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Services
Painting
Our company can re-paint residential, strata and commercial buildings. We cover all interior and exterior projects from small patch repairs to large buildings.
The need for painting can be brought about due to any building defect, and painting is the final stage in the beautification of the building. We would never simply paint over or mask a problem with paint, but always address the problem first, then paint after.
Two main building defects which will require re-painting are bubbling plaster and mould.
Crack Stitching
Crack stitching is a method of repairing and stabilising cracked masonry that may have moved and cracked as a result of movement in foundation soils, seismic activity, and cyclical wet and dry, hot and cold environmental conditions.
BELMAX GROUP builders use the Helibeam system. The Helibeam system uses Helibars bonded into cut slots in the wall with Helibond cementitious grout, which can be seen being applied in the picture below.
Crack stitching reintroduces structural integrity and redistributes structural loads for a quick, simple, effective, and permanent solution. The Heli-bars are cold rolled, under tension, from continuous runs of stainless steel wire, and exhibit a compact profile that allows for easy transportation and on-site manipulation whilst maintaining impressive and reliable tensile strength.
The Helibond groutformulation, which includes an expansive system to compensate for shrinkage in the hardened state, develops almost half of its fully cured compressive strength after 24 hours. Our builders have got experience using the crack stitching method to fix brick wall cracks, and also cracks in rendered walls, cracks near corners, cracks in block walls, and cracks in stone walls.
Waterproofing
Keeping a building watertight is essential to maintain its structural integrity. The introduction of water into a building can cause a huge range of issues, from concrete spalling to rising damp, from mould to crumbling brickwork.
You might notice water damage in your building from either the damp smell, the rotting of carpets or flooring, rusting of any metal materials, mildew and mould growth, bubbling paint and plasterwork, or the de-bonding of materials such as tiles.
There are a host of reasons as to why waterproofing might fail in a building. The most common ones are:
- The original waterproofing membrane is old and failing;
- The movement of the building over time (or during/after initial construction) has shifted and torn the membrane.
- Lack of experience/attention by previous workers/handymen has led to a failed replacement of the membrane.
- New works have introduced incompatible materials or new protrusions which have disturbed/damaged/otherwise compromised the existing waterproof membrane.
In all these cases, we are there to investigate the cause and find solutions for whatever has caused the water ingress, and fix or replace the old membranes so that your building is water-tight once again.
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Balcony and balustrades
Balconies are generally made of timber or concrete, and as they are on the façade of a building they are subject to the elements, especially on the coast in saline environments. Timber balconies can be ruined by wet rot and termites, and concrete balconies can have concrete spalling, rusting, efflorescence, or failed waterproofing and drainage.
If you aren't affected by any of those issues, you may be wanting to upgrade an older building whose features are no longer safe and compliant with the Building Code of Australia (for example, all balustrades must now be at least one metre high, and lots aren't), or you may simply want to upgrade your balcony look as it is a highly visible building feature regardless of why, we have help to make the process of balcony rectification and upgrading cost-effective and hassle-free.
Flash-Work
The importance of flashing is often minimised, but it is an essential element for a building to remain waterproof. Flashing is a construction detail used to seal and protect joints in a building from water penetration – it is therefore installed at intersecting roofs, parapets and walls.
The joints created by the intersection of the roof and roof mounted structures and projections, such as parapets, hatches, skylights, chimneys, vent stacks, or towers, are among the most vulnerable areas of roofing systems. They constantly expand and contract in response to changes in humidity and temperature. The greater the number of such projections, the greater the potential for serious leaks.
Flashing is used at these intersections to keep rainwater from leaking into the building. It makes joints at these junctionswatertight, while at the same time allowing the natural expansion and contraction of materials to continue. Flashing can either be concealed or exposed.
Flashing concealed within the construction of the building may be of either sheet metal or a waterproof membrane. Exposed flashing typically consists of pieces of sheet metal or impervious, flexible membrane material. We often find that the flashing may have failed and this is the cause for water penetration. It is obviously linked to the waterproof membranes discussed on the Waterproofing page.
Concrete Spalling
The most common issue with concrete which we are called to inspect and fix is concrete spalling also called concrete cancer. When concrete is used in construction, steel bars or steel mesh can be used inside the concrete slab as reinforcement.
When exposed to air or water, these steel reinforcements can corrode, which causes the reinforcements and thus the concrete to expand. Concrete spalling is a common building condition, and is especially prevalent in buildings which are close to saline environments, such as ones along the coastline.
With premises located along the south coast, we are very experienced with this type of building defect, especially in balcony slabs that are exposed. Concrete spalling is often called "concrete cancer”due to the progression of the corrosion. Once the concrete has cracked, it further exposes the steel to water and air, speeding up the process.
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Drainage Cells
Drainage cells provide the perfect solution for creating a successful green rood without any traditional problems of leaking and cracking. The drainage cells provide a uniform surface as well as internal void space for effective draining of excessive water during heavy rainfalls.
Drainage cells help landscapers make use of mature plants in a roof garden which needs soil depth and water retention properties.
High temperatures in summer cause thermal expansion in concrete and can cause water proofing to crack, but with the help of drainage cells the heat escapes and hence reduce the risk of cracking, enhancing building life.
Retaining Walls
A retaining wall is a protective structure, first and foremost. It is a structure that holds back soil from a building or structure. Retaining walls prevent down slope movement and provide support for vertical or near- vertical grade changes. Concrete retaining walls can serve aesthetic and landscape design functions as well. A retaining wall installation completed by a quality professional will enhance the value of one's home. An expert retaining wall installation ought to be both functional and aesthetically satisfying.
How are retaining walls useful?
- provides functional support for keeping soil in place,
- prevents sink holes and eliminating the eye sore of dirtpilesand hills
- helpful in preventing flooding
- reduces maintenance and prevents erosion
- prevents damage to property or surrounding structures
