Every winter, thousands of South African property owners discover damp patches, mould growth, peeling paint, leaking roofs, and water damage that could have been prevented with a simple inspection before the rainy season.
By the time moisture appears inside your home or commercial building, rainwater has often been penetrating the structure for weeks or even months. Water follows the smallest path of least resistance, entering through tiny cracks, failed sealants, damaged waterproofing membranes, deteriorated paint systems, or blocked gutters.
At Safeguard Chemicals, we’ve spent more than 28 years helping protect South African buildings with professional waterproofing products, damp-proofing systems, and technical support designed specifically for our local climate.
Whether you own a home, manage a commercial property, maintain a school, or oversee an industrial facility, preventative maintenance is the most cost-effective way to protect your investment.
South Africa’s climate presents unique challenges for buildings.
In the Western Cape, winter brings heavy rainfall, while inland provinces experience cold temperatures, morning condensation, and seasonal storms. Buildings expand during hot summers and contract during colder months, creating movement that eventually leads to cracks and weakened joints.
Without proper waterproofing and regular maintenance, moisture can penetrate walls, roofs, balconies, foundations, and concrete structures, leading to costly repairs.
The earlier these problems are identified, the easier—and less expensive—they are to repair.
Before the rainy season reaches its peak, carry out a thorough inspection of your property.
1. Inspect Exterior Walls
Your external walls are constantly exposed to rain, UV radiation, wind, and temperature fluctuations.
Look carefully for:
Even small cracks can allow significant amounts of moisture to enter masonry over time.
Professional exterior wall waterproofing helps create a protective barrier that prevents rain penetration while allowing the building to breathe.
2. Check Around Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are among the most common sources of leaks.
Inspect:
Old sealants shrink, crack, and separate with age, allowing wind-driven rain to enter the wall cavity.
Replacing failed sealants early can prevent expensive internal damage.
3. Assess Your Roof
Roof waterproofing remains one of the most important aspects of building maintenance.
Inspect:
Many roof leaks occur around penetrations rather than through the roof covering itself.
Routine roof waterproofing inspections significantly extend the life of your roofing system.
4. Inspect Existing Waterproofing Systems
Waterproofing membranes are not designed to last forever.
Areas requiring regular inspection include:
Watch for:
Early maintenance helps maximise the lifespan of your waterproofing investment.
5. Clean Gutters and Downpipes
Blocked gutters remain one of the leading causes of water damage across South Africa.
Leaves, dust, bird nests, and debris prevent rainwater from flowing correctly.
Overflowing gutters often cause water to run directly down exterior walls, saturating masonry and leading to internal damp.
Before winter:
This simple maintenance task can prevent thousands of rands in repairs.
6. Check for Rising Damp
Not all damp originates from rain.
Ground moisture can travel upward through masonry by capillary action, resulting in rising damp.
Typical symptoms include:
Professional rising damp treatment is essential to stop moisture at its source.
Many building owners only notice a problem once visible damage appears inside.
Unfortunately, by then the moisture has usually been present for some time.
Warning signs include:
If these symptoms are ignored, repairs become progressively more expensive.
Many waterproofing failures occur because the wrong product has been selected or applied incorrectly.
Successful waterproofing requires:
Choosing a trusted supplier with technical expertise makes all the difference.
For over 28 years, Safeguard Chemicals has been supplying trusted waterproofing products and damp-proofing solutions to professionals across South Africa.
Our technical team works closely with:
Our comprehensive product range includes solutions for:
Every recommendation is backed by technical expertise and years of industry experience.
Safeguard Chemicals provides waterproofing solutions for:
Whether your project is a small home renovation or a major commercial development, we have systems designed to perform under South African conditions.
One of the biggest misconceptions about waterproofing is that it only becomes necessary once a leak develops.
In reality, waterproofing should be viewed as preventative maintenance.
Repairing a small crack today is far less expensive than replacing damaged ceilings, flooring, insulation, furniture, or structural components tomorrow.
A proactive maintenance programme protects both your building and your long-term investment.
Every building is different, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all waterproofing solution.
Our experienced technical team can assist with:
We are committed to helping you choose the right solution for long-lasting protection.
Don’t wait until water stains appear on your ceilings or damp patches spread across your walls.
The best time to waterproof is before heavy rainfall exposes weaknesses in your building.
Inspect your property, repair cracks, clean your gutters, maintain your waterproofing systems, and seek professional advice when needed.
By taking action now, you can avoid unnecessary repairs, protect your investment, and enjoy peace of mind throughout the rainy season.
For over 28 years, Safeguard Chemicals has been protecting South African homes, businesses, and infrastructure with proven waterproofing and damp-proofing systems.
Whether you need advice on roof waterproofing, damp proofing, exterior wall waterproofing, or rising damp treatment, our technical experts are ready to help.
Safeguard Chemicals
Protecting South African Buildings for Over 28 Years
Keep your property dry. Protected. Built to last.
Waterproofing of roofs, basements, etc. shall be laid under appropriate manufacturer guarantees supplemented
by a contractor workmanship guarantee. Waterproofing to flat roofs shall be laid with a minimum fall to outlets of
1:80 and include all outlets, etc.Waterproof of external basment walls shall take into account the definition of dry and wet sides as per SANS 10021: 2006 6.15.2 and 6.1.5.3 and provide one or two layer membrane systems as
appropriate descriptions of sheets or membrane waterproofing shall be deemed to include all labour costs.
Apply Safeguard SG720″ primer to prepared surfaces, followed by two coats of “Safeguard SG280” waterproofing polyurethane and one coat of SG PU440 with SG PU Fabric on horizontal and vertical joints.
Apply Safeguard SG720″ primer to prepared surfaces, followed by two coats of “Safeguard SG280” waterproofing polyurethane and one coat of SG PU450 with SG PU Fabric on horizontal and vertical joints.
Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, as per Safeguard Method Statement for Surface Preparation.
Apply one coat of Safeguard solvent-based Bitumen Primer to the surface ensuring full coverage without any “ponding” of primer on the surface.
Allow to dry and heat-fuse one layer of Safeguard Euro Gecko 4mm APP single re-inforced Bitumen Membrane to the primed surface, lapping all side walls and dressing into and around outlets and upstands.
Provide 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps to adjoining rolls of membrane, ensuring that laps are properly “bled”.
Suitable performance-related products are acceptable.
5-7 days after application of the Bitumen Membrane, thoroughly clean the surface of the membrane and apply 2 coats of Safeguard Bitumen Aluminium paint to the membrane using a brush, roller or spray.
Equivalent products are acceptable.
Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, removing all laitance, dust, dirt, grime and grease.
Apply one coat of solvent-based Bitumen Primer to the surface ensuring full coverage without any “ponding” of primer on the surface.
Allow to dry and heat-fuse one layer of 4mm APP single re-inforced Bitumen Membrane to the primed surface, lapping all side walls and dressing into and around outlets and upstands.
Provide 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps to adjoining rolls of membrane, ensuring that laps are properly “bled”.
5-7 days after application of the Bitumen Membrane, thoroughly clean the surface of the membrane and apply 2 coats of Bitumen Aluminium paint to the membrane using a brush, roller or spray
Thoroughly clean and prepare all external walls from foundation to 2 brick courses above finished ground level as per Safeguard Method Statement for Surface Preparation.
Apply one coat of Safeguard SG 720 Primer to the walls by spray, roller or brush and allow to dry.
Apply two coats of Safeguard SG PU 610 by spray, roller or brush. If applying by spray, dilute with 5% MEK. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. A third coat should be applied where “Wet” sites are encountered as per SANS 10021:2006 6.1.5.3
Protect membrane with soft board or dimpled membrane prior to backfill.
Equivalent performance-related products may be supplied.
Thoroughly clean and prepare all external walls from foundation to 2 brick courses above finished ground level, removing all dirt, dust, grime grease and any unnecessary mortar,
Apply one coat of Polyurethane Primer to the walls and allow to dry.
Apply two coats of Polyurethane waterproofing membrane to a DFT of 1-2mm. The membrane should accommodate temperatures from -30? to +90?C and have a minimum elasticity of 600% with a Shore A hardness of 60 or greater and a Tensile strength of 4N/mm? or greater. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. A third coat should be applied where “Wet” sites are encountered as per SANS 10021:2006 6.1.5.3
Protect membrane with soft board or dimpled membrane prior to backfill.
Thoroughly clean shower walls and floor, removing all loose dirt, mortar, grime and grease. Walls should not be plastered.
Apply a coat of Safeguard Latseal Slurry mixed with Bondaid to the walls and floor, embedding a non-woven polypropylene membrane into the slurry at all joints.
Allow to cure overnight and apply a further coat of Safeguard slurry to the entire area.
At the joint with the outlet, an expandable polyurethane sealant should be applied to cover both surfaces. This should be allowed to cure, together with the slurry before application of any tiles/mosaics.
Equivalent products are acceptable.
Thoroughly clean shower walls and floor, removing all loose dirt, mortar, grime and grease. Walls should not be plastered.
Apply a coat of cementitious waterproof slurry mixed with bonding liquid to the walls and floor, embedding a non-woven polypropylene membrane into the slurry at all joints.
Allow to cure overnight and apply a further coat of slurry to the entire area.
At the joint with the outlet, an expandable polyurethane sealant should be applied to cover both surfaces. This should be allowed to cure, together with the slurry before application of any tiles/mosaics.
PRODUCT GUARANTEE
Polyurethane Roofing – SG PU280
Polyurethane Foundation – SG PU610
Joint Sealant – SG Flex20
Bitumen Roofing – 4mm Torch-on membrane
Polyurethane Undertile Showers / Balconies – SG PU610
Cementitious Undertile Showers/Balconies – Latseal Slurry
SG PU 280 Flat Roof
SG PU 610 Garden Roof
SG 4mm Bitumen Roof
SG PU 610 Foundation
SG PU 280 Car parking
Waterproofing of roofs, basements, etc. shall be laid under appropriate manufacturer guarantees supplemented
by a contractor workmanship guarantee. Waterproofing to flat roofs shall be laid with a minimum fall to outlets of
1:80 and include all outlets, etc.Waterproof of external basment walls shall take into account the definition of dry and wet sides as per SANS 10021: 2006 6.15.2 and 6.1.5.3 and provide one or two layer membrane systems as
appropriate descriptions of sheets or membrane waterproofing shall be deemed to include all labour costs.
Apply Safeguard SG720″ primer to prepared surfaces, followed by two coats of “Safeguard SG280” waterproofing
polyurethane and one coat of SG PU440 with SG PU Fabric on horizontal and vertical joints.
Apply Safeguard SG720″ primer to prepared surfaces, followed by two coats of “Safeguard SG280” waterproofing
polyurethane and one coat of SG PU450 with SG PU Fabric on horizontal and vertical joints.
Thoroughly clean and prepare all external walls from foundation to 2 brick courses above finished ground level as per Safeguard Method Statement for Surface Preparation.
Apply one coat of Safeguard SG 720 Primer to the walls by spray, roller or brush and allow to dry.
Apply two coats of Safeguard SG PU 610 by spray, roller or brush. If applying by spray, dilute with 5% MEK. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. A third coat should be applied where “Wet” sites are encountered as per SANS 10021:2006 6.1.5.3
Protect membrane with soft board or dimpled membrane prior to backfill.
Equivalent performance-related products may be supplied.
Thoroughly clean and prepare all external walls from foundation to 2 brick courses above finished ground level, removing all dirt, dust, grime grease and any unnecessary mortar,
Apply one coat of Polyurethane Primer to the walls and allow to dry.
Apply two coats of Polyurethane waterproofing membrane to a DFT of 1-2mm. The membrane should accommodate temperatures from -30? to +90?C and have a minimum elasticity of 600% with a Shore A hardness of 60 or greater and a Tensile strength of 4N/mm? or greater. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. A third coat should be applied where “Wet” sites are encountered as per SANS 10021:2006 6.1.5.3
Protect membrane with soft board or dimpled membrane prior to backfill.
Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, as per Safeguard Method Statement for Surface Preparation.
Apply one coat of Safeguard solvent-based Bitumen Primer to the surface ensuring full coverage without any “ponding” of primer on the surface.
Allow to dry and heat-fuse one layer of Safeguard Euro Gecko 4mm APP single re-inforced Bitumen Membrane to the primed surface, lapping all side walls and dressing into and around outlets and upstands.
Provide 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps to adjoining rolls of membrane, ensuring that laps are properly “bled”.
Suitable performance-related products are acceptable.
5-7 days after application of the Bitumen Membrane, thoroughly clean the surface of the membrane and apply 2 coats of Safeguard Bitumen Aluminium paint to the membrane using a brush, roller or spray.
Equivalent products are acceptable.
Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface, removing all laitance, dust, dirt, grime and grease.
Apply one coat of solvent-based Bitumen Primer to the surface ensuring full coverage without any “ponding” of primer on the surface.
Allow to dry and heat-fuse one layer of 4mm APP single re-inforced Bitumen Membrane to the primed surface, lapping all side walls and dressing into and around outlets and upstands.
Provide 100mm side laps and 150mm end laps to adjoining rolls of membrane, ensuring that laps are properly “bled”.
5-7 days after application of the Bitumen Membrane, thoroughly clean the surface of the membrane and apply 2 coats of Bitumen Aluminium paint to the membrane using a brush, roller or spray.
Thoroughly clean shower walls and floor, removing all loose dirt, mortar, grime and grease. Walls should not be plastered.
Apply a coat of Safeguard Latseal Slurry mixed with Bondaid to the walls and floor, embedding a non-woven polypropylene membrane into the slurry at all joints.
Allow to cure overnight and apply a further coat of Safeguard slurry to the entire area.
At the joint with the outlet, an expandable polyurethane sealant should be applied to cover both surfaces. This should be allowed to cure, together with the slurry before application of any tiles/mosaics.
Equivalent products are acceptable.
Thoroughly clean shower walls and floor, removing all loose dirt, mortar, grime and grease. Walls should not be plastered.
Apply a coat of cementitious waterproof slurry mixed with bonding liquid to the walls and floor, embedding a non-woven polypropylene membrane into the slurry at all joints.
Allow to cure overnight and apply a further coat of slurry to the entire area.
At the joint with the outlet, an expandable polyurethane sealant should be applied to cover both surfaces. This should be allowed to cure, together with the slurry before application of any tiles/mosaics.
