Page 455 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

LIFE CYCLES: QUALITY, MAINTENANCE, AND WARRANTIES 11.11
systems, may require more attention; they should be checked to ensure that water drainage
is effective and protection surfacing remains in place during replantings.
Exposures to elements affect waterproofing systems, and required maintenance often
depends upon this exposure. Factors affecting waterproofing systems include
● Thermal movement
● Differential movement
● Weathering
Ultraviolet exposure
Freeze–thaw cycles
Rain
● Wind loading
● Chemical attack
Chloride (road and airborne salt)
Sulfides (acid rain)
● Settlement
Structural
Nearby construction
Acts of God (hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes)
Regular maintenance inspections should monitor any damage that might be caused by
these types of wear and weathering, and repairs should be completed promptly according
to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Manufacturers should make representatives avail-
able to assist in the inspection and to make recommendations to the building owner if
repairs or maintenance work is necessary.
Should a particular portion of an envelope be under warranty by a manufacturer, con-
tractor, or both, necessary maintenance or repairs should be completed by firms warranting
these areas. This prevents nullifying warranties or obligations of a manufacturer or con-
tractor by allowing others to complete the repairs. If extended warranties are available, man-
ufacturers should be consulted for proper maintenance procedures. For example, a
contractor or manufacturer can provide a 5-year warranty plus an optional 5-year renewal.
This requires that after the initial 5-year period, manufacturer and contractor make a com-
plete inspection, at which time all necessary repairs are documented. Upon an owner’s
authorization for repair completion and payment for these repairs, the manufacturer or con-
tractor extends the warranty for an additional 5 years.

WARRANTIES

It would require several legal courses to cover warranties, guaranties, and their legal conse-
quences completely. This section, therefore, approaches the subject as summarized in the
phrase, “Let the buyer beware.” Due to all intangibles involved in field construction, it is rare