Maintaining My Home

problems with waterproof deck membranes should be attended to without delay to avoid the risk of rainwater entering the building

if the membrane was applied by a tradesperson within the last few years, call them back. If the problem is the result of faulty application of the membrane, the repair or replacement should be made at the cost of whoever carried out that work

membrane manufacturers/suppliers typically train and license applicators in the use of their membranes. Repairs or replacements should also be carried out by trained/approved applicators. Work that is incompatible with the original membrane system may void the warranty

application, repair or replacement of weathertight membranes is restricted building work. Where done by a tradesperson, it must be carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner with the relevant licence

where the problem is severe and extends over a wide area, replacing the whole membrane may be a better long-term solution than a repair

if the problems mean the existing membrane must be replaced, and it has not met minimum Building Code durability provisions applicable (likely to be 15 years), a building consent will be required

check the condition of the membrane at least once a year to ensure there is no debris on it, no damage and no breakdown of the membrane surface