Roof waterproofing and sustainability

Residential area with ecological and sustainable green residential buildings

As Australia’s leading science organisation, the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) is focusing a lot of research on climate change. One recent study looked at climate change and concrete deterioration, suggesting:

“Climate change may alter this environment, especially in the longer-term, causing acceleration of the deterioration process, causing corrosion-induced cracking and spalling, which will result in more costly and disruptive repairs, as well as strength loss of concrete structures.”

This potential impact has implications for your roof waterproofing and highlights the importance of expert waterproofing and ongoing preventative maintenance to catch issues such as concrete spalling at the earliest stage.

Danrae Group stays at the forefront of industry changes to provide leading strata, commercial, civil and government waterproofing. Here are a few points to note about roof waterproofing and sustainability.

Man cutting a steel on a roof

Sustainable solution design


The best first step in a sustainable waterproofing design is the right choice of waterproofing membrane.

With a selection of liquid membranes – including water-based, solvent-based, cement-based and bituminous-based; and sheet membranes including torch-on bitumen, PVC, Butynol or Peel and Stick – a tailored solution design will look at the features that make them best suited to your property.

Polyurethane liquid membranes, for instance, are a good option for balconies and basements, while we would often recommend sheet systems for exposed flat roofs.

A best-fit membrane should provide performance and durability, and help you avoid premature waterproofing remediation.

Flat roof installation with propane blowtorch during construction works with roofing felt.

Sustainable materials


Increasingly, quality brands are developing waterproofing membranes that have more sustainable features such as enhanced water repellent characteristics or UV reflective properties.

Waterproofing manufacturers are also developing more sustainable manufacturing techniques to remove environmentally damaging toxins and minimise the use of resources.

Leading brand Sika, for instance, has developed a “More Value – Less Impact” strategy that focuses on areas including “Climate Performance, Energy, Waste/Water, Community Engagement, Occupational Safety, and Sustainable Solutions.”

Similarly, Soprema has a range of eco-friendly products including green roof waterproofing systems, and it was the first waterproofing manufacturer to gain ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) accreditation.

Rooftop park in the city

Benefits of sustainable waterproofing


There are several potential eco benefits to a quality waterproofing solution. A solution design that considers a property’s location and climate may help reduce water loss. It could also help regulate internal building temperatures, lowering demand for air conditioners, extractor fans, dehumidifiers and other heating and cooling systems.

Waterproofing can also help support more sustainable design such as rooftop gardens, which provide improved sound, heat and cooling insulation, increased biodiversity, reduced and slowed stormwater runoff, pollutant capture and a longer roof lifespan.

A quality solution design is a smart choice for the environment and to best preserve the condition and value of your property.

For first-class waterproofing from the Danrae Group team, please contact us.

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