Frequently Asked Questions

CBM Waterproofing was established in 1993 — making us over 30 years in business. We are a family-owned and operated company, founded and run by the Russell family in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Yes. CBM Waterproofing is registered with the Building Industry Bargaining Council (BIBC Ref: 98704) and compliant with the Compensation Commissioner (Ref: 990001009706). We carry full public liability insurance.

We work with both residential and commercial clients. Our residential work covers everything from single-dwelling homes to sectional title complexes. Our commercial work includes office buildings, retail properties and industrial facilities.

We serve Cape Town and the surrounding areas, including the Cape Peninsula, Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard (Camps Bay, Sea Point, Clifton), Northern Suburbs, the Winelands and surrounding areas. Contact us to confirm coverage for your specific location.

All CBM Waterproofing workmanship carries a minimum 5-year guarantee. Certain project types and product combinations — particularly torch-on bitumen and premium liquid membranes — can carry up to a 10-year guarantee. Your guarantee certificate is provided at project completion.

Yes. Our workmanship guarantees are transferable to new property owners, which can be a valuable selling point. Simply notify us of the change of ownership and we will update our records accordingly.

If you experience a problem that is related to our workmanship within the guarantee period, we will return to your property, assess the issue and repair it at no cost to you. Our guarantee is a real commitment — not fine print.

If water is getting in — staining ceilings, damp walls, pooling on floors after rain — you have a waterproofing problem, not a painting problem. Paint alone will not solve water ingress. We recommend a site assessment to diagnose the correct solution before any work begins.

We use a range of proven systems depending on the situation: torch-on bitumen membrane systems, self-adhesive membrane systems, acrylic tissue membrane systems, cementitious waterproofing coatings and elastomeric paint-on systems. The right system depends on the substrate, the extent of the problem and the expected traffic on the surface.

This varies considerably by scope. A small flat roof can be completed in 1–2 days. A larger residential project may take 3–5 days. Complex commercial or multi-scope projects may take 1–3 weeks. We will give you a realistic timeline in your quote.

In most cases, yes. We work around occupants and minimise disruption. We will advise you in advance if any areas need to be vacated temporarily — for example during torch application or strong-smelling solvent-based systems.

Unfortunately, this is a common situation. Poor specification or incorrect application of a waterproofing system often fails within a few years. We will assess your existing system honestly, identify why it failed and recommend the most appropriate corrective solution.

Both. Our first recommendation is always to repair and maintain where possible — it is usually more cost-effective. However, when a roof has deteriorated beyond viable repair, we will recommend and carry out a full replacement. We give honest advice based on your roof's actual condition.

Yes. We install polycarbonate skylights in a range of sizes. A well-installed skylight transforms a dark interior space and adds value to a property. We ensure all flashings and waterproofing around the skylight are correctly detailed to prevent leaks.

Signs to look out for: water stains on your ceiling (even if they appear dry), damp or musty smells in roof spaces, visible cracking or displacement of tiles/slates, rust staining around gutter brackets, or age (most roofs benefit from a check every 5–7 years).

Rising damp occurs when groundwater is absorbed into porous masonry from the soil. It travels up through the walls by capillary action. Signs include a distinctive "tide mark" on the wall, salt deposits (efflorescence), peeling paint and a damp, musty smell. The correct treatment involves breaking the capillary path — typically through injection of a chemical DPC or physical intervention.

No. Condensation occurs when moist warm air contacts a cold surface and deposits water. It is often found on windows, in corners and on poorly-insulated walls. Condensation is addressed through improved ventilation, insulation and heating — not waterproofing. We will diagnose which type of damp you have before recommending treatment.

Because paint does not fix damp — it hides it temporarily. The moisture continues to build up behind the paint and will eventually break through again, often causing the paint to blister, bubble and peel. The correct approach is to address the source of moisture first, then apply appropriate finishes.

Pricing depends on the area size, the system specified and the extent of preparation required. We provide detailed, itemised written quotes for every project. We do not charge for site assessments or quotes.

We aim to visit within 2–3 business days of your initial enquiry. In cases of active water ingress causing immediate damage, we do our best to respond the same or next day.

We do not require a deposit on most residential projects. For larger commercial contracts, a materials deposit may be required. This will be clearly stated in your quote.

Yes — all quotes are provided in writing and include a description of the scope of work, materials to be used, the project timeline and guarantee terms. We recommend never accepting a verbal quote for building work.