Frequently Asked Questions

Water based waterproofing membranes are generally acrylic in nature and rely on evaporation to cure. They are easy to use and are made specifically for the purpose of water proofing and protecting surfaces whilst providing non-toxic and non-flammable properties. This product is ideal for use in confined spaces where air flow is restricted.


Advantages:
  • Non-toxic:
  • Easy Clean-up:
  • Damp surface application.
  • Adheres to screed beds and tile adhesives.
  • Low VOC for Green Building conformance.

Solvent-based membranes sometimes referred to as “oil-based” contain organic solvents compared to water-based paints. These solvents are responsible for the strong odour noticeable in buildings/wet areas that have been freshly coated. They are also potentially hazardous so always ensure area of application is well ventilated.

Advantages:

They produce almost immediate waterproofing protection after application, even before they have dried. Hence rain after application is not a big problem (however, rain before application is a much worse problem because they cannot be applied onto damp surfaces);

They are not damaged by freezing temperatures (which is why they are so popular in Europe, especially during winter);

The main function of waterproofing is to stop any leaks from occuring. Water will always find the easiest and quickest route downwards. If a weak point or crack develops in your floor or walls, or gaps form in the sealant between your walls and bath, water can easily start to seep through and will soon find its way into the ground floor of your house.

Waterproofing also prevents damp and mould from occurring. Damp and mould is generally caused by water penetrating the wood, plaster or brick. By adding a waterproof barrier between these surfaces and your top layer (e.g. tiles), you can prevent the build-up of condensation and prevent damp from occurring.

Most Durotech products are stocked and prepared for delivery within 24 hours from initial order. Non stocked specialty items may require extended delivery times.

Direct from manufacturer at Minto or selected distributor outlets;

Sefton (Pacific Tiles)

Wollongong (Corrimal Tiles)

Newcastle (MW Supplies)

Victoria (APTC)

Lift Pits

Basement

Internal or external wet areas

Roofs

Balconies

Tanks

Podiums

Retaining walls

Planter Boxes

Waterproofing is a method which prevents water from penetrating your house.Waterproofing is very important as it helps keep your house dry. It helps reduce humidity inside the house and thereby protects things inside your house from damage caused due to humidity or water exposure.

The rules about who can do waterproofing differ slightly between different Australian states. In Queensland and NSW, the person doing the waterproofing in your home requires a waterproofer’s licence. In other states, waterproofers must provide a statement of compliance on job completition, indicating that the work they’ve done complies with Australian Standard AS 3740 – Waterproofing of domestic wet areas.

Durotech offers a 10 year Product Warranty.

When you consider the cost of a new bathroom, the waterproofing component is quite inexpensive and it will save you thousands. The average bathroom will cost just under $1000.

Our products can be used on new construction or existing dwellings, they can also be used for renovations or repairs.

* For internal wet areas like bathrooms/showers a sand/cement screed may be applied above the membrane. Also tiles can be applied on top of the membrane.

* Acrylic membranes only.

Recommended thickness for most waterproofing membranes is approximately 1.0 – 1.2mm for floors and 0.5 – 0.8mm for walls. If thickness is reduced, so is the membranes ability to resist tear and impact.

Longitudinal pattern can make membranes susceptible to tearing. 90o recoat will reduce this risk and improves overall strength of the membrane.

Acrylic membranes and water borne polyurethane are recommended as they provide a surface which is compatible with cement based tile adhesives. Solvent based (moisture cured) polyurethanes are not recommended due to their inert characteristics and very smooth surface finish making adhesion difficult.

Elongation is the ability of a membrane to stretch. 200% elongation suggests the membrane can stretch twice its original length. This is important because it allows the membrane to move and stretch with the substrate without tearing or cracking (especially high rise buildings where high movement can be encountered). Class III rating requires membranes to have a minimum elongation of 300%. Duromastic P15 has 800% elongation

Primer have generally two functions, the first is to stop moisture from the substrate (concrete, mortar screeds and plywood) penetrating the membrane causing blistering. It also reduces surface porosity and pin holing. Secondly, it promotes adhesion between the substrate and membrane which greatly reduces the risk of membrane failure.

Single component water based primers like the ARW or 2 part water based epoxy primer (Hibuild WBE) is recommended for water borne Duromastic P15 membrane.

The tensile strength is the ability of a material to resist a pulling force. The material is stretched to breaking and is measured in megapascals (MPa) or Newtons per mm squared (N/mm2). Maximum elongation is also defined when testing for tensile strength.

Water based

Duromastic Duroroof

Duromastic AC

Durosolar.

Duropond.

Solvent based.

Duroproof ATC (top Coat).

All suitable for service traffic.