
What about flat concrete slabs?
Flat concrete slabs are one of the most common applications for liquid rubber waterproofing, particularly where the slab has multiple drains, upstands, or penetrations that need a continuous, seamless seal.
Can you waterproof a roof with skylights or many penetrations?
Yes, and this is where liquid rubber has a real advantage. A membrane that’s applied wet and cures into one continuous surface seals cleanly around skylights, vents, and pipes in a way that sheet-based systems struggle to match.
Business & Service
Which areas do you service?
We service Gauteng, including Boksburg, Johannesburg, Randburg, Benoni, Edenvale, and Springs, for both residential and industrial projects.
How do I get a quote?
Contact us with your details and we’ll arrange a site inspection. Quotes are free and come with no obligation.
How long from quote to installation?
This varies with our current schedule and the scope of your project. We’ll give you a realistic timeline when we provide your quote.
What should I have ready before you inspect my roof?
Just access to the roof or surface in question, and any history you have of previous waterproofing or repairs, if known. That’s enough for us to assess the job and put together an accurate quote.