Southeast Asia Building - March-April 2018

Waterproofing SPECIAL FEATURE

MAR-APR 2018 SEAB 77

Q: Can you highlight to us the importance
of waterproofing in a building project?
A: Waterproofing is fundamental for
any building project. Without adequate
protection, the structure will suffer damage
that can destroy the foundations but also
the inside of the buildings.

Q: How should architects select the
waterproofing system that they should
specify for the project that they are
working on?
A: There are a number of issues: Existing
climate conditions as well as common
temperatures. If the structure that will be
also used for other purposes (for example

Q: Can you highlight to us the importance of waterproofing
in a building project?
A: Besides the obvious leaking roof or ceiling problem that
is in plain sight, when there is a waterproofing failure in a
building, it can lead to many issues in building maintenance.
Some examples of such issues are mould and mildew growth,
cracks and weakening of concrete and other structures, rusts,

Polyurethane rooftop coating applied on an

industrial rooftop.

An Interview with Ktisis

Mr Akis Apostolopoulos, Managing Director, Ktisis, shares his views.

Photos supplied by Ktisis

An Interview with Eastern Win Enterprises Pte Ltd

Mr Sylvester Lim, Business Development Manager, Eastern Win Enterprises Pte Ltd,

shares his views.

Photos supplied by Eastern Win Enterprises Pte Ltd

a rooftop restaurant). Is the structure near

rivers, mountains, swamps, areas that

might be affected by rising humidity.

Q: For a weather like Singapore which,

experiences heavy rainfall and high

temperatures, what measures are taken

to ensure to prevent leakage of water

and fading away of the waterproofing

components?

A: The structure should have all the proper

slopes and drainage systems in place so

that water does not stay on the structure

but it immediately leaves. You should use

waterproofing system that is not affected

by ponding (or standing) water.

Re-roofing on T8E terminals substations in Hong Kong, done with a
similar waterproofing coating system supplied by Eastern Win.

unsightly watermarks, damaging electrical conduits, etc. These

issues result in other problems e.g. health issues if there is

unchecked mould and mildew growth, etc.

Q: How should architects select the waterproofing system

that they should specify for the project that they are working

on?

A: When selecting waterproofing systems, once should consider

such areas like: design and aesthetics; system performance life

required; ease of maintenance and repairs; ease of installation;

costs; availability and environmental impact.

Q: For a weather like Singapore which, experiences heavy

rainfall and high temperatures, what measures are taken

to ensure to prevent leakage of water and fading away of

the waterproofing components?

A: Well-designed water drainage, ample ventilation and

prevention of unnecessary heavy foot traffic or water ponding

on roofs among others, are required to ensure proper system

performance.