Apex Waterproofing

The Waterproof Battle

The fight against the elements has been a constant battle for homeowners since the dawn of civilization. The history of waterproofing stretches as far back as 13,000 years and is considered the third oldest trade (behind masonry and carpentry).

The Agrarian revolution saw a decrease in small hunter-gatherer groups as many formed larger social units and stayed in more permanent locations. This resulted in agriculture and thus excess grain from the harvests needed to be stored and protected from moisture. Waterproofing was necessary to protect the farmed produce in the rooms they were stored in.

The Neolithic revolution saw the rise of water transportation to allow exploration, fishing and trading. The primitive boats were sealed with bitumen emulsion from the surface of peat bogs, ensuring they were waterproofed.

However, the most ingenious of all in the history of waterproofing were the ancient Egyptians. Around 3600 BC, the ancient Egyptians built the first monolithic structures, and The Great Pyramid of Giza remains the largest man-made masonry building in the world. In the 1970s, archaeologists exposed the original waterproofing on the limestone foundation blocks. A bitumen emulsion had been applied in coats with dry reed fibre applied in cross layers. Each year, the Nile would flood and surround the pyramid, yet when it was opened in the 1800s, the tombs were completely dry.

Despite Egyptians showing amazing waterproofing skills millenniums ago, waterproofing failures in the 21st century are widespread. They are the biggest problem facing the construction industry and cost hundreds of millions every year to repair.

Nearly 80% of all complaints against builders relate to water penetration and the resulting damage, and the majority of these are because of their failure to waterproof effectively.

So let one of the best waterproofing companies around help you keep your home safe from the damage that only water can bring with our expertise and experience. For more information, visit www.apexwaterproofing.co.za or call 078 456 3442.