January 2025 Leakfix Newsletter: What's been happening
ALL THINGS WATERPROOFING
JANUARY 2025
Hi All,
Please find our monthly roundup, based on our activity in January. We will also share a few tips and tricks, and talk about some interesting products.
What’s been happening?
The weather finally allows me to get some work done, therefore I am out there in the sun installing membranes and attempting to fix some of the leaks.
As strange as it might sound, I like to compare remedial waterproofing to The Köln Concert from 1975 by Keith Jarrett.
I first heard the story in Cautionary Tales Podcast - Bowie, Jazz, and the Unplayable Piano, check out the podcast, but in a nutshell, the episode shows how unexpected challenges, like Keith Jarrett’s faulty piano and David Bowie’s creative constraints, can lead to innovative solutions.
Some of the buildings I work on to fix leaks are surprisingly flawed—often just 10 to 15 years old yet already failing. Many suffer from design flaws and questionable workmanship. Without assigning blame, it's clear that systemic waterproofing and weatherproofing issues have plagued the building industry for years.
I'm not here to analyze why these buildings ended up this way. My focus is on finding cost-effective solutions to prevent leaks and stop existing ones.
Why is remedial waterproofing so complicated?
I'm passionate about finding and fixing leaks, even though the world of remediation can be as frustrating and complicated as it is fascinating.
Why? You might ask.
Here are a few reasons:
1. We buried our waterproofing...
Or we covered it with sand-cement screeds and tiles. We also built a shitload of 600–800mm-wide perimeter planters—every architect's favorite feature, yet nearly impossible to build properly. Now, they're usually filled with compacted dirt and dead plants, sad remnants of someone's long-forgotten landscaping vision.
2. Drainage
We haven’t fully thought this through. There’s a huge difference between an assembly that’s meant to be “watertight” and one designed to shed water. In most cases, we’ve really been fucking this up—the drainage systems are inadequate, and water builds up in assemblies that were never designed to handle it.
Side Note: Our External Waterproofing Standard DOES NOT test membranes for watertightness.
Surprised? I was.
Figure 2 - Rooftop Pond.
3. Services.
We often give little thought to waterproofing service penetrations, and outdoor service areas can sometimes leave you scratching your head. Over the building's lifecycle, we keep adding new penetrations with no waterproofing plan whatsoever—sometimes just slapping on some silicone and calling it a day.
Figure 3 - Waterproofing Design Disaster combined with some exceptionally poor workmanship.
4. Zero consideration for maintainability.
If you understand waterproofing membranes, you understand that they need to be maintained and checked regularly.
You - Designers are responsible for this. More about this later but you must make sure you consider maintainability of everything that ought to be maintained.
The Reality of Waterproofing Repairs: Cost vs. Effectiveness
A common misconception is that building owners and strata corporations have ample funds to spend on repairs. The truth? They don’t. Like everyone else, they aim to spend the absolute minimum to address the immediate problem. However, when it comes to waterproofing, there’s no such thing as a truly cheap fix—leaks and water damage are inherently costly problems. Planning for waterproofing repairs in your budget is not just advisable; it’s essential.
I’ll be the first to admit that not every repair is a perfect, long-term solution. I can install a low-cost fix that is technically fit for purpose, but whether or not it will actually solve the problem in the long run is a different question.
Even as someone who values high-quality workmanship, I've had to resort to quick, makeshift fixes—sometimes even done work that later proved to be redundant—just to stop water from dripping onto someone's head. At times, the best course of action was based on the information available, even if it later turned out unnecessary.
I'll admit it: I've been guilty of overusing Sikaflex in desperate attempts to contain leaks. But when immediate action is needed, there's no shame in doing whatever it takes to prevent further damage.
Transparency & Client Awareness
My responsibility is not just to fix leaks, but to ensure my clients fully understand their options. Sometimes, a quick, inexpensive repair is the only feasible choice. Other times, a more comprehensive approach is required to prevent ongoing issues and escalating costs. My role is to outline the realities of each option—whether it’s a temporary stopgap or a long-term solution—so clients can make informed decisions.
Expanding Leak Emergency Response Services
Recognizing the urgent nature of leaks, I will be expanding my emergency waterproofing response services to provide immediate intervention when leaks occur. While not every fix is permanent, taking action at the right time can minimize damage, reduce repair costs, and buy valuable time for a proper, well-planned resolution.
If you’re dealing with leaks, let’s talk—whether you need a quick emergency fix or a strategic long-term solution, I’ll ensure you understand the real options available.
Leakfix Two© and Leakfix Five© kicking off in March 2025.
So, you’ve got a leak... What’s the best way to solve your problem?
At Leakfix, we take a structured approach to waterproofing, ensuring every issue is addressed efficiently and effectively. Our process is divided into two methods:
Leakfix Two© – A rapid response approach designed to assess and contain leaks before they escalate.
Leakfix Five© – A full-scale solution for cases where a simple fix won’t cut it, incorporating long-term planning, budgeting, and execution.
Leakfix Two© Method
Step 1 - Leak First Response
- Conduct a risk assessment.
- Secure the leak area as needed.
- Develop an Action Plan for immediate next steps.
Step 2 - Emergency Repairs
- Temporary or permanent Emergency Repairs.
- If the repair is simple, we fix the leak, and the job is done.
- If the issue is more complex, we move to Leakfix Five©.
Leakfix Five© Method
If Steps 1 & 2 don’t fully resolve the problem, additional steps are necessary:
Step 3 - Budget & Planning
The client, in consultation with a specialist, establishes a budget, which includes:
- Scope of works for tender.
- Required specialist consultants and approval fees.
- A Waterproofing/Weatherproofing Performance Specification for tender.
Step 4 - Execution
- A general contractor (GC) is engaged.
- Works are executed by GC employees or subcontractors in accordance with all local laws.
Step 5 - Maintenance
- Regular maintenance is scheduled as required by product manufacturers to extend system longevity and prevent future failures.
An Eastern European Analogy: Waterproofing Is Like Owning a Car
Let me explain typical client expectations using something familiar—my relationship with cars.
I own a car. I don’t particularly like it, but I need it. When it breaks down, I don’t know how to fix it, so I rely on RACQ.
If something goes wrong (except a flat tyre—I still change those myself), I call for help. But just because someone shows up doesn’t mean they’ll fix everything on the spot. The car is still mine, and it’s up to me to decide: What is the best course of action that suits my budget.
My Honda Accord Days
Back in my 20s, when I lived in Vancouver, BC, my solution was simple. I’d buy a 1992 Honda Accord for under $500 and drive it until it literally broke down. When it did, I’d sell it for scrap—usually getting about $150 back. For a $350 total investment, I sometimes got six months of driving. Not bad.
I went through at least four Honda Accords before I decided I wanted something more reliable.
My Honda Civic Upgrade
In my 30s, I upgraded to a 10-year-old Honda Civic—a much better car. This time, I invested in regular maintenance. I drove it down to LA and back, knowing it wouldn’t leave me stranded. By the time my wife
and I left for Australia, she sold it for the same $10,000 I originally paid. That’s the power of proper maintenance.
Your Roof: Honda Accord or Honda Civic?
Many property owners treat their buildings like my old Honda Accords—run them into the ground, ignore maintenance, and hope for the best. When leaks happen, they call expecting an instant, low-cost fix. But just like with a car, not every issue can be solved on the spot. At some point, you need to decide:
- Quick patch? (Like my $500 Accord)
- Proper repair? (Like when I finally invested in a Civic)
- Ongoing maintenance? (To maximize lifespan and prevent major failures)
If you treat your roof like a Honda Civic, investing in preventative maintenance, you’ll save money in the long run and avoid expensive surprises. But if you treat it like an old Accord, waiting for a catastrophic failure, expect unpredictable costs and frustration.
The choice is yours—ride it into the ground or take care of your investment.
Hot Tips for working with mod-bit membranes
While I say this too often I really enjoy hot, humid weather, it does come with some challenges as far as waterproofing goes, the challenges are not only related to discomfort associated with working on the roof when it is 34°C outside... 🔥🥵, there are also some practical problems related to waterproofing products installation, site management and logistics, which I believe can be solved relatively easily, let me tell you how.
Figure 5 - 34°C outside, 74°C on the surface of membrane
Here are some of the practical problems and some solutions to managing working with modified bitumen membranes in extremely hot weather.
| PROBLEM | SOLUTION |
|
The surface of the membrane is gooey and sticky, making it hard to walk on before covering over with the cap sheet. |
+ if possible, pick early morning or afternoon/evening hours to
|
| Cant’t torch my cap sheet - leaving nasty footprints everywhere. |
+ Avoid using SBS modified bitumen membrane cap sheets in temperatures exceeding 30°C - trust me results will not be
|
|
I can’t do any work because all my solvent based poly bubbles in the sun. |
+ Try to switch to using sheet membranes😝 - these are made
|
| Installers fatigue causes lower productivity. |
I am a main installer at Leakfix and I can tell you the sun makes you tired...
|
My Thoughts on Tapered Insulation for Remedial Projects
Figure 6- Kingspan Tapered Scheme going down on remedial project.
At Leakfix, we are all about practical solutions. If you're looking to correct falls on a flat roof, we've got you covered. While we can't promise to get 100% of water off a roof every time, we can get pretty close—and that makes all the difference.
The Problem with Traditional Screeds
Figure 7 - Nasty Sand Cement Screed
In Australia, where structural slabs often lack falls, the go-to solution has traditionally been sand and cement screeds to direct water to the stormwater system. While a perfectly installed screed can work, in remedial projects, we often run into challenges:
🚧 Weight Limitations – Heavy screeds add significant load to aging structures.
🚧 Difficult Access – Hauling bags of screed through elevators and tight service areas is a logistical nightmare.
🚧 Labour Shortages – Skilled screed applicators are becoming harder to find.
A Smarter Alternative: Tapered Insulation
Instead of wet trades, heavy materials, and labour-intensive applications, you can use lightweight PIR insulation from Kingspan, which incorporates the required fall directly into the insulation panels. This means:
✅ Water Ponding is Prevented – Designed to efficiently direct rainwater to drains.
✅ Better Energy Efficiency – Adds high thermal resistance (R-values) while improving drainage.
✅ Lighter & More Cost-Effective – Avoids excessive weight from screeds or timber firrings.
✅ Compatible with Most Waterproofing Systems – Works with single-ply membranes and modified bitumen systems.
How to Use Tapered Insulation?
 |
 |
| Figure 8 - Custom layout by Kingspan | Figure 9 - Cutting slopes. |
1️⃣Prepare the Surface – Ensure the roof deck is clean, dry, and graded appropriately.
2️⃣Install the Boards in accordance with the layout provided by Kingspan – Secure the insulation mechanically or with adhesive, ensuring joints are tightly butted.
3️⃣Apply Waterproofing – Once in place, install your chosen membrane per manufacturer guidelines.
Figure 10 - Base sheet.
Tapered insulation is a faster, lighter, and more efficient alternative to traditional screeds. It eliminates ponding risks, extends roof life, and improves energy efficiency—making it a win-win for any remedial roofing project.
If you're considering a smarter approach to flat roof design, tapered insulation is worth a look.
Connect with us |
Stay connected with LEAKFIX on social media for behind-the-scenes insights, project updates, and more. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn to join the conversation and stay informed about the latest waterproofing solutions. |
Feedback Welcome!
Your feedback is crucial to us! If you have any comments, suggestions, or topics you'd like to see covered in future newsletters, please email me directly at hello@leakfix.com.au. I'm here to address your concerns and provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your waterproofing projects.
Thank you!
Thank you for choosing LEAKFIX as your trusted partner in waterproofing excellence. Together, let's keep your property dry, secure, and protected month after month.
Spread the Word!
Know someone who could benefit from our waterproofing services? Please feel free to share this newsletter with them and help them protect their property too!
Copyright (C) 2024 *LEAKFIX*. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
hello@leakfix.com.au
PO Box 93, Nobby Beach QLD 4218