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Waterproofing Concrete Roof Slabs: A Success Story at Waikumete Cemetery

Water is one of the most persistent threats to concrete structures. Left unchecked, moisture seeps into cracks, weakens reinforcements and accelerates damage.

That’s why waterproofing isn’t just a step in construction; it’s a long-term investment in durability. Whether it’s a high-rise building, a public facility or a heritage site, getting it right from the start means fewer problems in the future.

At Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland, New Zealand, waterproofing was critical to protecting refurbished concrete roof slabs.

The team at Total Seal Roofing Waterproofing Ltd took on
the challenge, applying Drizoro’s high-performance
waterproofing system to ensure lasting protection.

The outcome? A robust, watertight solution that not only met the immediate needs of the project but also secured future works within the council.

Here’s how they did itand why effective waterproofing makes all the difference in large-scale construction.

A quick overview of the New Zealand waterproofing project

Effective waterproofing is critical for concrete structures exposed to the elements, especially when long-term durability is a priority. At Waikumete Cemetery in Auckland, a key infrastructure project required high-performance waterproofing to protect newly constructed concrete roof slabs.

Auckland Council led the project to safeguard the structural integrity of the cemetery’s concrete roof slabs, with Programmed Facility Management overseeing the work.

Why is waterproofing necessary on concrete roof slabs?

Concrete is porous, meaning water can seep in, causing cracks, corrosion and long-term deterioration.
The cemetery’s roof slabs needed a robust waterproofing system to prevent moisture ingress and ensure longevity.
Without effective waterproofing, repairs and structural issues could arise, leading to higher maintenance costs over time.

Remember: The right waterproofing system doesn’t just prevent leaks,

it preserves the integrity of the entire structure.

Total Seal Roofing Waterproofing Ltd, a trusted expert in large-scale roofing, waterproofing and coatings, was chosen to carry out the project using our Drizoro products.

Their application ensured a durable, long-lasting seal, protecting the concrete roof slabs from moisture damage. With a strong track record in the industry, the team delivered a solution that met council expectations.

The Drizoro waterproofing products that made it happen

For a waterproofing system to truly last, every product needs to work together seamlessly. Total Seal Roofing Waterproofing Ltd used a combination of Drizoro’s high-quality products to ensure a watertight, durable finish on the concrete roof slabs.

Here’s how each product played a key role:

A flexible cement-based coating designed to create a strong, watertight barrier on concrete surfaces. It was chosen for its high adhesion and resistance to water pressure, ensuring long-term durability.

Forms a seamless waterproof layer that bonds directly to concrete.
Withstands both positive and negative water pressure, preventing leaks.
Protects against moisture, weathering and structural cracking over time.

 

A high-strength fibreglass mesh that enhances the performance of MAXSEAL® Flex M, reinforcing critical areas and improving crack resistance.

Forms a seamless waterproof layer that bonds directly to concrete.
Withstands both positive and negative water pressure, preventing leaks.
Protects against moisture, weathering and structural cracking over time.

MAXJOINT® ELASTIC EXPRESS is a high-performance joint sealant designed to maintain flexibility while sealing gaps and expansion joints. It prevents water ingress in vulnerable areas, ensuring long-lasting protection.

Provides a watertight, flexible seal for expansion joints and cracks.
Absorbs structural movement without compromising waterproofing
Ensures the system remains airtight and durable over time.

Designed for both new and existing concrete structures, our waterproofing products also enhance the long-term durability of exposed surfaces.

For the Waikumete Cemetery project, this meant ensuring the concrete roof slabs remained structurally sound, resistant to leaks and capable of withstanding environmental stresses for years to come.

How to waterproof concrete roof slabs with high-quality products

Applying a waterproofing system correctly is just as important as choosing the right products. To ensure long-term durability and leak protection, the team at Total Seal Roofing Waterproofing followed a structured process using Drizoro’s MAXSEAL® Flex M, MAXMESH and MAXJOINT® Elastic.

Here’s how the waterproofing application was carried out:

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Before waterproofing begins, the surface must be properly cleaned to remove any loose debris or contaminants. This ensures maximum adhesion of the waterproofing products.

All surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and pre-wetted, removing dust and ensuring even absorption.
Any standing water was removed to prevent dilution of the product.
Joints and corners were pre-coated with MAXSEAL® Flex M for extra reinforcement.

Step 2: Waterproofing Layer and Reinforcement

The first layer of MAXSEAL® Flex M was applied to create an initial waterproof barrier. To strengthen critical areas, MAXMESH was embedded into the first coat.

The mesh was pressed into the wet coating, ensuring full integration.
Additional MAXSEAL® Flex M was applied to secure the mesh and enhance durability.
The entire surface received a uniform coating, leaving it to cure for 14 hours.

Step 3: Final Protection and Curing

Once the first coat was fully set, a second coat of MAXSEAL® Flex M was applied for reinforced protection. Keeping the surface damp during application helped ensure proper bonding and a long-lasting waterproof seal.

This second coat sealed any remaining pores or weak points.
The system was left to cure, forming a strong, flexible and watertight barrier.

For a comprehensive guide on waterproofing concrete slabs, access the full specification document here.

A winning result and even more projects ahead

The waterproofing of the concrete roof slabs at Waikumete Cemetery was a success, meeting Auckland Council’s high standards and ensuring lasting protection against water damage.

Using Drizoro’s high-performance waterproofing system, Total Seal Roofing WaterproofingLtd delivered a durable, leak-proof solution built to withstand environmental exposure.

Impressed by the results, Auckland Council and Programmed Facility Management have since awarded Total Seal Roofing Waterproofing Ltd more projects, reinforcing their trust in both the contractor’s expertise and SWP Drizoro’s proven reliability.

Drizoro’s waterproofing system gave us the confidence to deliver a long-lasting solution for the Waikumete Cemetery project. The results speak for themselves, Auckland Council was impressed, and we’ve since secured more projects using Drizoro products.

Hank McMaster, CEO, Total Seal Roofing Waterproofing Ltd

This outcome highlights how Drizoro’s waterproofing solutions continue to set the standard for long-term durability and large-scale protection across Australia and New Zealand.

Key benefits of waterproofing Australian & New Zealand building projects

Effective waterproofing isn’t just an extra stepit’s a vital commitment to the longevity and durability of any building project. With the right system in place, structures can withstand the elements, meet industry standards and avoid costly repairs down the line.

At Scientific Waterproofing Products, we offer high-quality solutions to get these benefits:

Protects concrete from water infiltration, reducing cracks, corrosion and long-term deterioration.
Minimises the need for ongoing repairs, saving time and money over the lifespan of the building.
Meets Australian and New Zealand building regulations for durability and safety, helping projects pass inspections with confidence.

Reliable, cost-effective and built to lastquality waterproofing

is the foundation of a strong, resilient structure.

Get the best waterproofing solutions for your next project with SWP

AtScientific Waterproofing Products, our team is here to provide you with the most effective waterproofing product for your unique project.    

For any questions about your next waterproofing job, or which product is best for your project,contact us today.

You can also check out a list oflocal Drizoro resellers and applicators here.   

SWP is committed to providing the right waterproofing solution for any water-related problem or application.

Don't just Waterproof it... Drizoro it!

We have been distributing Drizoro, CMA and other saturants throughout Australia for the last 35 years. Please contact us if you have any enquiries or view our products at any of our trusted stockists.