SIKA completes roof repair in KZN

When it comes to home improvement, nothing beats the satisfaction of a well waterproofed roof – especially when that job involves a leak-free, shiny new roof. That’s exactly what happened at a home in the prestigious Victoria Country Club in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, where a failed torch-on membrane threatened the structural integrity of the building. But with the help of Sika’s innovative products, the roof was not only repaired but revitalised, setting a new standard for durability and quality.

THE CHALLENGE: A FAILING TORCH-ON MEMBRANE

Roofs endure a lot – from relentless sun exposure to heavy rain – and over time, even the best materials can start to fail.

This Victoria Country Club home faced a dilemma when its torch-on membrane began to show signs of wear and tear, leading to leaks and potential structural damage. The initial challenge was the membrane’s poor condition, necessitating its complete removal. The second issue was the incorrect roof slope, which hindered proper water drainage. Given the high stakes, finding an effective solution was essential to prevent further complications.

THE SOLUTION: A FULL SIKA SYSTEM

Once the roof was stripped and prepared, the first step was to build up all the low-lying areas to ensure the flow and fall was in the right direction towards the water outlets. This was achieved using Sika’s Sikafloor-200 Level. First, Sikafloor-01 Primer was applied to enhance the adhesion of the self-levelling screed and address the substrate’s absorbency. Sikafloor-01 Primer is a one-part, water-based synthetic resin concentrate designed to improve adhesion and reduce absorbency.

After the primer had dried, Sikafloor-200 Level was applied as a high-build, polymermodified cementitious floor levelling compound. This product helps to build up the low-lying areas, providing a smooth finish with reduced shrinkage. The screed was allowed to fully cure for three days before the waterproofing system was applied. The waterproofing process began with a primer layer of Sikalastic-560, diluted with 10% water. Following this, a base coat of the Sikalastic-560 system was applied, then reinforced with Sika Reemat Premium and a saturant layer of Sikalastic-560. After allowing this layer to dry, the final coat of Sikalastic-560 was applied the next day. This liquid-applied waterproofing membrane, combined with the Reemat reinforcement mat, offers exceptional protection. It is ecofriendly, polyurethane-based, and features high elasticity and crack-bridging properties. The product is ready to use, cold-applied, and ensures a seamless finish.

With over 110 years of experience in waterproofing, Sika’s products have proven their reliability. For cost-effective, smallscale projects, its RainTite Kit, an acrylic waterproofing system with a membrane, is an excellent choice. For DIY enthusiasts aiming for a professional finish, Sealoflex Professional, an all-in-one acrylic fibrereinforced waterproofer, is a great option. However, in this complex case, it was the premium elastic polyurethane waterproofing solution, Sikalastic-560, that provided the optimal result.

THE RESULT: A ROOF READY TO WEATHER ANY STORM

Covering an area of around 110m2, this project was completed in just over a week–a testament to the efficiency and reliability of Sika products. The roof at this Victoria Country Club home is now more than just repaired; it’s fortified against future wear and tear, with a system that’s designed to last.

For more information, Call: 031-792-6500 | Visit: www.sika.com