Who’s responsible for waterproofing membranes in your building?

Who’s responsible for waterproofing membranes in your building?

When it comes to waterproofing membranes, confusion reigns supreme for both owners and body corporates. This guide clears the air, explaining who should handle maintenance and repairs in different situations.

The Key: Common Property vs. Individual Lots

Responsibility for waterproofing membranes hinges on location. The body corporate is generally responsible for maintaining common property membranes, while individual lot owners handle upkeep for membranes within their own units.

Standalone houses (Standard Format Plan or SFP): The homeowner takes care of all waterproofing membranes within their property – bathroom, balconies and rooftops.

Buildings with Building Format Plans or BFP: Here, things can become trickier. The body corporate is responsible for specific “roofing membranes” that protect multiple lots or the entire building however, this typically excludes bathroom membranes.

Balconies and Rooftops

For buildings with Building Format Plans (BFPs), the body corporate typically handles waterproofing in two key areas: balconies that act as rooftops for lower units and the building’s main rooftop.

Tiles and Additional Work

Removing and replacing tiles to fix a membrane may be a body corporate’s responsibility, even though the tiles themselves belong to the lot owner relative to maintenance and repair.

Who Pays for Damage?

The body corporate plays a crucial role in preventing leaks by properly maintaining the waterproofing membrane. This protects individual units from water damage. On the other hand, lot owners are responsible for any harm they cause to the membrane during renovations or neglecting their own unit’s maintenance (like faulty grouting).

Staying Complex-Free

While waterproofing membranes can be a complex topic, this guide should equip you with the foundational knowledge to navigate common scenarios. Remember, many situations involve unique factors. If you face any uncertainty, consulting a professional is always your best course of action to ensure your building stays leak-free.