Winter is approaching and building owners face a double whammy, says Indawo
Do this before winter.
Western Cape winters can be harsh as they bring cold, rainy and wet weather patterns that batter buildings and homes and wreak havoc if you have not adequately waterproofed roofs and structures. Along with sea spray along the coastline, the damage to homes and buildings can be significant if they are not adequately protected from these conditions.
According to leading roofing, asbestos and waterproofing contractor, Indawo, the looming winter is expected to be a tough one in the Western Cape, following last year’s higher than expected rainfall that filled our dams.
Indawo managing director, Geoffrey Jäck, says that with rainfall expected from April this year, building owners should check their roofs and structures for any signs of potential leaking. Water finds weak spots in exterior and interior walls and will slowly cause damage such as wall cracks, paint bubbling, mould, spalling (the rusting of the reinforcement bars in the walls) and even collapse of the structures.
Autumn is still a good time to do waterproofing to ensure your building is ready for the winter rainfall.
Asbestos Abatement Regulations adds a double whammy to building owners To Do list
Jäck also warns building owners that on top of the expected rainfall that could result in leaking, they also must ensure that, by May 2022, their asbestos assessments and asbestos inventories must be completed as per the Asbestos Abatement Regulations November 2020.
Together these 2 challenges are facing building and community schemes this winter period. Here is a short list of items to do before winter arrives in 2022:
- Check gutters and downpipes for any blockages that may prevent the freeflow of water from your roof to the storm water drains. Any water that overflows will find a way into roofs, ceilings and walls.
- Check roofs for any cracked or loose damaged mortar on tiled roofs, loose screws, kinked or damaged roof sheets, rusting areas on roof sheeting, cracks in waterproofing layers and areas on flat roofs where water can pool.
- Check exterior walls for areas that can allow water to penetrate. This includes cracks in walls and any substructures that have been added to walls without adequate protection from water, such as satellite dishes, air conditioning or water storage tanks that have been placed on roofs or walls.
- Asbestos roofing or structures need to be assessed and an asbestos inventory drafted by May 2022. This needs to be done by a competent person.
Jäck recommends doing an asbestos assessment before winter as any damaged asbestos must be replaced and may not be repaired according to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020.
So, this winter the added responsibility of the asbestos assessment and inventory places another burden on building owners on top of any waterproofing issues.
For more information, contact Indawo on 021 941 5000 or email info@indawo.biz.
For information on the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020, CLICK HERE
Indawo is a member of WARAC