Written by Brendon Sutton, Viking Roofspec

Waterproofing is an exact science.

‘Leaky Building Syndrome’ (mostly due to the flawed wall cladding and window flashing methodologies of the time) took the spotlight off other areas of construction that also required serious investigation due to flawed specifications and poor execution.

The supply and installation of waterproofing membranes was one of these. So what has been done in the industry to ensure correct waterproofing? 

Waterproofing Membrane Association Inc

It’s appropriate to acknowledge the late Jim Gerbes — founder of Hitchins, who recognised that deregulation had done his industry no favours in ensuring that waterproofing membranes get installed the way the manufacturer had intended. So, he set up an industry body comprising mostly of waterproofing membrane and accessory suppliers and called it ‘The Membrane Group’ which later evolved into ‘The Waterproofing Membrane Association’ Inc’. (W.M.A.I.)

The main aim of this not-for-profit, voluntary organisation was to tap into the vast collective knowledge and experience of its members to write codes of practice for the various sectors of waterproofing eg: roofs, below ground, wet areas (bathrooms) etc. These finely-tuned documents would become well-worn bibles of ‘best practice’ for stakeholders across our industry including architects, builders, local and even central government.

Investment in training and licensing

Viking Roofspec is an established membrane supply company which is not only an active member of WMAI but has been one since the inception of The Membrane Group approximately 20 years ago. Additionally, in 2010, Viking invested heavily in the development of its own licensing school at its Auckland premises for the purpose of ensuring membrane installers applied its materials to ‘best practice’ standards. But this school is not just about hands-on training with materials; it has a full curriculum including a classroom component which covers industry challenges, relevant clauses of the building code, typical detailing, and health and safety. 

Purpose-built training facilities

Before 2010, Viking technical staff would travel the country with detailing modules on a trailer which served their purpose to an extent, but the rationale behind a purpose-built school with its stringent three-staged curriculum, was to ensure ‘McDonald’s-like’ consistency delivered across every course. 

Today, Viking has three schools with licensing premises in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch with courses for its Approved Applicator members taking place monthly. Courses on offer include: Rubber Membranes, Torch-on Membranes, Enviroclad TPO Membrane, and Dec-K-ing PVC membrane. 

A Viking Enviroclad TPO course taking place.

Members of Auckland Council visited the Auckland facility while a course was in session and commented that it was the most comprehensive of its type that they’d seen. With word getting around about Viking’s commitment to training, today, the Government commissions Gerry Mekkelholt – one of Viking’s Technical Managers and Key trainer (and Vice Chairman of W.M.A.I.), to host their Government-funded Competenz installation courses.