Specifier Australian Waterproofing Consultants
Contractor Danlaid
Sector Residential
Products
- Fosroc Proofex Engage
- Fosroc Conbextra EP65
- Fosroc Polyurea SCS
The owners of a single dwelling residential development overlooking Safety Beach in Victoria wanted a trusted, long-lasting waterproofing solution for their large basement area that was situated below sea-level.
Fosroc's Product Segment Specialist for Waterproofing and Sealants, Colin Picton and Account Manager, Alex Geralis advised on the project, working closely with concrete specialists Danlaid to identify a waterproofing system that would deliver the high performance standards required.
"The clients had specified that they wanted a 'dry' basement which basically refers to a basement that is properly sealed against water seepage, leaks and condensation," Colin explains.
Colin and Alex recommended Proofex Engage, Fosroc's innovative, anti-tracking, pre-applied waterproofing membrane system.
A proven and trusted system, Proofex Engage is used to waterproof underground structures all around the world.
"It is without a doubt one of the best performing, most cost-effective below-ground waterproofing solutions available today," Colin says.
While there are no Australian waterproofing standards, the quality and effectiveness of Proofex Engage is assured through its compliance with BBA and EN13967:2004. The system is also suitable for use in accordance with British Standard BS 8102:2022 Grades 1, 2 and 3.
Rapid installation with or without blinding concrete
For the basement of this Safety Beach residence, roughly 500 sqm of Proofex Engage was attached to the blinding slab.
While blinding concrete is recommended, Colin points out that Proofex Engage can be placed directly on top of a well compacted smooth granular fill substrate.
"For those who are pressed for time or looking to minimise costs, not using blinding concrete can save time and money," he says.
Quick and easy application
As Danlaid's applicators hadn't used the Proofex Engage system before, Alex and Colin conducted a training session at the Danlaid offices prior to commencement of the project.
The applicators found it surprisingly intuitive and easy to use.
Lapping is particularly easy, with each length of roll edged with an adhesive selvedge strip consisting of a blue release film and a sticky butyl adhesive.
The blue release film is peeled off and adjacent rolls are laid on top of the adhesive. At roll ends the Proofex Engage is butted together on a strip of Proofex Detail Strip then sealed with a seam of Polyurea SCS Gun Grade.
The long Proofex Engage rolls mean less joins, which saves time for applicators and maximises the robustness of the system.
Pile cap waterproofing
When constructing basements, Colin explains that waterproofing integrity is critical, particularly around pilings.
For the Safety Beach basement, Conbextra EP65 Plus was used to seal Proofex Engage to the pile cap. As a free-flowing grout, Conbextra forms a secure connection with the mesh of the Proofex Engage. The seal was then completed with a seam of Polyurea SCS.
A winning solution for owners, builders and applicators
Designed for typical site conditions, Proofex Engage is heavy duty and robust, which made it easy for the Danlaid applicators to go about their work quickly and efficiently.
For the owners, Proofex Engage has ensured a dry and watertight basement for many years to come.
