4 Reasons Waterproofing is Essential

A high-quality roof with professional waterproofing is crucial, regardless of the property type. With the right protection, you can save a lot on utility bills and later on maintenance and renovation costs. In this article, we look at why waterproofing roof is essential.

While thermal insulation and its importance are commonly discussed topics, water-resistance and waterproofing are equally important when it comes to protecting your home. Water-related issues and water leakage are often seen as an inconvenience rather than a serious matter. However, ignoring these minor leaks and delaying repair will result in even more damage in the long run and increasing the cost of repair. Many visible signs indicate immediate action is required: for example, when water stains appear on the ceiling or mould begins to grow on the walls. Aside from the aesthetic problems, there are also health implications. At first, the stains are just a nuisance, but soon they can be accompanied by the appearance of spores that can pose a severe threat to the respiratory system. Mainly due to the high humidity level in Singapore, mould can quickly develop.

It is important to note that water entering your home can lead to various issues including health hazards, property damage and increase maintenance costs.

In this article, we are covering the 4 reasons why waterproofing in Singapore is essential to protecting your property and keeping its inhabitants safe.

1. Protection against water damages

The interior of any building is susceptible to water damage over time due to cracks in the walls, roof, floor, building foundation and insulation. However, adequate waterproofing will add a layer of protection for the building to keep it safe from water seepage and damage. Many signs indicate the need for immediate action. For example, water stains may appear on the ceiling or mould may develop on the walls. In the latter case, of course, there is also the possibility of water seeping in from the floor. That's why it's important to carefully check where moisture is seeping into the property. Check out our full article here detailing how to spot water damage in and around your home.

The exterior of a building is also susceptible to water damage. External walls, facades, roofs, windows, balconies and columns are all areas where water damage can occur. If waterproofing damage goes untreated, the building may become structurally unstable. Initially, only the plaster will flake off, but over time the load-bearing elements such as brick, concrete, or timber will also be affected. This can result in severe consequences if left untreated. Waterproof membranes also provide additional protection for your roof against wear, decay, and leaks, regardless of weather conditions such as heavy rain and wind. The reflective nature of a waterproof membrane also reduces the effect of extreme heat and sunlight on your roof.

2. Protection against health-related issues

In addition to the structural and aesthetic problems, water leakage also can lead to health issues for the building's occupants. At first, the stains that appear on walls might seem merely a nuisance, but after short time spores from mould, fungi and other bacteria pose a serious respiratory hazard. Furthermore, inadequate insulation of the home has led to many cases of asthma.

The most common type of indoor allergen is mould: in many cases, people are not even aware that it has settled in their home and could only be detected by aerobiological testing. It is worth having this done if you have had respiratory symptoms of unknown origin for some time and they are not due to a cold. If the presence of mould is confirmed, it is a good idea to decontaminate the home. Unfortunately, if the humidity remains high, it can recolonise the home.

Additionally, water leakage may result in pockets of stagnant water in and around the home. In tropical climates such as Singapore, the presence of stagnant water allows for mosquito breeding, leading to health problems such as dengue fever.

3. Reduce additional risks of water leakage

Unlike many other countries, Singapore does not have four distinct seasons. In Singapore, it rains on average 167 days a year. Heavy rain and drizzle are common weather phenomena that can cause damage to your property. You don't want puddles of water in your home because besides the obvious water damage, it poses several risks, including slipping and the danger of electrocution.

Water leaks can cause damage not only to your property but to your neighbours' property as well. In fact, many leakage problems are reported by neighbours because they see water dripping from their ceilings or stains on their walls.

4. Prevent unnecessary costs

It is always wiser to invest in preventive risk measures such as fixing water leakages upon discovery than to pay for costly damage repairs when exacerbated. All forms of buildings require regular maintenance to protect them from damage caused by water, it is important to perform a visual inspection of your property to ensure there are no water damages. A properly chosen and applied roof waterproofing solution is easy and cheap to maintain, and also keeps the need for costly refurbishments away. Repairing a building that has sustained extensive damage by water can be very expensive, especially reinforced concrete buildings that have been subjected to corrosion.

The benefits of waterproofing

Not having adequate waterproofing or repairing water leaks is akin to inviting rain inside your home, and should be avoided at all costs. A well-installed waterproofing layer on your roof, walls and windows will protect both the internal and external parts of the building and provide you peace of mind.

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