Another Successful Waterproofing Training Workshop at Midas Paints Paarl.

We hosted yet another highly successful waterproofing training workshop at Midas Paints Paarl, bringing together contractors, applicators, and site teams for a full day of hands‑on learning and technical development.

Delegates were trained across the three core waterproofing disciplines:
Liquid waterproofing systems: reinforced membranes, primers, application sequencing, and critical detailing.
Cementitious waterproofing: slurry systems, negative‑pressure applications, outlet dressing, and angle reinforcement.
Heat‑fused bitumen membranes: torch‑on techniques, gussets, angle fillets, laps, and outlet detailing.

The workshop placed strong emphasis on detailing, the single most important factor in long‑term waterproofing success.

Delegates practiced:
Internal and external corners.
Pipe penetrations.
Full‑bore outlets.
Door thresholds.
Window jambs.
Capping sheets.
Turn‑ups and turn‑downs.
Soft joints and transitions.

The practical stations at the new training centre continue to elevate skill levels across the industry, ensuring contractors leave with real, applicable knowledge and not just theory.

Was awesome to have the teams from @ikapa waterproofing, @Bonzai waterproofing, the crew from @nextlevel and Ibis industries.

A Morning of Waterproofing Theory and Technical Understanding.

The morning session focuses on the theory and technical knowledge that underpin successful waterproofing applications.
Attendees will be introduced to several major waterproofing system categories, including:
Liquid Applied Systems: Liquid waterproofing systems offer versatile solutions for a wide range of substrates and applications. Understanding substrate preparation, application techniques, curing and detailing is essential to achieving a durable waterproof membrane.
Cementitious Systems: Cementitious waterproofing systems are commonly used on concrete, masonry and other mineral-based substrates. The workshop will provide insight into where these systems are appropriate and the key considerations when preparing and applying them.
Torch-On Systems: Torch-on membranes remain an important waterproofing solution for many roofing and construction applications. Correct installation requires an understanding of membrane selection, substrate preparation, detailing, overlaps and safe application techniques.
Technical Drawings and Detailing: A waterproofing system is only as strong as its weakest detail. Gutters, outlets, parapets, expansion joints, penetrations, corners and changes in level can all become potential points of failure when they are not correctly designed and detailed.

The workshop therefore places important emphasis on technical drawings, detailing and understanding how waterproofing systems should be incorporated into a broader construction solution.

Afternoon Session: Put the Theory into Practice.

Knowing the theory is important. Knowing how to apply it correctly is even more important. The afternoon session moves from the classroom to practical application, allowing attendees to gain hands-on experience with different waterproofing systems.
The practical training will include:
Applying Liquid Systems: Attendees will gain practical exposure to the application of liquid waterproofing systems, including the importance of correct preparation and application techniques.
Applying Cementitious Systems: The workshop will demonstrate practical cementitious waterproofing application, helping attendees understand how product consistency, substrate condition and application technique influence the final result.
Torch-On Membrane Application: The practical session will also cover torch-on membrane application, providing valuable insight into correct installation techniques, detailing and workmanship.

This hands-on approach is an important part of the workshop because waterproofing quality is ultimately determined on site.

Raising Standards in the Waterproofing Industry.

Ryan Rack is also a founding member of RAWI – the Roofing and Waterproofing Institute, a non-profit organisation supporting roofing and waterproofing contractors through training and skills development. The importance of ongoing training in the waterproofing industry cannot be underestimated. Waterproofing technology continues to evolve, new systems are introduced to the market, and contractors need to remain familiar with international developments and modern application methods.

As Ryan explains: “Waterproofing application workshops are hosted regularly to improve our customer's skills and improve standards in the waterproofing industry. We use an accredited training facilitator. The importance of recognizing the skills of applicators is vitally important to employers. Updating skills and understanding the new systems available internationally is a critical part in ensuring the standards in the waterproofing industry is kept at a high level.”

This philosophy is central to the Midas Paints Paarl workshop.
The objective is not simply to promote waterproofing products. It is to improve knowledge, workmanship, technical understanding and confidence, helping professionals deliver better waterproofing solutions for their customers.