Business South June 2021

56 | Leading the defence against water T T Russell Fredric Watertight Systems’ has completed work on many iconic residential projects in the Southern Lakes. Watertight Systems CONTRACTING “We’ve had a major focus on staff training and staff retention, so we’ve developed our own in-house training programme as well as sending staff to supplier training.” - Our Products, Systems, Methods And Services ‘ EcoTUFF suppliers since 2004’ Proudly supporting Watertight Systems LTD Every aspect of our business is dedicated to waterproofing Head Office Christchurch: 5/18 Taurus Place P: (03) 366 9495 (0508) SEALCO E: jeff@sealco.co.nz W: www.sealco.co.nz W atertight Systems provides a highly specialised service, with the membranes and roofing systems it installs often being the first line of defence against water ingress. The company is an applicator of a variety of single ply and torch-on membranes for flat roofing and tanking projects. Watertight Systems also works with specialised systems including green roofing, insulated warm roofing, shingle roofing, below ground systems, and deck and balcony membranes. Owned by Andrew and Kate Bull, the company, which is based in both Wanaka and Queenstown, started in 2006 when Andrew saw the region was lacking quality, competent waterproofing applicators. The business has since progressed to become the largest and most successful waterproofing company in the region and has grown very steadily in the last 15 years. This growth and the ongoing demand for Watertight Systems services means it now employs 21 staff. A qualified builder, Andrew has always had a clear vision for the business, Kate says. “Right from the very start, the point of dif- ference he wanted to make was quality work- manship. It’s obviously a high-risk industry.” “We’ve had a major focus on staff training and staff retention, so we’ve developed our own in-house training programme as well as sending staff to supplier training.” Watertight Systems also has a quality as- surance programme in place to ensure every job is completed to a high standard, including taking photographs of work to provide a docu- mented record of each waterproofing installa - tion. To ensure a substrate for a membrane is built to best practice and to comply with build- ing codes and warranty requirements, Wa- tertight Systems provides a checklist early in the project in order to prevent any problems when it is time for membrane application. Because of the level of expertise it offers, the company can provide advice to architects and builders about the best solutions for any situation and encourages engagement as early as possible in the design process. Watertight Systems not only undertakes work on new projects, it can help with an old or failing membrane on a roof or balcony. It also specialises in overlaying old mem- branes with the Warm Roof system, consisting of high performance foil-faced PIR foam and the membrane of a client’s choice. Owners who have had this upgrade have commented that their homes are noticeably warmer in winter and cooler in summer. About 75% of Watertight Systems’ work is residential, however it has completed work on some iconic projects including the Remarkable ski field’s base building, the Holiday Inn, Frank - ton, and The Marina Terraces Project, Wanaka, and will soon also start on another large hotel project. Andrew’s role in the business was previously as its general manager, but is now focused on sales and business development while Kate’s skills in administration, policy and management means she is now general manager. Despite the growth and demands of running the business, Watertight Systems’ fundamental goal remains simple. “Our goal is to maintain our market leader- ship by being the best waterproofing company in the area, that’s in terms of expertise and customer service to make life as easy as possi- ble for our clients.”