Effective weatherproofing protects the building envelope, reduces risk and prevents costly repairs and disruption. Often considered late in a project, the best strategy is to make it part of the building design process.
When should weatherproofing be considered in the building plan?
Weatherproofing in a building project should be considered at the design stage, and to create a robust weatherproofing strategy, engagement with a weatherproofing specialist should be early in the design process.
The Building Safety Act (BSA) 2022 introduced three gateways covering planning, pre-construction and pre-occupation and weatherproofing must be considered at every stage. Poor weatherproofing can compromise a building’s structural integrity and the safety of people and equipment. Good advice and high-quality weatherproofing are critical for high-risk buildings such as mission-critical facilities like data centres and hospitals.
If work has started without consulting a weatherproofing specialist, the principal contractor can mitigate risk by bringing in an expert at this stage. However, remedial work or other issues may arise.
What are the benefits of early engagement with a building weatherproofing specialist?
Engaging early with a building weatherproofing specialist gives you a better idea of weatherproofing requirements, implementation and advice on blending the weatherproofing with complex penetrations without compromising the building’s aesthetics.
Other benefits to early engagement include:
- Avoiding water damage during construction, preventing damp, mould, mildew and rot
- Improving on-site scheduling, collaboration with other trades and project sequencing
- Avoiding the need for remedial works
- Clarifying liability
- Keeping project delivery on track
- Ensuring work is backed by a warranty
What are the risks of treating weatherproofing as an afterthought?
When weatherproofing is treated as an afterthought, there may be costly remedial works, which may compromise the original design.
Other risks include:
- Compromised structural integrity due to prolonged exposure to moisture
- Increased likelihood of mould, mildew and rot affecting the building and its occupants
- Project delays and increased costs
- Potential health and safety issues for workers and future occupants
Who is responsible for installing and weatherproofing building penetrations?
Building penetrations and their weatherproofing are often treated as afterthoughts because responsibility for them can be unclear. Engaging a weatherproofing contractor early helps eliminate this ambiguity.
How should weatherproofing be coordinated between trades?
Early engagement allows weatherproofing contractors to coordinate with architects, specifiers and all on-site trades to ensure that weatherproofing is carried out at the right time.
By installing and sealing penetrations in the correct sequence alongside other building elements, the weatherproofing contractor can prevent water damage and access the penetration easily, without having to remove completed installations that could otherwise be in the way.
What happens if there are last-minute changes to the penetrations’ design and weatherproofing?
Early engagement with a weatherproofing specialist doesn’t mean that decisions made are set in stone. A building’s penetrations and weatherproofing requirements can change as a project progresses, and the weatherproofing contractor can adjust plans accordingly without compromising performance, project schedule or compliance.
What’s the most flexible way to weatherproof building penetrations?
Traditional penetration weatherproofing methods primarily rely on roofing cabinets and ready-made fittings. These don’t provide the flexibility that’s often required in real-world projects.
By specifying a Jones Weatherproofing product such as their cold-applied waterproofing solution, buildings are protected against water ingress and other risks. Applied directly and around building penetrations, the solution forms a durable, continuous, fully bonded layer that is UV-stable and requires minimal maintenance.
Contact Jones Weatherproofing for their expert advice and further information on their weatherproofing solutions.