A worker applies a custom four-layer waterproofing system designed for roofs to address each specific need.
Mitigating waterproofing issues is the future of property maintenance
The principle of early intervention holds profound validity across nearly all technical and operational disciplines. Rather than allowing minor defects to compound, proactive maintenance ensures that small issues are addressed swiftly, thereby preventing their escalation into complex, costly structural failures.
This strategy is particularly crucial in construction and asset management, where meticulous and timely waterproofing is essential for maintaining a building's envelope integrity and achieving significant long-term cost mitigation.
While waterproofing is a minor component of a property's overall structure, often accounting for less than 1% of total construction costs, it frequently receives insufficient priority—until a failure occurs. This oversight carries substantial financial repercussions.
What is worrying is that a recent industry roundtable discussion conducted by Star Media Group’s subsidiary StarProperty involving Malaysian property managers, facility managers and architects highlighted a prevalent reactive maintenance culture among building owners.
Malaysians, it seems, have the tendency to only take action after leaks manifest, rather than proactively to prevent them. This reactive approach is highly inefficient, as waterproofing defects are responsible for up to 90% of a building's total damage-related expenses, driving a continuous cycle of recurring repairs and escalating long-term maintenance costs.
The hidden cost of neglect
Unchecked leaks are more than just a nuisance. They can lead to cracks, wall delamination and mould growth — all of which weaken the structure and create health hazards for occupants. In Malaysia’s tropical climate, trapped moisture can foster fungi and bacteria that trigger respiratory illnesses such as asthma while stagnant water creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and dengue.
“Saving on waterproofing is like skipping a vaccine — it might seem unnecessary now but the price of neglect is far higher later,” said Nippon Paint senior manager Aaron Ang.
It is important to have routine checks, he said, adding: “Every three to six months, the maintenance team should go up to the roof and check. Sometimes the waterproofing is slightly peeling or de-bonded from the membrane, you can still do a localised repair, no need to repair the whole thing. But if you leave it, the water will seep through and damage the whole roof and you need to repair the whole thing.”
One of the roofs that was waterproofed.
A technical task, not a quick fix
Proper waterproofing is a highly technical process that requires expertise, precision and the right materials. It starts with meticulous surface preparation — removing old paint, cleaning off dirt, repairing cracks and allowing sufficient drying time before application. Skipping these steps can compromise the entire system.
Equally important is understanding the difference between damp-proofing and waterproofing. The former keeps out moisture while the latter protects against both liquid water and vapour.
As the roundtable highlighted, decision-makers prefer solution providers with proven reliability and track record — reinforcing that brand trust and quality assurance are top priorities in choosing a waterproofing partner.
Shifting from reactive to preventive
Recognising these risks, Nippon Paint has been working with regulators, professional bodies and industry stakeholders to strengthen Malaysia’s refurbishment ecosystem. Through its Total Coating and Construction Solutions (TCCS) platform, the company integrates waterproofing and repainting systems designed specifically for Malaysia’s climate. By offering end-to-end compatible solutions, TCCS enables building owners to move from reactive repairs to preventive protection that extends building lifespans and safeguards asset value.
With more than 50 years in Malaysia, Nippon Paint remains at the forefront of preventive refurbishment practices. It has expanded its waterproofing portfolio to serve both new projects and refurbishment works covering roofs, wet areas, basements, water-retaining structures and walls. The range features advanced technologies such as liquid membranes (NippoSEAL), sheet membranes (NippoGARD) and cementitious membranes (NippoCEM). Together, these integrated solutions form a first line of defence against leaks and deterioration, providing long-term protection, preserving property value and reducing financial strain on owners.
It is critical to recognise that leak remediation and deterioration repair require tailored solutions based on the specific substrate and failure point. To assist professionals in diagnosing and treating these varied issues effectively, Nippon Paint maintains a dedicated digital resource. Their website, accessible at https://professional.nipponpaint.com.my/problems-and-solutions, provides comprehensive guidance covering specific applications for walls, floors, roofs, wet areas, water retaining structures and metal surfaces. This platform ensures that the appropriate specialised coating system is selected for every unique waterproofing challenge.
Moreover, Nippon Paint is committed to delivering solutions engineered for longevity and performance, emphasising a rigorous diagnostic approach to properly identify substrate issues before implementation. This commitment is materialised through their structured TCCS methodology which operates via a precise, phased execution protocol:
- Site inspection and analysis: Comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause of deterioration or leakage.
- Proposal development: Generation of a customised waterproofing solution tailored to the specific findings.
- Work commencement: Execution of the project using specialised application techniques.
- On-site technical assessment: Continuous quality control and validation throughout the application process to ensure adherence to standards.
- Project handover: Formal completion, backed by quality assurance.
To validate proven performance, these waterproofing systems are reinforced by SIRIM certification, supporting lab-tested reports and accredited green labels. For professionals seeking information on correcting existing failures, detailed guidance on re-waterproofing refurbishment projects is available at their dedicated resource portal: https://professional.nipponpaint.com.my/refurbishment/re-waterproofing.
Building resilience, not Just repairs
The roundtable further established a clear correlation between customer satisfaction and the reliability of vendor services, noting that client contentment significantly improves when waterproofing vendors provide both durable results and robust aftercare protocols. Given that concerns over budget pressures and inconsistent vendor performance remain persistent in the market, property owners are actively seeking partners who can consistently deliver both competitive value and contractual assurance. Ultimately, waterproofing must be reframed not merely as a technical necessity but as a critical safeguard for maintaining property value, occupant safety and overall asset integrity.
Some of the successfully waterproofed projects include Hilton Petaling Jaya Hotel, Assunta Hospital, TTDI Plaza and Oasis Residence. For more information on waterproofing solutions, visit https://professional.nipponpaint.com.my/waterproofing-solutions.
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