Sep

Essential Guide to Australian Standards Waterproofing for Wet Areas

Stop Water Damage Before It Starts

Water damage in bathrooms, showers, and other wet areas isn’t just inconvenient — it can cause serious structural problems. We’ve seen it all: rotting timber floors, mould creeping behind walls, and costly repairs from failed waterproofing. The good news? Australian Standards exist to prevent these issues and protect your home.

When waterproofing is done right, it keeps moisture where it belongs, safeguards your building’s structure, and helps your bathroom stay beautiful for years. The safest way to achieve this is by using licensed professionals who know the Australian Standards inside and out. Fixing it early saves you thousands later — and ensures your home remains safe, dry, and compliant.

Call us today to book your waterproofing inspection and keep your bathroom leak-free.

Understanding Australian Standards Waterproofing

The Australian Standard AS 3740 sets the rules for waterproofing in domestic wet areas such as bathrooms, showers, and laundries. It covers:

The materials you can use (like waterproof membranes)
How to design and install a compliant waterproofing system
The correct floor plane grading to direct water to the floor waste
Minimum heights for shower walls and coverage for finished floor levels

These standards aren’t just suggestions — they are mandatory for new builds and renovations. Regular updates keep them aligned with best practices and new technologies, ensuring your home is protected to the highest standard.

Domestic Wet Areas

Domestic wet areas — bathrooms, laundries, and enclosed showers — are the most common sources of leaks. AS 3740 specifies:

Waterproof membranes must be applied under all tiled floors
Shower walls must be sealed up to 1800mm above the finished floor level
Floors must be graded to a waste with a continuous fall between 1:80 and 1:50
All junctions between walls and floors sealed with flexible materials

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to moisture creeping into surrounding rooms and damaging the building structure.

Shower Area Considerations

Showers are the most critical waterproofing zone. The standard requires:

Shower rose positioning that prevents excessive splash beyond the enclosure
Waterproofing to extend at least 150mm above the shower walls outside the cubicle
Floor waste positioned for optimal drainage with correct floor plane grading
No gaps or unsealed penetrations around plumbing fixtures

A properly waterproofed shower stops leaks before they start and ensures water drains efficiently without pooling.

Wet Area Floors

Bathroom and laundry floors face constant exposure to water. AS 3740 specifies:

Continuous waterproofing across the entire floor
Falls directed to the floor waste at 1:80–1:50
Correct installation of a finished floor level to contain water
Regular inspection for cracked grout or loose tiles that may allow water ingress

Maintaining a sealed floor surface is key to preventing long-term moisture problems.

Materials and Techniques

Professional waterproofing uses tested and certified materials:

Liquid-applied or sheet membranes
Primers for proper adhesion
Silicone sealants for corners, junctions, and penetrations
Masking and cleaning tools to achieve neat, complete coverage

Correct installation is as important as the materials themselves — poor workmanship can ruin even the best products.

DIY vs Professional Waterproofing

While DIY might seem cost-effective, it often leads to expensive repairs later. Licensed professionals bring:

Full compliance with Australian Standards
Experience with complex layouts and hard-to-reach areas
Access to quality materials not sold to the public
Warranties for both labour and materials
Peace of mind knowing your wet areas are sealed for the long term

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect floor plane grading causing water pooling
Skipping primer before applying membrane
Not sealing wall and floor junctions
Using non-compliant products or techniques

These mistakes can cause your waterproofing to fail — often within months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australian Standard 4654?
AS 4654 sets the requirements for waterproofing membranes used in external above-ground applications, such as balconies, podiums, and rooftops. It ensures these membranes are durable, UV-resistant, and capable of withstanding outdoor conditions.

What is the Australian Standard AS 3740–1994?
AS 3740–1994 was an earlier version of the domestic wet areas waterproofing standard. It has since been updated to reflect improved techniques and materials, but the core principles of protecting wet areas remain the same.

What is the latest version of AS 3740?
The most recent version is AS 3740–2021, which includes updated guidelines on waterproofing membranes, floor grading, and coverage requirements for wet areas.

Do you need a certificate for waterproofing in Australia?
Yes. In most states and territories, waterproofing must be carried out by a licensed professional, and a compliance certificate is required for building inspections and approvals.

Stay Compliant, Stay Protected

Proper waterproofing is an investment in your home’s safety, comfort, and value. By following Australian Standards and hiring an experienced waterproofing professional, you ensure your wet areas, shower walls, and bathroom floors remain in top condition for years.

Call us now on 0403 558 896 or book a free quote to stop your leaking shower and protect your bathroom for the long haul.

Sep

Repairing cracked shower floor tiles using fillers

When it comes to repairing cracked shower floor tiles and shower grout, using fillers is an effective method. This process allows you to restore the integrity and appearance of your tile, giving you a functional and improved-looking shower once again, without having to worry about tile replacement. On this page, we’ll break down the steps involved in repairing cracked shower tiles using fillers and grout and why using a professional to fix cracked shower tiles might be a better solution.

The process for fixing a cracked tile in the shower using filler

Start by examining the crack in your broken tile. Determine its size and depth, as this will impact the type of filler you’ll need. If the crack is a hairline crack, fairly small and superficial, you can opt for a non-shrinking, water-resistant tile filler. For larger or deeper cracks, or multiple tiles with cracks, you may choose to use an epoxy-based filler for added strength.

Clean the cracked area

Before applying any filler it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the crack and surrounding area of the damaged tile. Use a mild detergent and warm water to remove any dirt, grime, or soap residue. Rinse the area well and allow it to dry completely.

Prepare the cracked shower tiles filler

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the tile filler or epoxy-based filler. This may involve mixing two components together to activate the material. Use a small mixing container or a disposable applicator, ensuring the mixture is well-blended and be sure to follow the safety instructions.

Using a putty knife or a similar tool, carefully apply the filler to the crack. Start by filling the crack from the bottom, gradually working your way up to the surface of the tile. Ensure that the entire crack is filled, but avoid overfilling to prevent excess material from spilling onto the surrounding tile.

Once the filler is applied, use the edge of the putty knife or a spatula to smooth and level the surface. This will help create a seamless finish and ensure the repaired area is flush with the rest of the tile surface.

Let the filler cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may vary depending on the type of filler used. During this time, avoid stepping on or applying any weight to the repaired area to ensure proper bonding and drying.

Once the filler has fully cured, it’s time to apply grout. Choose a grout color that matches the rest of your shower tiles for a cohesive look. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the grout to the desired consistency.

Grout the Crack: Using a rubber grout float, push the grout into the crack, ensuring it fills the space completely. Remove excess grout from the tile surface by holding the float at a 45-degree angle and gently scraping off the excess. Wipe away any remaining grout haze with a damp sponge.

Final Cleaning: After the grout has dried for the recommended time, give the entire area a final cleaning with a dry cloth or sponge. This will remove any residual grout, leaving you with a clean and polished shower.

Get your cracked tiles and grout repaired

Remember, while repairing a crack in your shower floor tile can be a rewarding DIY project, it’s wise to seek professional help if you’re unsure or uncomfortable tackling the task yourself. There may be water damage beneath or behind the tiled area of the shower floors and walls that requires assessment and rectification.

While repair costs are involved, it’s a worthwhile investment that may prevent much higher repair bills in the future.

If you’re looking for professional, efficient shower repairs Brisbane with guaranteed workmanship, then give us a call. We have years of experience and many 5-star reviews.

We’ll conduct an initial assessment then let you know your treatment options.

Often, we’re able to repair your shower without removing any tiles, saving you a considerable amount of time and money.

Call us for your free initial quote today.

Feb

4 Bathroom Maintenance Tips to Improve the Value of Your Home

Maintaining your home by repairing problems shortly after they arise, or before they even pop up, is a fantastic and straightforward way you can help preserve its value. Some of the most obvious repairs many Australian homeowners face include fixing wet and dry rot in a home’s timber, addressing rising dampness in the foundation and walls, and getting a new roof. Your bathroom might not come to mind as the first stop for repairs. However, as a primary place for damage, it should also be top of your list, especially when it comes to indoor maintenance. A bathroom that leaks can spell huge problems for your home.

Here are 4 excellent ways you can maintain your bathroom in tip-top shape to get the best value from your home over time.

Jan

Should I Rebuild or Repair My Leaky Shower?

A leak in your shower may see you wondering “should I rebuild, or repair my leaky shower”? But don’t wait too long as even the smallest of leaks can lead to severe structural damage and heavy repair bills.

You can try to fix the leak yourself, but quick repair jobs often don’t fix the root causes and may end up making the problem worse. It takes a professional to save your shower with minimally invasive techniques that will ensure its longevity for years to come.

Jan

New Year Shower Rebuild – New Year, New Shower

This time of year can be perfect for home renovations. With warmer weather in full swing, for many people, the desire to upgrade either indoor or outdoor spaces in your home can be strong. If you have an older home, restyling your kitchen, adding an extra bedroom or home office, or finally splurging for your own pool might be top of the list. A lot of people are also turning to bathroom and shower renovations. In fact, throughout 2021 Australians engaged in a record number of home alterations.

Are you considering a new shower in the new year? Make sure you get it done right and water-tight.