Waterproofing: Why Stop at the Minimum?

Not everybody supports waterproofing beneath the screed. But it's worth asking the question - why not?

Australian Standards establish minimum requirements for waterproofing. They set a benchmark for compliance, but they don't prevent us from going above and beyond those requirements, provided the complete installation remains compliant.

At Jazex, we believe the minimum shouldn't be the maximum.

Waterproofing to fall above the screed can satisfy the relevant requirements when correctly designed and installed. But by also incorporating a correctly designed and installed waterproofing membrane beneath the screed, you're providing an additional layer of protection - an extra safeguard should the upper membrane become damaged or fail.

Think About Your Investment

Ask yourself this: you've just spent tens of thousands of dollars on your brand-new bathroom, and then you accidentally crack a floor tile.

Are you prepared to gamble the tens of thousands of dollars you've just invested in your bathroom simply to replace that one tile?

Removing a damaged tile can also damage the waterproofing membrane directly beneath it. And even if an attempt is made to repair that membrane, can you be completely confident that the repair will be successful?

Wouldn't you rather have the peace of mind of knowing there's a second waterproofing membrane beneath the screed, providing an additional layer of protection?

That's exactly what the JAZEX Under Over™ puddle flange system is designed to accommodate.

Because when you've invested that much in your bathroom, why take unnecessary risks?

Why Stop at the Minimum?

Consider another example.

Australian Standards specify minimum waterproofing heights for shower walls, generally 1800 mm above the finished floor level or 50 mm above the shower rose, whichever is greater, depending on the applicable requirements. Some shower configurations require full-height waterproofing.

But where the minimum requirement is less than the full wall height, that doesn't mean you have to stop there

If you want to waterproof all the way to the ceiling, why wouldn't you?

The same philosophy applies to waterproofing beneath the screed. Just because the minimum requirements can be achieved with one correctly installed waterproofing membrane doesn't mean you can't provide additional protection.

That's what Jazex is all about - more protection, not just minimum compliance.

Our innovative Under Over™ puddle flange system is designed to accommodate waterproofing both beneath and above the screed, giving builders, waterproofers, tilers and homeowners the option of an additional layer of protection.

Any additional waterproofing membranes must be correctly designed and installed as part of a compliant waterproofing system, with appropriate drainage provided at each membrane level.

Built on Quality. Backed by Testing.

All Jazex products undergo rigorous testing before reaching the market. We believe that quality, reliability and performance should never be compromised.

Developed from decades of hands-on experience in the waterproofing and tiling industries, our products are designed to solve real-world problems, improve installation methods and provide practical, dependable solutions that tradespeople can trust.

Because waterproofing isn't just about meeting today's requirements. It's about protecting your investment.

Important Installation Considerations

All waterproofing membranes must be installed with appropriate falls towards their respective drainage outlets, in accordance with the applicable Australian Standards, National Construction Code (NCC) and waterproofing membrane manufacturer's specifications.

The inclusion of an additional membrane does not, by itself, guarantee waterproofing performance or compliance. The complete waterproofing system must be correctly designed and installed.

Want to Understand the Australian Standards?

For further reading, take a look at this article from Master Builders NSW discussing Clause 4.2 of AS 3740:2021: Demystifying Clause 4.2 of AS 3740:2021 – Master Builders NSW

Jazex - Why settle for the minimum when you can do more?