One of the biggest issues, which nobody wants to face, is the water seepage and leakages, which if left unaddressed can result in tremendous losses to the property. Hence, the only way through which you can protect your home or building is by hiring a reputable waterproofing contractor. This article offers a full guide on what to search for when you are looking out for a waterproofing contractor within Singapore.
To know why waterproofing is important in Singapore, it is necessary to learn about Singapore’s climate in this section.
It has been noted that Singapore receives high rainfall figures and therefore the humidity is high throughout the year. This makes buildings and structures more prone to water seepage especially where there was a poor application of waterproofing. Some reasons why reliable waterproofing is important include:Some reasons why reliable waterproofing is important include:
- Prevent structural damage: Both concrete and structural steel members exposed to water seepage are likely to spall concrete and corrode structural steels respectively in due course. This leads to loss of structure of the building or damages its structure in a negative way. Correcting water seepage is useful to prevent moisture infiltration to the pillars and foundation of the building.
- Avoid growth of mould and fungi: This leads to formation of moulds, fungi and pests as well as encouragement of bacteria growth due to trapped moisture. It also results into unhealthy living conditions and impacts on the quality of indoor air.
- Reduce costs from leakage repairs: Water leakage especially in walls and floors can be hard or even impossible to detect, not to mention the repair costs when no waterproofing measure is taken. They include; Such expenses can be avoided initially if one has to apply the waterproofing correctly.
Here are some issues to consider when selecting a waterproofing contractor:
1. Relevant Experience
The contractor should in a position to demonstrate that he or she has the ability to provide waterproofing solutions for a variety of projects including the residential, commercial and industrial construction projects. Hiring a contractor who has been in business for more years means that he or she has interacted with more water leakage cases and rates than a rookie contractor. When interviewing them or choosing a company, it is advisable to request for past project references in order to make a better comparison.
2. Do not compromise on the quality of the material that you are using for waterproofing the house or any other structure.
This suggests that the kind of products used plays a very significant role in the efficiency and durability of waterproofing. Contractors should use superior waterproofing materials and ensure that they are up to the standards of Singapore’s building codes. This ranges from the products with ‘Singapore Accreditation Council’ accreditation mark and other internationally recognized marks such as ‘ISO’ and ‘CE’ marks.
3. Extensive Waterproofing Methods
Waterproofing is another crucial aspect that has several types, and the most suitable one will depend on the leakage problem area. These are usually cementitious waterproofing, epoxy coatings, liquid membranes and waterproof sheets. Opt for contractors who can conduct detailed site reviews and who can offer solutions that would fit your specific problematic areas.
4. Detailed Warranties
There shall also be warranties of 5 years or more on the waterproofing application, which dependable contractors are willing to offer as proof of their workmanship. When warranty terms are clearly stated on what is covered, what is not, when and how inspections and repairs will be conducted, it is secure and less worrying.
5. Positive Customer Reviews
This aspect is evident in evaluating the kind of contractor, their professionalism and the general services delivered by the company. When you can, do your research on the reviews on different platforms and ask for recommendations from the customers. This is a great source of third party approval that is not insignificant in any way. Customer reviews should be mostly positive because credible contractors were chosen for the analysis. Avoid contractors who do not offer the option of talking to their past clients.
The Waterproofing Project Process
A complete waterproofing project undertaken by reliable contractors will include these key stages:A complete waterproofing project undertaken by reliable contractors will include these key stages:
- Site evaluation: Investigations are conducted to determine the root cause of the water leakage, the degree of penetration and the degree of resultant dampness.
- Quotation: Visually, outlines of the working scope, payments, etc. are furnished with detailed quotations.
- Surface preparation: Surfaces will be hacked, cleaned and treated for safety and to remove any items that should not be there. Defects such as cracks or any hollowed areas are also treated.
- Application: This will involve choosing the appropriate waterproofing system and then installing it as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Curing and testing: Make sure that curing of concrete for waterproofing has been done for a proper time before conducting water ponding tests.
- Finishing: Extra details and preparation of waterproofed zones before their cleaning and the general tidiness of the construction site.
By adhering to the above guidelines, you can run a search and select a waterproofing contractor to work on your home or building. Don’t let your property remain vulnerable to water seepage any longer; obtain effective solutions today. Take your time when searching for contractors to ensure that you get the most qualified contractors who meet the requirements that have been listed in regard to the experience of contractors and their products, the quality of work they offer, and their professionalism. This finally guarantees that you get the right waterproofing services that will be long lasting and give you a guarantee that you don’t have to worry about getting your property wet.
