What were the main issues?
Several units at The Venetian, especially in the Saunders Street buildings, were affected in the past by water penetration. Not surprisingly, this was most evident during periods of heavy rain.
The building’s Strata Committee (SC) appointed MJ Civil, a specialist firm of Structural Engineers, to help identify and to help address the root causes behind the water penetration.
Multiple issues were at play and detailed inspections and specialised tests were conducted to help isolate the root causes. The following issues appeared to have impacted a number of units to varying degrees:
1. The top roof areas of the building (that all have pebbles on them) did not have a membrane. Although there are some instances where a top roof membrane is not required, given the nature of the concrete that comprises the top roofs at The Venetian, it would appear that a membrane is required. The consequence of the lack of a membrane is that the top, concrete roofs previously retained moisture and in some instances that moisture appears to have tracked down internal columns.
2. There were building defects in the pool pump room and the sauna walls/floors. These defects appear to have allowed some water during heavy storms, to travel to areas below.
3. The pool deck area has seen a number of leaks into the spaces below. Most of these appear to occur at or near junctions with upright structures e.g. the pool pump room.
What needed to be done to address these issues?
1. Top roof membrane - Apply roofing membrane to the top roof areas. This entails clearing each relevant area of pebbles, applying and sealing the roof membrane (which is generally a thick, bituminous material), and then putting the pebbles back over the new surface.
2. Plant room and sauna - Apply a new membrane to the flat roofs of the plant room and sauna, repair cracks in the mortar, and apply a specialist, clear, waterproofing sealant to the brickwork and mortar to help enhance the water repellent properties.
3. Pool deck area - Removal of the existing tiles and concrete bed. Installation of a new membrane. Painting of all walls in area to prevent water penetrating bricks and mortar and tracking behind.
4. Small bays that protrude from front of building - Prepare surface and installation of a painted membrane
What is the current status of addressing these issues?
All areas have been addressed and as at January 2020 we believe that there are no more water penetration issues into units. For history this is what was done.
1. Top roof membrane - All Good Waterproofing were appointed to apply a new membrane to all top roof areas. All of this work has now been completed on all parts of the building.
2. Brickwork and mortar of the plant room and sauna - The mortar of the plant room and sauna has been re-pointed where necessary and a new membrane has been applied to the two top roofs of the plant room and sauna. A special, external sealant has also been sprayed on the brickwork of the plant room and sauna to help repel water. Internal sealant has also been applied to help reduce the chance of water ingress.
3. Pool deck area - All Good Waterproofing have removed all tiles and screed, put a bituminous primer on the concrete slab and covered with a rubber-like membrane, welded at the seams to ensure it's watertight. All membraning is now complete here. Walls have been painted in a reddy-brown protective coating.
4. Small bays that protrude from front/rear of Saunders Street side of building - Removal of protective pebbles, prepare surface and installation of a painted membrane is all complete.
We very much appreciated the support and understanding of owners and residents while this important work was completed, especially in raising the significant funds to cover this. We have achieved this whilst not creating a long term problem to the Capital Works (sinking) Fund.
If you have any questions or would like any further information please send an email to stratamanager@venetianpyrmont.com