COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Planning & Managing Waterproofing for Tile Installations course. This program has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, planning strategies, and compliance practices required to manage waterproofing activities effectively in both internal and external tiling projects.

Waterproofing is a critical component of tiling work. This course begins by examining the importance of waterproofing in wet areas, balconies, and other exposed environments where moisture intrusion can lead to structural damage, mould, and costly rectification. It outlines common causes of waterproofing failure—such as poor substrate preparation, premature tiling, and membrane damage—and highlights the regulatory, legal, and warranty consequences of non-compliance with standards.

Understanding the full scope of waterproofing is essential for correct planning. This section explores how to identify which areas require waterproofing, based on their exposure to water, intended use, and location within the structure. It also covers how to interpret project plans, elevations, and architectural specifications to determine the exact boundaries and extent of waterproofing work.

Compliance with relevant codes and standards is non-negotiable. This section introduces AS 3740 for internal wet areas and AS 4654.2 for external above-ground applications, alongside the waterproofing provisions of the National Construction Code (NCC). You will also learn to incorporate manufacturer technical data and compatibility requirements to ensure systems perform as intended.

Every successful waterproofing job begins with an accurate site assessment. This section focuses on inspecting substrates for cracks, moisture content, surface flatness, and structural readiness. It also covers the identification of critical drainage points, the assessment of falls, and the need for any repair work prior to membrane application.

Selecting the right waterproofing system is key to long-term performance. This section outlines how to evaluate liquid-applied membranes, sheet systems, and hybrid solutions, and ensure their compatibility with tile adhesives and substrate types. It also considers important factors such as curing time, foot traffic resistance, and environmental compliance—including VOC content.

Effective waterproofing requires clear sequencing and scheduling. This section explains how to plan the order of waterproofing activities in relation to tiling and other trades, ensure adequate drying and recoat intervals, and manage site access to prevent disruption or membrane damage during application and curing.

Surface preparation is fundamental to membrane adhesion and durability. This section explores how to clean, prime, and patch substrates prior to waterproofing, and how to correctly install bond breakers, angles, and flashing systems. Ensuring surface dryness and cleanliness is emphasised as a critical control point.

Detailing is where waterproofing often fails. This section focuses on best-practice methods for sealing around floor wastes, wall junctions, pipe penetrations, niches, and movement joints. You will learn how to apply reinforcing materials, maintain consistent membrane thickness, and avoid gaps or pinholes in high-risk areas.

Onsite supervision plays a vital role in ensuring quality. This section outlines how to monitor waterproofing installers during application, check membrane coverage and build-up, and ensure application methods align with manufacturer specifications. It also addresses how to manage temperature, humidity, and airflow during the work process.

Engaging qualified contractors is a legal and quality assurance requirement. This section explores how to verify waterproofing licences, confirm scope of work via written contracts, and coordinate work schedules to prevent overlap or site conflict between trades.

Quality assurance is ongoing throughout the waterproofing process. This section covers how to conduct wet film thickness tests, perform visual checks, and use checklists to verify that each stage meets technical and compliance standards. It also discusses the importance of photographic evidence for warranty and audit purposes.

Avoiding failure is better than repairing damage. This section addresses how to prevent common issues such as tiling over uncured membranes, damage from other trades, and incorrect falls that cause puddling. You will learn how to enforce access controls and plan slope-to-drain effectively.

Coordination with other trades is essential for sequencing success. This section explains how to work with plumbers, tilers, and builders to ensure membranes are not compromised by follow-on works. It also establishes how to define and communicate responsibility boundaries clearly between trades.

Membranes must cure and be protected before tiling begins. This section outlines how to verify that minimum cure times have elapsed, when and where to use protection boards or temporary barriers, and how to confirm that selected adhesives are compatible with the cured waterproofing system.

Waterproofing processes must be documented. This section covers how to record product details, batch numbers, application dates, and area coverage. You will also learn how to collect compliance statements from installers and link this documentation to project handovers and warranty records.

Final inspections confirm waterproofing readiness. This section explores how to check membrane integrity prior to tiling, identify any signs of mechanical damage or inconsistent application, and ensure all areas are rectified and signed off before proceeding with surface finishes.

When problems occur, clear protocols must be followed. This section explains how to manage waterproofing defects, including leaks, bubbling, and delamination. It also discusses how to plan remediation works while minimising disruption to tiles, and how to liaise with clients, certifiers, or insurers if required.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the planning tools, supervision techniques, and compliance knowledge required to manage waterproofing for tile installations safely, effectively, and in accordance with Australian building standards.

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 in Tiling Projects

• Importance of waterproofing for wall, floor, and external tiling
• Common causes of waterproofing failure in tiled areas
• Regulatory and warranty implications of non-compliance

2. Understanding the Scope of Waterproofing Work

• Identifying internal and external areas requiring waterproofing
• Determining waterproofing requirements based on use and exposure
• Aligning with project plans and specifications

3. Reviewing Relevant Codes and Standards

• AS 3740 (Internal wet areas) and AS 4654.2 (External above-ground)
• NCC requirements and waterproofing compliance obligations
• Manufacturer specifications for compatible systems

4. Conducting Site Assessments Before Waterproofing

• Inspecting substrates for moisture, cracks, and level tolerances
• Identifying drainage points and fall requirements
• Checking for prior damage or remediation needs

5. Selecting Suitable Waterproofing Systems

• Choosing between liquid membranes, sheet systems, and hybrids
• Ensuring compatibility with tile adhesives and substrates
• Considering curing time, trafficability, and VOC compliance

6. Planning the Sequence of Waterproofing Activities

• Scheduling waterproofing before tiling and other trades
• Allowing for drying, curing, and recoat intervals
• Minimising site disruption and access issues

7. Preparing Surfaces for Waterproofing Application

• Cleaning, priming, and patching substrates
• Installing bond breakers, angles, and flashing systems
• Ensuring surface dryness and cleanliness

8. Detailing Critical Areas and Junctions

• Waterproofing around floor wastes, wall joints, and penetrations
• Reinforcing corners, niches, and movement joints
• Ensuring consistent thickness and membrane coverage

9. Supervising Waterproofing Application on Site

• Verifying installers follow manufacturer specifications
• Checking coverage, thickness, and application method
• Monitoring environmental conditions during application

10. Managing Contractors and Licensed Waterproofers

• Verifying waterproofers hold the correct licences
• Reviewing scope of work and signed contracts
• Coordinating work schedules and site access

11. Ensuring Quality Assurance During Waterproofing

• Performing wet film thickness tests and visual inspections
• Using checklists to confirm compliance at each stage
• Photographing key application areas for records

12. Preventing Common Waterproofing Failures

• Avoiding premature tiling over uncured membranes
• Preventing damage from other trades or site access
• Managing slope-to-drain and puddling issues

13. Coordinating Waterproofing with Other Trades

• Liaising with plumbers, builders, and tilers for sequencing
• Protecting membranes during mechanical works
• Ensuring trade responsibility boundaries are clear

14. Allowing for Curing, Protection, and Tiling Over Membranes

• Verifying minimum cure times before tiling
• Using protection boards or barriers as needed
• Ensuring compatible adhesives are used on cured membranes

15. Documenting Waterproofing Processes and Sign-Offs

• Recording batch numbers, products used, and dates applied
• Obtaining signed compliance statements from applicators
• Linking documentation to handover and warranty packages

16. Conducting Final Waterproofing Inspections

• Inspecting completed waterproofing before tiling begins
• Identifying damage or defects and arranging repairs
• Signing off on readiness for tiling

17. Managing Waterproofing Defects and Remediation

• Investigating leaks, delamination, or cracking
• Planning rectification without damaging tiles where possible
• Communicating with clients and insurers if required

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”.