Leading local materials manufacturer backs PRAWA’s professionalisation drive

Continental Waterproofing & Protective Coatings, a leading local manufacturer of waterproofing materials, is a significant driving force behind the professionalisation of the South African roof repair and waterproofing industry.

This is by manufacturing and supplying quality waterproofing materials to “roofers” and the company’s ongoing active participation in various Professional Roof Repair and Waterproofing Association (PRAWA) initiatives as a longstanding member of this industrious industry body.

A case in point is the company’s sponsorship of a PRAWA industry day that was hosted at BMI Coverland Roofing Academy’s premises in Roodepoort in February.

The focus of this event was to impart knowledge of best practice in the application of torchon waterproofing membranes. Demand for this technology continues to grow considering its ability to provide long-term weather protection at an affordable price. If applied correctly by a competent “roofer”, quality torchon membranes can last up to 20 years. This significantly reduces maintenance and repair costs for the property owner. Certainly, the technology also appeals to the more environmentally-conscience consumer considering that it is sustainable roofing solution that reduces a building’s carbon footprint.

Continental Protective Coatings donated its Contitorchon bitumen rolls to PRAWA for demonstration and training purposes on the industry day.

Contitorchon bitumen rolls and Continental waterproofing paint are used widely by professional roof repair and waterproofing contractors. This is considering the very high quality of the company’s products which have been manufactured specifically for harsh African conditions, including among the highest UV indexes in the world. The company, therefore, also has a strong customer base in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia, exporting product from its state-of-the-art factory in Boksburg, Gauteng.

Continental Waterproofing & Protective Coatings continues to invest heavily in research and development so that it is able to keep on providing cost-effective yet high quality products. This, combined with strong technical after-sales service, remains the company’s strategic competitive edge. A 10-year warranty is offered on all the company’s contractor specification products. These products are complemented by an even more cost-effective range specifically geared at the do-it-yourself and low-cost markets, thus enabling Continental Waterproofing & Protective Coatings to extend its reach.

“As a company with roots firmly planted in African soil, we are heavily invested in the sustainability of the South African roof repair and waterproofing industry. However, to truly move this industry forward, we must first ensure that all stakeholders are equipped with the skills and knowledge, as well as products that they need to provide the best possible service to property owners. Industry days such as these are not only suited to new entrants to the industry but also seasoned contractors who want to ensure that they are always at the cutting-edge of industry practice. This is by also gaining intimate knowledge of available technologies and their correct application from leading manufacturers in their field,” Andries Fourie, Managing Member of Continental Waterproofing & Protective Coatings, says.

Therefore, Fourie is also a staunch supporter of the training provided by BMI Coverland Roofing Academy, which offers the only formal qualification in roof repair and waterproofing at a National Qualifications Framework Level. Considering the high quality of the company’s products and its widespread use in the country, they are also incorporated into the training courses on offer at the academy. In this way, individuals learn to use the best products in the market enabling them to hit the ground running when they start working.

Jeanine de Meyer, Chief Operations Officer of PRAWA, lauds Continental Waterproofing & Protective Coatings for its ongoing contribution to the association’s various initiatives.

“Continental Waterproofing & Protective Coatings has invested significantly in its local manufacturing capacity at its state-of-the-art factory in Boksburg, Gauteng. It is currently one of only a few companies that manufacture waterproofing materials locally. The company, therefore, has a wealth of knowledge to share with our members. This is especially with regards to its in-depth understanding of the local manufacturing sector and its supply chains that ensure that quality products and advise in their use are available on time and exactly where they are needed,” De Meyer concludes.