COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Assess & Optimise Construction Waterproofing Systems course. This program has been developed to equip you with the knowledge, diagnostic techniques, and evaluation frameworks required to assess existing waterproofing systems and recommend performance-based improvements across both new construction and remediation contexts.

Waterproofing plays a critical role in building integrity, durability, and occupant safety. This course begins by exploring the importance of accurate waterproofing assessment to prevent structural damage, moisture ingress, and costly rework. You will learn to differentiate between evaluation approaches for new builds and existing buildings, and understand how assessment underpins optimisation, compliance, and system longevity.

Waterproofing systems vary significantly in type and application. This section introduces key system categories including sheet membranes (bituminous, PVC, TPO), liquid-applied membranes (polyurethane, acrylic, cementitious), and integral waterproofing via crystalline admixtures. Understanding each system’s properties, limitations, and ideal application contexts is fundamental to any optimisation strategy.

System review begins with the design documentation. This section covers how to interpret waterproofing details from architectural plans and compare them to the systems actually installed on site. You will learn to identify discrepancies between design intent and site practice—such as product substitution or missing reinforcement—and assess whether the documentation supports long-term performance.

Some areas present higher waterproofing risks than others. This section focuses on identifying internal and external zones that require targeted assessment—such as balconies, planter boxes, wet areas, rooftops, and below-grade spaces. You’ll also explore patterns in repeat failures and high-risk detailing that warrant closer scrutiny.

Visual and physical inspection of current conditions is essential. This section explains how to assess for discolouration, efflorescence, substrate movement, and surface instability. Moisture testing, pH checks, and drainage evaluation all contribute to forming a complete picture of the waterproofing system’s existing condition and potential vulnerabilities.

Application quality directly influences performance. This section outlines how to inspect membrane installations for primer coverage, correct thickness, uniformity, and curing. You’ll learn to recognise signs of poor adhesion, pinholes, and incorrect overlaps—especially at terminations and penetrations—that could compromise waterproofing integrity.

Compatibility across systems and layers must be verified. This section examines how to check for chemical and physical compatibility between waterproofing membranes and adhesives, screeds, sealants, or toppings. Transition zones and detailing at floor-wall junctions, joints, and protrusions are examined closely to identify common failure points.

Protection during curing is often overlooked. This section addresses the importance of allowing appropriate curing time before applying finishes or exposing membranes to foot traffic. You’ll also explore how to confirm whether protective measures—such as screeds, boards, or geofabrics—were correctly installed to prevent early damage.

Water testing confirms system integrity. This section covers how to conduct controlled flood tests in internal wet areas, observe membrane performance under water pressure, and interpret results. You’ll learn how to document failures and initiate targeted rectifications before finishes or handovers take place.

Understanding failure origins supports better decision-making. This section explains how to identify root causes such as poor preparation, structural movement, inadequate detailing, UV exposure, and environmental degradation. Recognising the difference between system design failure and poor workmanship is essential for developing effective remediation plans.

Diagnostic tools enhance precision. This section introduces moisture meters, infrared thermography, humidity probes, tracer dyes, and electronic leak detection. These tools are especially useful for concealed areas, such as under tiling, roofing membranes, or within cavity walls, where visual inspection is not enough.

Australian Standards underpin all waterproofing assessments. This section reviews AS 3740 (domestic wet areas), AS 4654.2 (external above-ground), and the relevant clauses of the NCC—particularly for Class 2 buildings. You will learn how to evaluate compliance and identify areas where systems fall short of regulatory benchmarks.

Waterproofing performance must also be considered over time. This section explores lifecycle expectations, maintenance responsibilities, and durability factors. You’ll learn to identify systems requiring ongoing upkeep, estimate renewal cycles, and weigh the long-term costs of preventative maintenance versus reactive repair.

Choosing the best solution requires comparison. This section provides a framework for evaluating the suitability of waterproofing systems based on environmental exposure, installation constraints, access, compatibility, and cost. You’ll also learn to recommend upgrades or alternatives tailored to site conditions and project goals.

Poor detailing is a common contributor to failure. This section outlines how to assess and enhance junctions, penetrations, terminations, and changes in plane. You’ll learn to specify reinforcement and drainage improvements to reduce water ingress risks at critical locations.

Findings must be clearly documented. This final section explains how to prepare photographic inspection reports, log defects, recommend corrective actions, and present upgrade or replacement options. You’ll also learn how to structure documentation to support client decisions, warranty claims, or remedial contracts.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the technical insight, assessment techniques, and optimisation strategies needed to evaluate construction waterproofing systems with confidence—supporting safer, more durable, and regulation-compliant outcomes in every building project.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Waterproofing System Assessment

• Understanding the role of waterproofing in building durability
• Differentiating between new builds and remediation projects
• Importance of assessment for performance optimisation

2. Overview of Waterproofing System Types

• Sheet membranes (bituminous, PVC, TPO)
• Liquid-applied membranes (polyurethane, acrylic, cementitious)
• Integral waterproofing (admixtures and crystalline technology)

3. Reviewing Design Documentation and Specifications

• Interpreting waterproofing details from architectural plans
• Comparing specified systems to actual installed methods
• Identifying gaps between design intent and site practice

4. Identifying Critical Waterproofing Areas

• Classifying internal vs. external waterproofing zones
• High-risk zones: balconies, basements, planter boxes, wet areas
• Areas with known failure history or repeat defects

5. Assessing Existing Site Conditions

• Conducting visual inspections for cracks, discolouration, and efflorescence
• Testing for substrate moisture levels and alkalinity
• Reviewing site drainage, falls, and substrate stability

6. Evaluating Waterproofing Application Quality

• Checking primer coverage, thickness, and cure times
• Reviewing installation consistency and membrane overlaps
• Identifying signs of poor adhesion, pinholes, or delamination

7. Verifying System Compatibility and Integration

• Ensuring compatibility with tile adhesives, screeds, and toppings
• Checking transition zones: wall-floor junctions, penetrations, joints
• Confirming compliance with manufacturers’ system instructions

8. Monitoring Curing, Protection, and Traffic Readiness

• Verifying minimum curing times before loading or tiling
• Confirming protective layers are in place
• Ensuring early trades don’t damage uncured membranes

9. Conducting Water and Flood Testing

• Setting up controlled flood tests in wet areas
• Testing membrane integrity with visual monitoring
• Recording results and rectifying observed failures

10. Identifying Causes of Waterproofing Failure

• Inadequate surface preparation or adhesion
• Movement or cracking of substrates or structure
• UV exposure, poor detailing, or poor workmanship

11. Using Testing Equipment for Diagnosis

• Moisture meters and humidity probes
• Infrared thermal imaging and tracer dyes
• Electronic leak detection for flat roofs and decks

12. Reviewing Compliance with Australian Standards

• AS 3740 – Waterproofing of domestic wet areas
• AS 4654.2 – External above-ground waterproofing
• NCC requirements and waterproofing in Class 2 buildings

13. Analysing Maintenance and Lifecycle Requirements

• Durability and renewal schedules for membrane systems
• Identifying systems requiring ongoing maintenance
• Cost-benefit analysis of preventative maintenance

14. Selecting Optimal Waterproofing Solutions

• Comparing performance across different membrane systems
• Balancing cost, access, substrate condition, and lifespan
• Recommending upgrades or alternatives based on assessment outcomes

15. Improving Detailing for Enhanced Performance

• Upgrading detailing at junctions, terminations, and changes in plane
• Specifying reinforcement at critical stress points
• Ensuring adequate drainage and waterproofing interfaces

16. Documenting Assessment Findings and Recommendations

• Creating photographic inspection reports
• Logging defects and proposed solutions
• Submitting recommendations for replacement or upgrade

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.