MBR_ISSUE 49_MARCH_lowres

Malta Business Review
BLDG & CONST
A stitch in time can save your roof
By Antoine Bonello
Spalling is the result of water entering brick,
concrete, or natural stone. It forces the
surface to peel, pop out or flake off. It's also
known as flaking, especially in limestone.
Spalling happens because of moisture in
the concrete pushing outward from the
inside and can eventually cause crumbling
and destruction of a structure.
Spalling concrete usually occurs when salt
and water mostly from dew and rain comes
in contact with the reinforcing steel of the
structure, causing oxidation or rust. Spalling
is also likely to occur due to the curing
process or the way the concrete hardened.
Carbon dioxide in the air and alkalis in
the concrete mix can also interact and
force cracking that admits water. Concrete
consists of three basic ingredients:
aggregate — which can be either rock or
stones — water and cement. Nowadays
chemical additives and binders are also
added to the mixture in order to increase
its performance properties.
Left untreated and exposed to the
elements will cause extensive structural
damage, potentially injuring the public
and damaging property. Spalling, at a low
level, is mainly a cosmetic problem but it
can lead to structural damage if not dealt
with immediately. If left untreated, damage
can occur to the reinforcing bars within the
concrete. Also, large enough fragments
could fall off which could lead to serious
consequences. Spalling is a breakaway of
concrete surface which often extends to the
top layers of reinforcing steel. Spalls may be
150 mm or more in diameter and 25mm
or more in depth, and the occurrence of
smaller spalls also possible. Spalling leaves
the concrete surface patchy and pitted while
exposing aggregate underneath. As soon
as spalling is spotted, it should be properly
repaired. Spalling of concrete affects a
broad variety of structures including framed
buildings, multi-storey car parks, bridges,
jetties, tanks and bunds. Added to that,
spalling could distort aesthetic appearance
of the structure.
All the above hassle can be avoided with a
good waterproofing protection, weather
it is a basement or a roof waterproofing
is a must in order to make sure to block
completely any water penetrating the
structure. The question one might ask at this
stage is what kind of waterproofing should
be implemented in order to be properly
protected for a long period of time.
As for roof tops the issue is totally different.
Waterproofing interventions on roofs can
be carried out quite easily. The challenge
however does not rest in the application
itself, but in what type of solution we
should opt for.
In Malta the traditional bitumen carpet
membrane is still considered a solution
to waterproof our roofs. Nowadays we
recommend the use of resin products
like NAICI GUAINA REFLEX thermal
membrane; it is a simple yet effective
solution also ideal for the Do-it-yourself
enthusiast. The mentioned material can
be found at the Resin and Membrane
Centre home of professional waterproofing
products, where qualified personnel offer
professional advice on how to protect at
best your home free of charge.
Also professional formation courses
with regards waterproofing are now
being offered by Malta Waterproofing
Association. These seminars are open
to everyone and are regularly held
throughout the year, the upcoming will
be held between 1st and 3rd of April
2019. For further information contact the
Association on
info@maltawaterproofing.com.
The Malta Waterproofing and Resin
Flooring Association provides technical
knowledge and professional formation
to all Maltese roofers who wish to
improve their workmanship or start a
carrier in the waterproofing business.
The Association also assists its members
by providing the services of a profession
advisor when facing challenging
situations or other difficulties during
works. The Association also issues the
Certified Roofers Card to all its members.
All this is being made possible thanks
to the Resin and Membrane Centre and
NAICI International Academy. For further
information with regards the Malta
Professional Waterproofing and Resin
Flooring Association visit our website on
www.maltawaterproofing.com or call on
27477647. MBR
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