COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Principles of Weatherproofing in Brick & Block Installations course. This training is designed to equip you with the knowledge and technical understanding required to protect masonry structures from moisture intrusion and weather-related damage. Effective weatherproofing is fundamental to the durability, performance, and safety of any brick or block construction.

We begin by examining the importance of weatherproofing in masonry and the problems that can arise when water enters a structure, including efflorescence, mould growth, corrosion of steelwork, and deterioration of mortar and finishes. Tradespeople have a vital responsibility to ensure masonry installations are not only built to specification but also detailed to prevent moisture ingress across all exposure conditions.

Understanding how moisture travels—through wind-driven rain, capillary action, condensation, and leaks—is key to preventing failure. This section explores typical entry points for water in masonry walls and highlights how design choices, materials, and workmanship all influence a building’s resistance to moisture.

Weatherproofing must align with relevant codes and standards. This section outlines the key Australian Standards including AS 3700 and AS 4773, requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC), and the importance of adhering to manufacturer installation guidelines for weatherproofing systems and accessories.

Good planning ensures weatherproofing is incorporated from the start. This section helps you assess exposure zones, select appropriate strategies for local climate conditions, and identify critical details—such as wall junctions, window penetrations, and parapets—before work begins on site.

Choosing the right materials is essential. This section explains how to select bricks, blocks, and mortars that are suited to high-moisture environments, assessing their porosity, salt resistance, and strength to ensure long-term performance under harsh conditions.

Mortar quality plays a central role in moisture control. This section covers the impact of incorrect mix ratios, over-watering, or poor joint compaction on water entry and shows how proper tooling and curing help create durable, weather-resistant mortar joints.

Damp-proof courses (DPCs) are a critical line of defence. This section explains their purpose, correct positioning in walls, and common mistakes such as bridging or discontinuity, which can allow moisture to bypass the DPC and damage internal finishes or structure.

Flashings are equally important in weatherproof detailing. This section explores best practices for installation around windows, doors, and junctions using materials such as lead, PVC, or bituminous membranes, while ensuring correct overlaps and terminations to prevent leaks.

Cavity wall systems rely on drainage. This section examines the role of weep holes and air circulation in draining moisture away from inner wall leaves, covering recommended spacing, correct installation, and how to prevent blockage or obstruction during construction.

Effective cavity wall design is essential for moisture management. This section provides guidance on cavity widths, wall tie placement, and debris prevention to ensure the cavity remains functional and does not transfer moisture across its span.

Openings in walls are major points of vulnerability. This section addresses sealing techniques for windows, doors, and penetrations using foams, sealants, and backer rods, along with flashing requirements at lintels and sills to divert water safely.

Moisture can travel through porous materials via capillary action. This section explains how to break this movement through proper design detailing and how coatings, membranes, or material selection can help interrupt or repel moisture pathways.

Weatherproofing requires attention to every detail. This section focuses on construction elements like parapets, coping stones, and eave junctions that can easily be overlooked yet are critical to long-term weather resistance and moisture diversion.

Expansion joints are another potential weakness. This section outlines how to position, seal, and maintain expansion joints correctly to accommodate movement while preventing water ingress through gaps or cracking.

Surface treatments and coatings offer supplementary protection. This section introduces various sealers and water-repellent treatments, comparing breathable and non-breathable products and advising on appropriate applications for different wall types.

Wall-to-roof junctions are high-risk interfaces. This section describes correct flashing and counter-flashing techniques to ensure roof runoff does not penetrate the masonry envelope and how to manage penetrations like vents or ducts through walls.

Maintenance is essential to the longevity of any weatherproofing system. This section highlights inspection routines for weep holes, flashings, and seals and helps you recognise early signs of moisture failure such as staining, moss growth, or damp spots.

Internal environments must also be managed. This section addresses condensation and thermal bridging, including how to install vapour barriers and insulation systems to maintain internal air quality and prevent internal dampness.

When problems arise, prompt action is required. This section explains how to identify the root cause of water damage, from missing DPCs to flashing failure, and details repair methods such as repointing, applying new coatings, or replacing compromised materials.

A professional approach to weatherproofing requires collaboration. This final section promotes teamwork between designers, supervisors, and tradespeople to ensure that weatherproofing principles are properly executed, passed on to apprentices, and continuously improved based on the latest standards and techniques.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to implement effective weatherproofing strategies in brick and block installations, helping to deliver robust, compliant, and long-lasting masonry structures.

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 Weatherproofing in Masonry Construction

• Purpose and importance of weatherproofing in brick and blockwork
• Common consequences of poor weatherproofing
• Key responsibilities of tradespeople in protecting buildings from weather exposure

2. Understanding Weather Exposure and Moisture Pathways

• Types of exposure: wind-driven rain, capillary action, condensation
• Common water entry points in brick and block walls
• Relationship between design, materials, and moisture resistance

3. Relevant Standards and Building Codes

• AS 3700 Masonry Structures and AS 4773
• National Construction Code (NCC) compliance
• Manufacturer guidelines for weatherproofing systems

4. Planning for Weatherproof Construction

• Understanding exposure zones and climate conditions
• Incorporating weatherproofing into job planning and design
• Identifying critical detailing areas before construction begins

5. Selecting Weather-Resistant Materials

• Choosing bricks and blocks suitable for high-moisture environments
• Assessing porosity, durability, and salt resistance
• Selecting compatible mortars and additives

6. Mortar Mix Design and Application

• Impact of mix ratios on permeability and strength
• Avoiding over-watering and under-mixing
• Proper joint filling and tooling to prevent water entry

7. Installing Damp-Proof Courses (DPCs)

• Purpose and positioning of DPCs in wall systems
• Types of DPC materials and their applications
• Ensuring continuity and avoiding bridging

8. Flashing Installation Techniques

• Locations requiring flashing
• Compatible materials for masonry work
• Correct lapping, folding, and termination methods

9. Weep Holes and Drainage Cavities

• Purpose of weep holes in cavity walls
• Recommended spacing and size
• Preventing blockage and maintaining airflow

10. Designing and Constructing Cavity Walls

• Function of cavity spaces in moisture control
• Minimum cavity width and cleaning methods
• Installing wall ties without bridging the cavity

11. External Wall Openings and Sealing

• Waterproofing around window and door frames
• Use of compressible foam, sealants, and backer rods
• Flashing requirements for lintels and sills

12. Controlling Capillary Action

• Understanding how water travels through porous materials
• Interrupting moisture flow through design
• Using cavity breaks and surface coatings

13. Construction Detailing for Weather Resistance

• Parapet capping and coping design
• Terminating walls under eaves and soffits
• Managing water runoff from adjacent structures

14. Expansion Joints and Water Ingress Prevention

• Placing and sealing control joints in masonry
• Using compressible sealants and joint fillers
• Preventing cracking and water tracking

15. Surface Treatments and Coatings

• Silane/siloxane water repellents
• Breathable vs non-breathable sealers
• Appropriate applications and limitations

16. Roof and Wall Junction Integration

• Weatherproofing at wall-roof interfaces
• Flashing and counter-flashing under roof sheets or tiles
• Avoiding water ingress at wall penetrations

17. Maintenance of Weatherproofing Systems

• Regular inspection of weep holes, flashings, and joints
• Identifying signs of failure
• Performing timely repairs to protect structural integrity

18. Internal Moisture and Vapour Control

• Understanding condensation and thermal bridging
• Installing internal vapour barriers and insulation correctly
• Ventilation strategies for controlling humidity

19. Common Defects and Rectification Methods

• Diagnosing water damage in masonry walls
• Repairing flashing and damp-proof courses
• Repointing mortar joints and applying coatings

20. Promoting Best Practices in Weatherproof Masonry Construction

• Coordinating with designers and builders during planning
• Educating apprentices on weatherproofing principles
• Following up-to-date industry standards and product specifications

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”.