Remedial waterproofing in Sydney
Remedial waterproofing fixes leaks in areas that are already built and tiled, without tearing them out. It's the work we've focused on since 2002. Our fully trained technicians use our own method to stop water coming through tiled showers, bathrooms, balconies and terraces. The sealing product we use carries a manufacturer's product warranty of up to 25 years, under the manufacturer's terms.
What remedial waterproofing means
In a new bathroom or balcony, a membrane goes down first and the tiles go over it. Remedial waterproofing deals with what happens years later, when water starts getting through. The usual fix is demolition and a new membrane. Our approach stops the water at the surface, so the tiles and the original membrane stay in place.
How our method works
- Find the source. We look at where the water gets in as well as where it shows up.
- Remove what has failed. Old grout and sealant come out of the affected area.
- Rebuild the joints. We regrout and reseal the movement joints at walls, corners, hobs, sills and penetrations.
- Seal the joints. A penetrating sealer goes on the grout and joints to help stop water getting through.
Waterproofing over existing tiles
Waterproofing over existing tiles means stopping water at the tiled surface instead of tearing the tiles out. We cut out the failed grout and sealant, regrout, reseal the movement joints and seal the new grout. It works where the tiles are sound and the water is getting in through the joints. It doesn't add a new membrane under the tiles, so it isn't the answer for a membrane that has failed across a large area. We'll tell you which one you need after the inspection.
Leak detection for building leaks
We trace leaks that come through the building: showers, bathrooms, laundries, balconies, terraces and flat roofs. We don't trace pipe leaks, water mains or slab leaks. If the source is plumbing, we'll tell you and suggest you call a plumber.
Where we use it
- Leaking showers and bathrooms
- Balconies, terraces and entries
- Laundries and toilets
- Tiled common areas in apartment buildings
- Concrete and flat roofs (membrane repairs)
Remedial repair or a full re-waterproof?
| Remedial repair (our method) | Strip-out and new membrane | |
|---|---|---|
| Tiles | Stay in place | Removed and replaced |
| Disruption | Days | Usually weeks |
| Other trades | Usually none | Often a plumber, tiler and builder |
| Best for | Sound tiles with failed joints | Failed membrane, loose tiles or wrong falls |
We'll recommend the repair that will fix your leak, even when that isn't ours.
Bathroom waterproofing before tiling
Renovating or building a new bathroom? We can waterproof it before the tiles go down, working for you or your builder. Ask about it when you book.
What a remedial repair can't do
It doesn't replace the original membrane. It doesn't fix plumbing leaks, floors that slope the wrong way or structural cracking. Read when a no-tile-removal repair isn't the right choice.
Remedial waterproofing questions
Is remedial waterproofing as good as a new membrane?
For the right job it stops the leak for far less cost and disruption. Where the membrane itself has failed badly, a new membrane is the better fix, and we'll tell you so.
What warranty applies?
The sealing product we use carries a manufacturer's product warranty of up to 25 years, under the manufacturer's terms. Your written quote sets out what applies to your job.
Do you work on commercial and strata properties?
Do you waterproof new bathrooms?
Yes, for renovations and new builds, before tiling.
Talk to us about your leak
Book a free inspection. Call or SMS 0412 000 893, seven days a week.