Waterproofing
Definition
A membrane or coating system applied to roofs, wet areas, basements, and below-grade structures to prevent water penetration. In Indonesia's high-rainfall tropical climate, waterproofing failures are among the most common building defects. Systems range from cementitious coatings applied to bathroom floors to torch-applied bituminous membranes on flat concrete roofs. The term is used directly in Indonesian construction practice without translation.
Example
A flat concrete roof in Jakarta — subject to 2,000+ mm of annual rainfall — requires a continuous waterproofing membrane applied over the structural slab before any topping or finish, with membrane laps sealed and upturns at all walls to prevent water ingress at the critical wall-to-roof junction.