What is the Australian standard for waterproofing?
According to Australian Waterproofing Standards AS 3740, all shower floors must be waterproofed and all shower walls to be at least 1800mm should be waterproofed. All other walls such as the laundry wall must be waterproofed up to 150mm.
What damp proof membrane do I need?
The guidelines state that a damp proof membrane that is placed under the flooring should be around 1200 gauge and constructed of polyethene. This should be laid on a bedding material such as screed which doesn’t damage the sheet and has fully sealed joints.

Do I need a damp proof membrane under concrete?
These days, damp proof membranes are required in the construction of all new buildings to prevent rising damp. These strong and highly durable Polyethylene 1200 Gauge DPMs are sandwiched between the hard core and concrete slab to form an impermeable layer.
What is a Class 1 membrane?
• Classification of waterproof membranes. • Class I membranes: Resin (fiberglass) systems, Water based Epoxies. • Class II membranes: Acrylic. membranes, Bitumen based.

What is a Class 2 waterproofing membrane?
Waterproofing Membranes. Dampfast is a grey, flexible, 2 part Class II waterproofing membrane ideal for areas susceptible to ponding such as swimming pools and spas. Dampflex is a ready to use, white, acrylic based, non-trafficable Class III waterproofing membrane suitable for interior and exterior applications.
Which Australian standard covers the requirements for waterproofing of domestic wet areas?
Standard AS 3740
Overview of the Standard AS 3740 sets out the requirements for the materials, design and installation of waterproofing for domestic wet areas for residential buildings.
What gauge DPM do I need?
The use of damp proof membrane in construction is regulated by British Standards, which state that the sheet should be at least 1200 gauge (or 300 micrometres). Using a thinner sheet could mean your building doesn’t comply with regulations, and it can be a costly fix, so 1200 is always recommended.
Can you put DPM on top of concrete slab?
DPM’s can be applied to either a suitable blinding layer under the slab or internally to the top of the slab. Consideration should be given to applying the DPM to the top of the slab, as the installation and moisture sensitive internal finishes are then protected from any residual moisture in the concrete.
When did damp proof membranes become compulsory?
1960s
In the mid 1960s polythene damp proof membranes were introduced and became an accepted form of damp proofing.
What is a Class III membrane?
RLA WPM is a waterborne flexible waterproof membrane designed for use under tiled finishes that is capable of accommodating expected structural movement.
How much should DPM overlap?
150mm
Care should be taken when applying concrete or screed on top of the DPM to avoid stretching or the DPM being displaced. When joining two sheets a minimum overlap of 150mm should be provided between each of the sheets.
How thick should DPM be?
1200 gauge
The DPM thickness is the recommended 300μm and 1200 gauge – this means it effectively prevents moisture from passing from the ground into the property. This provides long term protection to the upper surface of the floor from damage. You should always consider a DPM before installing any flooring.
What is difference between DPC and DPM?
The damp proof course may be horizontal or vertical. A DPC layer is usually laid below all masonry walls, regardless if the wall is a load bearing wall or a partition wall. A damp-proof membrane (DPM) is a membrane material applied to prevent moisture transmission.
Do old houses have DPC?
A Damp Proof Course (DPC) is an impervious layer built into a wall. It is placed above ground level to prevent moisture rising up the wall via a capillary action. Older buildings used a range of materials for a DPC, including slate, bitumen, jute and hessian. Nowadays plastic DPCs or chemical injection DPCs are used.
What is the best waterproofing membrane for showers Australia?
Polyurethane Membranes Polyurethanes have become the new membrane of choice when it comes to waterproofing under tiles. ARDEX Australia has taken this technology to a new level with a new membrane that is fast curing – ARDEX WPM155 Rapid, when used with the ARDEX STB Tape as a bond breaker.
What is a Class 3 waterproofing membrane?
How many layers of waterproofing do I need for my bathroom?
Two coats
Waterproofing a bathroom. Two coats are needed, each taking 24 hours to dry. Extra sealant may also be needed once the tiles are down. It’s a job that can take up to four days, so allow plenty of time.
Can DPC be higher than 150mm?
The Building Regulations require at least 150mm between the dpc and the ground or any paving. This is what is known as ‘Best Practice’. However, there are situations where it is just not possible, or practical, to maintain this regulation.
Can DPM be used as DPC?
A DPM may be used for the DPC. Integral damp proofing in concrete involves adding materials to the concrete mix to make the concrete itself impermeable.
Why is DPC 150mm above ground level?
A damp-proof course is a barrier, usually formed by a membrane built into the walls of a property, typically 150 mm above ground level, to prevent damp rising through the walls.
Why are British houses so damp and Mouldy?
British houses are so damp due to a mixture of the nation having one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe and damaging building practices. Solid single skin brickwork, which makes up much of UK housing, is more prone to damp than double skin with cavity walls.
How do I know if my house needs damp proofing?
These signs of damp include:
- A distinctive musty smell.
- The appearance of mould or mildew on walls, floors or ceilings.
- Walls, floors or ceilings that feel cold or wet.
- Water droplets on walls.
- Dark or discoloured patches on walls or plaster.
- Lifting or peeling wallpaper from moisture in the walls.