COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Quality Assurance in Construction Waterproofing Systems course. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to ensure the successful delivery of compliant and durable waterproofing systems across a range of building projects. Waterproofing is a critical component of construction, directly impacting the long-term integrity, functionality, and value of built assets.

This course begins by introducing the importance of high-quality waterproofing in protecting structures against moisture damage, deterioration, and costly rectifications. We explore the serious consequences of waterproofing failures, including structural weakening, mould growth, and disputes with clients, and outline the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in maintaining quality assurance throughout installation.

A solid understanding of regulatory compliance is essential for quality assurance in waterproofing. This section examines the relevant Australian Standards, including AS 3740 for internal wet areas and AS 4654 for external applications, and explains waterproofing obligations under the National Construction Code (NCC). We also highlight the necessity of using manufacturer-approved products and systems that meet compliance benchmarks.

Before any waterproofing work begins, it is crucial to understand the types of waterproofing systems available and the specific applications for each. This section covers the properties and uses of liquid membranes, sheet systems, cementitious coatings, and bituminous products, with guidance on selecting systems that suit environmental exposures and intended building use.

Thorough site assessment and preparation lay the foundation for successful waterproofing. This section guides you through reviewing project plans and detail drawings, pinpointing critical waterproofing zones, and confirming that all site conditions and access arrangements are suitable for the upcoming work.

Proper substrate preparation is vital for ensuring waterproofing adhesion and long-term system performance. This section outlines the inspection procedures required to verify moisture levels, surface cleanliness, and profile conditions, along with methods for rectifying issues before membrane application.

Selecting the right materials is key to achieving compliant waterproofing outcomes. This section details how to verify supplier certifications, batch details, shelf lives, and storage requirements to ensure materials meet the required standards and performance expectations.

Establishing robust quality control checkpoints throughout the waterproofing process helps prevent errors before they escalate. This section explains how to define hold points, schedule inspections at key stages, and implement stop-work protocols whenever compliance concerns arise.

Waterproofing systems must be installed precisely according to manufacturer instructions and Australian Standards. This section covers correct application techniques for liquids, sheets, and hybrid systems, focusing on achieving the specified membrane thickness, curing times, and managing critical areas like laps and joints.

High-risk areas demand particular attention to detail. This section explains quality practices for upturns, corners, penetrations, floor wastes, and expansion joints, ensuring that all interfaces are properly sealed and protected against moisture ingress.

Managing the curing, protection, and drying of waterproofing systems is critical to system performance. This section discusses how site traffic, weather, and environmental conditions influence curing times and highlights techniques for protecting membranes during and after application.

Testing and verification confirm whether waterproofing systems perform as intended. This section outlines industry-standard methods such as flood testing and electronic leak detection, and provides guidance on defect identification, documentation, and corrective follow-up actions.

Managing non-conformances quickly and systematically ensures project momentum and quality are maintained. This section focuses on recognising common defects, reporting issues accurately, and carrying out approved rectification measures to restore compliance.

Working with subcontractors and suppliers requires strong quality management systems. This section provides strategies for prequalifying waterproofing contractors, setting clear expectations, and monitoring ongoing performance to safeguard quality standards on-site.

Thorough documentation underpins every effective quality assurance system. This section highlights the need for comprehensive record-keeping, including substrate checklists, inspection forms, warranties, compliance certificates, and as-built documentation for client handover.

Quality waterproofing outcomes depend on strong communication and coordination between trades. This section outlines how to liaise with builders, designers, and certifiers, conduct quality-focused pre-start meetings, and manage scope changes and updated design requirements without compromising waterproofing integrity.

The final inspection and handover phase is critical in closing out waterproofing works to client satisfaction. This section provides a systematic approach for carrying out comprehensive inspections, preparing defect lists, ensuring rectifications are completed, and handing over warranties and maintenance advice.

Continuous improvement strengthens future project outcomes. This section discusses how to review lessons learned from past projects, update checklists and standard operating procedures, and build a culture of ongoing learning for waterproofing teams.

A genuine commitment to quality and compliance starts at leadership levels and extends across the entire team. This final section focuses on promoting a culture of proactive quality assurance, encouraging early issue reporting, and recognising individuals who consistently deliver high-quality waterproofing workmanship.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge to oversee, manage, and deliver waterproofing systems that meet Australian Standards, client expectations, and the highest levels of construction durability and performance.

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 Quality Assurance in Waterproofing Systems

• Importance of quality in waterproofing for building longevity
• Understanding the consequences of waterproofing failures
• Roles and responsibilities in quality assurance processes

2. Australian Standards and Building Code Requirements

• Overview of AS 3740 (Internal Wet Areas) and AS 4654 (External Waterproofing)
• Waterproofing requirements under the National Construction Code (NCC)
• Manufacturer compliance and approved product systems

3. Understanding Waterproofing Systems and Applications

• Types of waterproofing
• Common applications: basements, balconies, roofs, wet areas
• System selection based on environmental exposure and building use

4. Site Assessment and Pre-Installation Planning

• Reviewing plans, specifications, and detail drawings
• Identifying critical waterproofing areas and interfaces
• Confirming site readiness and access requirements

5. Substrate Preparation and Inspection Requirements

• Importance of proper substrate preparation for adhesion
• Checking moisture content, cleanliness, and surface profile
• Rectifying surface defects before waterproofing application

6. Material Selection and Compliance Verification

• Selecting materials compatible with design specifications
• Checking supplier certifications and warranty conditions
• Verifying batch numbers, shelf life, and storage conditions

7. Setting Up Quality Control Checkpoints

• Defining critical hold points during waterproofing installation
• Scheduling inspections at substrate, primer, and membrane application stages
• Implementing stop-work protocols for non-compliance

8. Installation of Waterproofing Systems to Standards

• Application techniques for liquid membranes, sheet systems, and hybrid systems
• Correct thickness, curing times, and layering practices
• Managing laps, joints, penetrations, and terminations

9. Detailing for Critical Waterproofing Areas

• Ensuring quality detailing at upturns, corners, joints, and drains
• Treatment of wall-to-floor junctions, expansion joints, and pipe penetrations
• Flashings, fillets, and drainage design considerations

10. Curing, Protection, and Drying Time Management

• Importance of curing for system performance
• Managing site traffic and protection layers post-application
• Environmental factors affecting drying and curing rates

11. Testing and Verification of Waterproofing Installations

• Flood testing, peel adhesion tests, and electronic leak detection
• Identifying defects during quality assurance testing
• Test documentation and reporting procedures

12. Non-Conformance Management and Rectification Procedures

• Identifying common waterproofing defects
• Reporting, documenting, and investigating non-conformances
• Methods for repair, patching, and rework approval

13. Managing Subcontractor and Supplier Quality

• Prequalification of subcontractors and suppliers
• Setting clear expectations for quality workmanship
• Monitoring subcontractor compliance through inspections

14. Documentation and Record-Keeping for QA Processes

• Maintaining substrate preparation checklists, test records, and inspection reports
• Preparing waterproofing warranties and compliance statements
• As-built documentation for client handover

15. Communication and Coordination for Quality Outcomes

• Liaising with builders, designers, and certifiers
• Conducting pre-start meetings and toolbox talks focused on quality
• Managing scope changes and updated design details

16. Final Inspections and Handover Requirements

• Conducting comprehensive final quality inspections
• Preparing defect lists and punch lists for rectification
• Client handover procedures including warranty and maintenance advice

17. Continuous Improvement in Waterproofing Quality Systems

• Reviewing lessons learned from previous projects
• Updating standard operating procedures and checklists
• Ongoing training for installers and site supervisors

18. Promoting a Culture of Quality and Compliance in Waterproofing

• Leading by example in quality commitment
• Encouraging proactive issue reporting and early rectification
• Recognising and rewarding high-quality workmanship

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”.