The VBA’s latest Practitioner Education Series highlights crucial updates to waterproofing regulations under NCC 2022 and AS 3740 – 2021, addressing common compliance issues and improving industry standards.

Key Changes & What to Expect:

Increased Compliance Management

• Stronger focus and enforcement of waterproofing standards, specifically correct membrane application, drainage, and substrate preparation.
• Expect and prepare for increased compliance documentation. 
• Waterproofing installers must follow manufacturer guidelines and document their work to meet compliance requirements.

Stronger Focus on Design & Detailing

• Architects must integrate falls, drainage points, and waterproofing layers early in design to prevent issues during construction.
• Clear specifications for materials and installation methods will be critical to passing compliance checks. This is imperative at the design stage (pre-construction).

Common Failure Points to Address

• Poor falls to drains, leading to water pooling.
• Incorrect junction detailing between floors and walls.
• Movement in substrates causing cracks and membrane failures.
• Inadequate product selection, resulting in premature failures.

Future Trends in Waterproofing

• The industry is shifting toward high-performance waterproofing materials and prefabricated solutions to reduce risk.
• Builders should expect greater inspections on-site, particularly for high-risk areas like bathrooms, balconies, and wet areas.
• More builder accountability and pressure to deliver fully compliant waterproofing solutions upfront.

Why It Matters

• Defective waterproofing is one of the leading causes of building defects.
• Early compliance avoids costly rework, delays, and potential legal disputes.
• Proper waterproofing enhances durability and protects long-term building performance.

Have questions specific to your project? Or need further guidance regarding waterproofing requirements? Contact our team today.