At BIM Remedial Sydney, we are more than just a remedial building specialist – we’re experts on ensuring complete compliance with all Australian regulatory standards across our strata waterproofing services.
Why is this important?
Strata waterproofing is covered by strict and non-negotiable compliance standards in Australia. These standards ensure:
- Your building is adequately protected from water damage
- Your building retains its value
- Your legal liability is minimised
However, the required standards can also be a source of confusion, stress and difficulty for strata managers and building owners unfamiliar with the details.
Please note that this is a general and introductory guide only. For details regarding the rigorous compliance standards and regulatory requirements, we recommend seeking custom expert advice.
Why Does Compliance Matter in Strata Waterproofing?
Waterproofing failures are in fact a leading cause of defects in residential and commercial buildings and strata properties. If the issues are not addressed or are papered over with ineffective solutions, the problem can multiply and become even more costly, disruptive and hard to resolve over time.
What Are the Key Australian Waterproofing Standards?
As mentioned above, the Australian standards are designed to help ensure a number of things:
- The building’s structural integrity is protected
- The residents or occupants’ health and wellbeing is ensured
- The improved efficacy of insurance claims
- The decrease in financial and/or legal liability
And all of this is not to mention the serious reputational risk that comes with being the owner or strata manager of a building.
There are in fact a number of different legal standards in Australia that cover waterproofing works:
- AS 3740:2021 – Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas
- AS 4654.1:2012 – Waterproofing Membranes for External Above-Ground Use (Materials, and Design and Installation)
- National Construction Code (NCC)
We will introduce you to each of the compliance standards, however the information here is general in nature and current as of the time of publication. For custom advice and the most up to date advice, we recommend speaking to a member of the BIM Sydney team today.
What Is AS 3740:2021, Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas?
AS 3740:2021 includes the mandated standards for wet areas of the home, such as bathrooms, toilets and laundries.
These minimum standards cover:
- Materials used
- Design of the area
- Installation of waterproofing systems
- Membrane gradings
- Drain design
- Floor waste requirements
In general its purpose is to ensure that the area is designed to prevent water damage and minimise risk. It applies to a number of classes of residential buildings, including:
- Class 1 (houses)
- Class 2 (apartments)
- Class 4 buildings
- Class 3-9 buildings’ wet areas
In addition to outlining how wet areas must be waterproofed, it also stipulates that only certified waterproofers should perform the remedial construction work to ensure complete compliance.
What Is AS 4654.1:2012, Waterproofing Membranes for External Above Ground Use?
AS 4654.1 and AS 4654.2 cover the design, installation and remedial work for external membranes. This can include a number of different aspects of a building, such as but not limited to:
- Balconies
- Rooftops
- Planter boxes
- Exposed slab edges
The purpose of the standards is to ensure water ingress is prevented. It outlines a number of requirements:
- Proper waterproofing membranes
- Correct installation
- Regular inspections and maintenance
- Ensuring correct certification and documentation
As far as the materials go, the standards outline exactly what is needed when it comes to extensibility, thickness, adhesion to substrates, and durability against environmental factors. When it comes to design and installation it covers everything from system integration to detailing around penetrable areas, and suitability for landscaped areas.
One thing to note is that these standards do not apply to below-ground applications and/or pools.
What is the National Construction Code (NCC)?
The NCC is the country’s primary code for building design and construction and associated systems of plumbing or drainage.
It is the legal framework for waterproofing and covers the accessibility, amenity and sustainability aspect requirements that apply across all building classes.
Two important notes about the NCC:
- Whilst applicable throughout Australia, there are some variations from state to territory.
- The NCC is reviewed and updated every three years.
For the most up to date NCC stipulations that apply to your specific region, make sure to speak to a certified remedial waterproofing builder.
An important aspect of the NCC, apart from the standards and requirement to use a licensed contractor, is to keep documentation and compliance certificates on hand for any waterproofing works that you commission.
Where Can You Find Out More?
If you want to access or refer to the NCC yourself, you can purchase documentation from the official Standards Australia online store or visit the Australian Building Codes Board’s (ABCB) website.
How Is BIM Sydney Here to Help?
The Australian standards for strata waterproofing can be as confusing as they are important.
Fortunately, BIM Sydney is a local, established, and reputable leader in compliant remedial construction.
Our specialists are here to help you maintain complete compliance and enjoy complete reassurance with your waterproofing works.
Why Choose BIM Sydney?
- Reliable and effective waterproofing services
- Regulatory compliance
- Expert familiarity with industry standards
- Technically proficient in end-to-end waterproofing services for residential, commercial, and strata buildings
- Comprehensive project management
- Thorough and transparent communication throughout
If you are interested in minimising liability whilst maximising peace of mind, make sure to contact our team here at BIM Sydney today.
