UAE’s waterproofing problem gets a rethink with 20-year warranties
Rain in the UAE may be episodic, but for a lot of property owners, its consequences are remarkably persistent. A few hours of heavy rainfall can expose months or years of deterioration hidden beneath roofs, around drainage points, inside shafts and at the junctions where different building systems meet. And when the water finally finds its way indoors, the problem is rarely confined to a wet…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is grappling with a unique challenge when it comes to waterproofing: despite sporadic rainfall, the consequences of water infiltration can linger for years due to the region's extreme temperatures, UV exposure, humidity, and disruptive rainfall events. Daniel Zacher, the CEO and founder of Roofsealing.ae, highlights the importance of treating waterproofing as an investment rather than an afterthought.
His company offers a 20-year warranty on its German waterproofing material, Frankosil 1K, which is used across the MENA region on a variety of building types, from villas and townhouses to warehouses and palaces.
The company's success is rooted in a need for a waterproofing solution specifically designed for the UAE's challenging climate. Zacher notes that high rooftop temperatures, significant temperature fluctuations, and prolonged UV exposure can cause conventional waterproofing materials to lose their flexibility and become vulnerable to degradation. He emphasizes that poor drainage design, inadequate detailing, and maintenance work can also create weak points that compromise a roof's integrity.
Zacher criticizes the tendency for property owners to approach waterproofing as a cheap, temporary fix, only to face recurring issues later. He argues that preventative measures are more cost-effective in the long run, as they can prevent damaged interiors and disruption caused by repeated repairs. The company's approach involves a thorough inspection of water movement across a building, identifying potential vulnerabilities and the most appropriate intervention, whether it's a full waterproofing solution or a partial one.
Roofsealing.ae has completed over 1,600 projects in the UAE, ranging from small residential jobs to major commercial and institutional projects. The company's rapid growth, from a one-man operation to a team of 30 employees, reflects the increasing demand for high-quality waterproofing services in a market where property owners are beginning to recognize the value of investing in preventative measures.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
