Waterproof Lab
Waterproof Lab is a Cape Town-based waterproofing specialist founded in 2016 that exclusively imports and distributes Firestone RubberGard EPDM membranes in South Africa, while providing accredited installation across roofs, balconies, foundations, and water containment. It serves architects, commercial property owners, contractors, and residential clients via project-based quoting.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersCape Town, South Africa
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Waterproof Lab does
Waterproof Lab is a privately held, founder-owned waterproofing specialist headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, founded in 2016 by Themi Stergianos. The company operates as the sole South African importer and distributor of Firestone RubberGard EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber membranes — a single-ply membrane technology with 300%+ elongation, UV resistance, and a 50+ year design life — and also distributes KÖSTER negative-side waterproofing slurries and restoration products. Its portfolio spans flat roofs, balconies, box gutters, concrete foundations, parking decks, water containment, green roofs, and solar-panel-integrated roofing systems, delivered through dedicated sub-brands including Roof Lab, Build Lab, and Pool Lab.
The business monetizes via two reinforcing streams: hardware sales of membranes and accessories (Quickseam patches, bonding adhesives, sealants, termination bars) to contractors and resellers, and professional installation services delivered by its own team and a network of accredited applicators that carry up to five-year workmanship warranties. Pricing is project-based and quotation-driven, with scope determined by roof area, accessibility, substrate condition, and detail complexity. Go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven across three primary segments — architects and engineers (supported by Revit BIM files), commercial and industrial building owners, and residential property owners — supplemented by SEO, content marketing, social channels, and attendance at international waterproofing conferences.
The company's scale signals include hundreds of completed installations, 7.5 km of box gutter lining, and reference projects across hospitality (Cape Town Boutique Hotel), retail (Tygervalley Centre), cultural (Rupert Museum), and high-end residential work. It is bootstrapped with no disclosed funding rounds, operates with a team in the 11-50 headcount band from a single Ottery, Cape Town headquarters, and claims to be 'Africa's leader' in high-end waterproofing, though evidence of operations beyond South Africa is limited.
Waterproof Lab firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Waterproof Lab
- Legal name
- Waterproof Lab
- Website
- https://waterprooflab.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Waterproof Lab is a Cape Town-based waterproofing specialist founded in 2016 that exclusively imports and distributes Firestone RubberGard EPDM membranes in South Africa, while providing accredited installation across roofs, balconies, foundations, and water containment. It serves architects, commercial property owners, contractors, and residential clients via project-based quoting.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Waterproof Lab industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Waterproofing Services
- SIC
- Adhesives & Sealants (2891)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Roofing Systems & Waterproofing (Membranes, Shingles, TPO/EPDM, Liquid-Applied) (IMAFAMAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Waterproofing Membranes & Systems (Liquid-Applied & Sheet) (IMADAOAC), Waterproof Coatings & Leak Sealing (Basements, Foundations, Roof Coatings) (HSAGADAI)
Keywords
Where Waterproof Lab is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cape Town
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices1 record
Markets served
Waterproof Lab business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- EPDM Membrane and Accessory Sales: Waterproof Lab generates revenue through the sale of Firestone RubberGard EPDM membranes and associated accessories including Quickseam Formflash patches, Quickprime adhesive, bonding adhesives, termination bars, and Black Lap Sealant. They are the sole importer and distributor of Firestone RubberGard EPDM in South Africa.
- Professional Waterproofing Installation Services: Revenue generated through professional installation services including flat roof waterproofing, balcony sealing, box gutter lining, concrete foundation waterproofing, parking deck waterproofing, roof garden waterproofing, solar roof waterproofing, and water containment systems. Installation provided by trained, accredited applicators.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Project-based waterproofing solutions with customized pricing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Waterproof Lab product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Waterproof Lab is South Africa's sole importer and distributor of Firestone RubberGard EPDM rubber membranes and KÖSTER waterproofing systems, supplying the membranes and related accessories (Quickseam Formflash, Quickprime adhesive, bonding adhesives, termination bars, and Black Lap Sealant). The company also delivers professional installation services across a range of applications including flat roofs, balconies, box gutters, foundations, parking decks, roof gardens, solar roofs, and water containment structures, performed by its own in-house teams and accredited applicator network.
Product overview
Waterproof Lab is a waterproofing specialist company offering a unified portfolio centered on Firestone RubberGard EPDM membranes as the core technology. The primary offering is the Firestone RubberGard EPDM Membrane system, which serves as the foundation for multiple specialized applications including Flat Roof Waterproofing, Balcony Seal System (Balcony Wrap), Solar Roof Seal System, Concrete Foundation Waterproofing, Parking Deck Waterproofing, Water Containment Seal System, Roof Garden Waterproofing, and Box Gutter Seal System. These applications share the same underlying EPDM technology but are adapted for specific use cases through different installation methods and accessories. Supporting the membrane products are service divisions: Roof Lab (metal roofing, skylights, insulation), Build Lab (restoration), and Pool Lab (pool waterproofing). The company operates as the sole importer and distributor of Firestone RubberGard EPDM in South Africa while also providing professional installation services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Pool Lab: A dedicated service for pool waterproofing solutions, operated at poollab.co.za
Products and services
- Firestone RubberGard EPDM Membrane (Distribution) Supply of single-ply EPDM rubber membranes in rolls up to 15m x 30m (450m²) for sale to contractors, accredited applicators and end customers in South Africa, with related accessories (Quickseam Formflash, Quickprime, bonding adhesives, termination bars, Black Lap Sealant). Waterproof Lab is the sole importer and distributor of Firestone RubberGard EPDM in South Africa.
- Flat Roof Waterproofing System Professional flat and low-slope roof waterproofing service using Firestone RubberGard EPDM, applied fully adhered or loose-laid over concrete, wood or existing substrates with minimal seams. Targets commercial, industrial and residential property owners with leaking flat roofs in South Africa.
- Balcony Seal System (Balcony Wrap) Balcony waterproofing service using EPDM rubber membranes to encapsulate balconies with minimal seams, supporting zero-degree slopes and allowing tiling, screeding or acrylic paint finishes over the membrane. Marketed for residential and multi-unit residential buildings with chronic balcony leaks.
- Box Gutter Seal System Lining of leaking commercial and residential box gutters with custom-cut EPDM membrane, eliminating seams over gutter runs up to 30m. Sold as a complete lining installation service; Waterproof Lab reports 7.5km of gutter lining installed in South Africa.
- Concrete Foundation Waterproofing System Foundation wall waterproofing service wrapping building foundations with Firestone RubberGard EPDM membrane to prevent groundwater penetration, leveraging the membrane's high elasticity (300%+ elongation) and vapor permeability. Targets new-build and restoration projects.
- Parking Deck Waterproofing System Waterproofing of parking decks under commercial, residential and office buildings using Firestone RubberGard EPDM membrane, providing a durable, elastic, skid-resistant layer that withstands vehicle and pedestrian traffic while preventing water ingress.
- Roof Garden Waterproofing System Green roof waterproofing service combining Firestone RubberGard EPDM membrane (FLL root-penetration-tested) with sedum vegetation to deliver heat-island reduction, stormwater management and insulation. Targets commercial and residential building owners installing roof gardens.
- Solar Roof Seal System Specialized EPDM-based waterproofing service that accommodates solar panel brackets and screws, with penetrations resealed using a specialized sealant so the waterproof guarantee is maintained. Designed to match or outlive solar panel warranties for residential and commercial solar installations.
- Water Containment Seal System EPDM-based waterproofing service for dams, reservoirs, eco-pools, reflection pools and underground water storage tanks, using large membranes (up to 15m x 30m) for near-seamless containment. Targets agricultural, municipal and high-end residential water-feature projects; membrane is fish-friendly, UV-resistant and recyclable with a 50-year life expectancy.
- KÖSTER Negative Side Waterproofing System Negative-side waterproofing service using KÖSTER specialist slurries for tanks, tunnels, restoration plasters, rising-damp horizontal barriers, and crack injection and repair systems, including concrete repair and protection products. Breathable slurry withstands up to 13 bar pressure when cured. Targets restoration contractors and property owners dealing with moisture ingress.
- Pool Lab (Pool Waterproofing) Specialized pool waterproofing service for residential and commercial pools, delivered under the Pool Lab sub-brand at poollab.co.za using the company's EPDM technology and KÖSTER-based systems.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50-year minimum life expectancy with 20-year guarantee for roofing and structural waterproofing works
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Waterproof Lab
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Waterproof Lab technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature5 records
Waterproof Lab partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Firestone Building Products (now Elevate, under Holcim)coreWaterproof Lab is South Africa's sole importer and distributor of Firestone RubberGard EPDM rubber membranes and accessories. Firestone has been acquired by Holcim and the product range has transitioned from Firestone to Elevate brand. This exclusive distribution partnership gives Waterproof Lab unique access to world-class EPDM technology with over 1.5 billion m² installed globally over 35+ years.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Waterproof Lab competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Tremco: Construction sealants, waterproofing, and weatherproofing manufacturer serving commercial roofing and building envelope applications. Overlaps with Waterproof Lab's flat roof and building envelope waterproofing categories within a much broader product portfolio.
- Fosroc: International construction chemicals supplier with waterproofing, sealing, and concrete repair product lines. Operates in South Africa through Fosroc Africa, competing in the same waterproofing and joint-sealing categories with broader portfolio depth.
- Mapei: Global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and chemical products for the construction industry, including waterproofing systems. Offers competing solutions in the same specifier-driven waterproofing category but with a broader product portfolio and global R&D scale.
- Sika AG: Global specialty chemicals company with a leading waterproofing, sealing, and roofing portfolio. Competes through Sika South Africa with broader product range, larger sales force, and established relationships with major contractors — overlapping EPDM/roofing category but at a portfolio scale.
- Carlisle Construction Materials: Leading North American EPDM and single-ply membrane manufacturer competing in the same upstream membrane category as Firestone/Elevate. A direct competitor to Waterproof Lab's supplier and a potential alternative source if the Firestone partnership were ever disrupted.
- Bostik (Arkema): Global adhesives and sealants manufacturer with waterproofing and construction product lines. Competes in the sealants and bonding adhesive categories that Waterproof Lab supplies alongside its membrane systems, though at a much larger portfolio scale.
- BASF Master Builders Solutions: Global construction chemicals brand offering waterproofing, concrete repair, and sealing systems. Operates in South Africa and competes across multiple of Waterproof Lab's application categories — including below-grade waterproofing and joint sealing — with global R&D resources.
Direct peers
- Kryton International: Specialty waterproofing manufacturer of crystalline admixtures and concrete durability systems. Competes in the structural waterproofing category with technology overlap to Waterproof Lab's foundation and water containment systems, targeting similar architectural and engineering specifiers.
- a.b.e. Construction Chemicals: Major South African manufacturer and distributor of construction chemicals including waterproofing systems, concrete repair, and sealants. Direct competitor in the same regional market, serving the same architect/contractor channel with overlapping product categories.
- Penetron International: Manufacturer of crystalline waterproofing admixtures and surface-applied systems for concrete structures. Direct competitor in the waterproofing systems category, particularly for concrete foundations, tanks, and below-grade applications that overlap with Waterproof Lab's foundation and water containment offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Waterproof Lab social profiles
Digital presenceWaterproof Lab compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Waterproof Lab financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Waterproof Lab leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Waterproof Lab funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Waterproof Lab M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Waterproof Lab
What does Waterproof Lab do?
Waterproof Lab is South Africa's sole importer and distributor of Firestone RubberGard EPDM rubber membranes and KÖSTER waterproofing systems, supplying the membranes and related accessories (Quickseam Formflash, Quickprime adhesive, bonding adhesives, termination bars, and Black Lap Sealant). The company also delivers professional installation services across a range of applications including flat roofs, balconies, box gutters, foundations, parking decks, roof gardens, solar roofs, and water containment structures, performed by its own in-house teams and accredited applicator network.
Is Waterproof Lab a public or private company?
Waterproof Lab is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Waterproof Lab founded?
Waterproof Lab was founded in 2016. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Waterproof Lab based?
Waterproof Lab is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Waterproof Lab make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. EPDM Membrane and Accessory Sales are the primary driver. The others are professional Waterproofing Installation Services.
Who are Waterproof Lab's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Tremco, Fosroc, Mapei, Sika AG, Carlisle Construction Materials, Bostik (Arkema) and BASF Master Builders Solutions. Direct peers are Kryton International, a.b.e. Construction Chemicals and Penetron International.
Does Waterproof Lab have an API?
No public API is recorded for Waterproof Lab.
What industry is Waterproof Lab in?
Waterproof Lab's product category is Waterproofing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFAMAA, Roofing Systems & Waterproofing (Membranes, Shingles, TPO/EPDM, Liquid-Applied), with a secondary code of IMADAOAC, Waterproofing Membranes & Systems (Liquid-Applied & Sheet). Its SIC code is 2891.