Botswana's rainy season typically runs from around November to March, arriving fast and often heavy after months of dry weather. The best time to check a roof or exposed structure for waterproofing problems is well before then — not during the first downpour. Here are five signs worth checking for now.
1. Visible Cracking or Blistering on the Membrane
Cracks, splits, or raised blisters on a waterproofing membrane are a direct sign the surface is compromised. These usually result from age, thermal movement, or UV exposure, and they only get worse once water starts working its way in during the rains.
2. Ponding Water That Doesn't Drain Within a Day or Two
A well-designed roof should shed water toward drainage points. If you notice water sitting in the same spots for extended periods after rain, that's usually a sign of poor falls or blocked drainage — and prolonged ponding accelerates wear on most waterproofing systems.
3. Damp Patches or Staining on Ceilings Below the Roof
Water stains, discolouration, or damp patches on an internal ceiling are one of the clearest signs that water is already getting through somewhere above. By the time this is visible inside, the waterproofing has usually failed at more than one point.
4. Peeling Paint or Efflorescence on Parapet Walls
Efflorescence — the white, powdery mineral deposit left behind as water moves through concrete or masonry and evaporates — along with peeling or bubbling paint on parapet walls, often points to water ingress at wall copings, joints, or through the parapet itself.
5. A Membrane That Hasn't Been Inspected in Years
Waterproofing systems don't last forever, and how long a given system performs depends on the product, exposure, and how well it's been maintained — not a fixed number of years you can assume. If nobody can remember the last time a roof or membrane was properly inspected, that alone is a reason to get it checked before the rains, rather than assuming it's still sound.
What To Do If You Spot These Signs
Get an assessment before the rainy season starts, not during it. Waterproofing repairs and re-application generally need dry conditions to install and cure properly, so trying to fix a problem mid-storm is far harder — and often more expensive — than addressing it in the dry season. If you've spotted any of the signs above, it's worth having someone look at the substrate and recommend the right system before committing to a fix.
Spotted a Sign on Your Roof?
Talk to us before the rains — we'll help assess the issue and recommend the right ABE waterproofing system.