Frontline Waterproofing

Services

RESIDENTIAL WATERPROOFING:

Frontline waterproofing offers residential waterproofing services to Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. Whether it be a bathroom renovation, balconies, rooftops, planter boxes, new builds, damp proofing or leak detection, Frontline waterproofing offers a wide range of solutions at a competitive price.

Frontline waterproofing has developed relationships with many reputable manufacturers and has the backing of Australia's largest waterproofing suppliers. We have the expertise to install a wide range of systems, including liquid, sheet, and torch on membranes.

LEAK DETECTION:

There are many possibilities when it comes to a water leak and Frontline waterproofing has the detection equipment needed to pinpoint hard to find leaks.

We offer a range of methods for testing for leaks including ;

  • Plumbing pipe & fixing pressure test
  • Dye infused flood test
  • Infrared camera detection

Save yourself the hassle of trying to source a leak and avoid any unnecessary and potentially costly repairs.

REMEDIAL WATERPROOFING:

Remedial waterproofing is the process of repairing damage caused by a failed waterproofing system and the waterproofing system itself. Waterproofing is the biggest construction defect today and is the cause for millions of dollars in rectification works annually. The building industry is slowly recognising this and acknowledging the importance of a waterproofer that has the knowledge to ensure the system lasts. Waterproofing typically costs 1-3% of the total build cost and while some choose the cheapest quote, this can leave an expensive repair bill.

Leaking showers, balconies, roof tops, planter boxes and retaining walls are quite common and in most cases will require the removal of fixings & tiles followed by the replacement of any damaged substrates then reinstallation of the waterproofing system, tiling and fixings. The repair bill can be that of a full renovation. Some businesses advertise to “fix leaking showers or balconies without removing tiles”, while these may yield short term success, they are not a permanent fix.

Water reactive injection systems prove valuable for many scenarios where the only solution is to repair the leak from the negative side. These systems work by using a high pressure pump to inject a water swellable polyurethane liquid into the crack or joint. Once the polyurethane meets with the water it instantly swells and creates a pressure seal.

Frontline Waterproofing offers remediation solutions for all types of waterproofing defects or leaks from leaking shower base repairs, polyurethane injection, negative side waterproofing systems, concrete crack repairs and active water leak repairs.

BELOW GROUND & RISING DAMP:

Below ground waterproofing is one of the most important parts of the whole build process. If this waterproofing system fails, the structural integrity of the building can be compromised. Failed below ground waterproofing is a leading type of waterproofing failure, at times even completely left out of the build process. When these areas pose a problem or start to leak the repair bills can skyrocket as the repair usually involves excavating the soil to access the below ground areas. Below ground waterproofing systems are complex compared to internal or external non exposed areas as the membrane must be; root resistant, non degradable, high resistance to re-emulsification and resistant to salts and minerals. A typical below ground waterproofing system consists of a liquid membrane, either cementitious in make up or bitumen modified, a protection board, drainage cell and filter media followed by a back fill containing an ag line and blue metal.

Rising damp is a phenomenon where part of a building is below ground and the ground moisture and water wicks up and through the substrate from the soil. The pressure of the water is known as hydrostatic pressure.

Rising damp can have implications such as:

  • Structural Damage through constant saturation of the substrate, whether it be concrete or timber. Concrete cancer, spalling androtten concrete reinforcement can result from constant saturation and can be very costly to repair. Timber can rot or decay and develop mould, affecting the structural integrity of the dwelling.
  • Health implications through the growth of mould. The constant wet conditions are the perfect environment for mould to thrive. Certain Moulds are not visible to the eye and can wreak havoc on your health.
  • Damage to your personal belongings and potential decrease in your homes value. Water damage, typically below ground is usually damage to your foundations or weight bearing walls. It is very important that these stay rigid and free from water damage. Homes With water damage can be very costly to repair therefore the value of your home or dwelling can be considerably reduced when water damage is present.

Frontline Waterproofing offers many solutions for rising damp and groundwater issues and below ground applications, from both the positive and negative sides. Common products used are:

  • Hydrostatic Epoxies
  • Cementitious Membranes
  • Bitumen Modified Polyurethanes
  • Sheet Membranes
  • Cement based water plug mortars
  • Polyurethane injection

TORCH ON MEMBRANES:

Torch On MembranesTorch on waterproofing membranes have been used for many years, these systems are known for their longevity especially in exposed flat roof applications. Torch on waterproofing membranes come in sheet form on rolls, and are applied by means of heating with a gas torch to their melting point and then laid on the substrate. They are made of modified asphaltic bitumen and come in 2 main types, SBS - A rubber modified variant & APP - a plastic modified variant. Torch on systems can be either a single ply or dual ply system with film thickness ranging from 4mm-7mm. The exposed layer is often a mineral chip coated face with a rough texture designed to protect the membrane fromUV and foot traffic while providing an aesthetic finish. Torch on waterproofing is a heavy duty solution and in general will have the longest service life and manufacturer warranty for exposed applications.

Other applications where torch on waterproofing membranes are used are; Planter boxes, retaining walls, green roof areas, plant rooms,box gutters, balconies & podium decks.

LIQUID MEMBRANES:

Liquid waterproofing systems are the most commonly used membranes. They come in the form of a rollable, trowelable or sprayable liquid packed in drums. Liquid waterproofing systems provide a seamless impervious layer and are flexible & hard wearing. Liquid waterproofing systems are compatible with all applications and come in an array of different make ups and formulas depending on the application.

Some different types of liquid waterproofing systems include;

  • Water-Based liquid membranes
  • Solvent based liquid membranes
  • 2 Part liquid membranes
  • 2 Part cementitious slurry liquid membranes
  • 2 Part epoxy negative vapour membranes & primers

These liquid systems are mostly made up of polyurethanes, polyureas, SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubbers), Acrylics & Polyamine or epoxy formulations.

SHEET MEMBRANES:

  • PVC or TPO waterproofing systems are regarded as the top shelf waterproofing systems for non trafficable applications. PVC sheet membranes are heat welded at the seams creating a single sheet for water protection. PVC or TPO systems can be installed as loose laid or adhered configurations. These systems can be used in internal wet areas such as bathrooms as well as low traffic external wet areas such as roof tops.
  • Adhesive sheet membranes are a peel & stick system with a wide range of waterproofing applications. These systems can be used on both internal and external wet areas. Adhesive sheet membranes have a peel off plastic backing which is removed to expose an adhesive backing that adheres to the substrate itself and also to the exposed face of the sheet membrane to create a sealed overlap. These systems are often composed of a SBS modified bitumen or a butyl rubber both with high tack resins for superior adhesion.
  • Wet laid sheet membranes are a similar concept to adhesive sheet systems though a liquid in the form of an adhesive or membrane is first applied to which the sheet membrane is then laid into the wet material. These systems are also mostly comprised of a butyl rubber membrane covered in a fleece backing on both sides.
  • Decoupling mats are a form of sheet waterproofing membrane system which are used to isolate the substrate from the finished flooring, usually tiles. These systems are essential in high movement areas to allow movement and reduce the risk of cracking and movement of the finished flooring.