Supervisors have a very busy job managing each of their trades!

Wet-seal’s Technical team have released a valuable resource for Supervisors to have as a reference point.

This “Common Site Issues” Guide is short and sharp, and addresses some of the key areas a supervisor needs to be aware of for waterproofing substrate acceptance.

Keeping these items under control by closely monitoring the trades at each stage will ensure no hassles when the waterproofer turns up to complete the waterproofing of the high risk wet areas.

This supervisor checklist document covers:

• Membrane damage
• Short sheeting
• Architraves and jambs
• Clean workplace
• Drainage flange
• Recessed slabs
• Levels and falls

Click on the link below to view a full copy of the “Wet-seal Common Site Issues Guide”

Wet-seal Common Site Issues Guide

Perfect and reliable waterproofing requires skilled applicators and quality systems.  It is also essential that the substrate to be waterproofed is sound and prepared correctly too. Concrete slabs should be clean and firm, with no dusting.

Concrete slabs sometimes show laitance, a weak powdery layer of cement dust, calcium hydroxide (lime) and sand.  It is caused by too much water in the concrete mix, overworking the wet concrete or by slabs that have been affected by rain during the curing stage.  If you can scratch the surface of the slab with a nail chances are you have a laitance issue.

The powdery layer must be removed.  Otherwise, there may be movement above the slab leading to cracked tiles or failed adhesion.  Laitance can only be treated by grinding until solid concrete and the larger aggregate in the concrete is reached.

Some builders try to “fix” laitance by pouring on chemicals called “densifiers”.  Densifiers use the same chemistry principle that was used to make ancient roman concrete which was to react volcanic ash with lime!  Densifiers can improve good concrete by reacting with any leftover lime and turning it into a hard hydrated form which can then be polished, however they cannot turn water into wine, nor turn laitance into 20MPa concrete.  When densifiers are poured on laitance, they will only create a harder form of dust at best.  Yep, more dust.

Prevention is mightier than the cure.  The best way to manage laitance is to make sure the concrete mix is protected from rainfall during the cure.  Get the concrete mix right and keep water to a minimum.

Wet-seal provides both the quality membrane systems and the skilled applicators.  Wet-seal Franchisees understand the substrate requirements necessary to ensure a water tight outcome for your builds.

Elisabeth Brazier, MSc. BSc.(Chem.)
National Research & Development Manager, Wet-seal.

In winter the setting rate of screeds, concrete, cement tile adhesives and levelling compounds slows down.  So does the drying rate of paints, coatings and waterproofing membranes. Planning with trades can help manage the job site through the cold months.  Wet-seal Franchisees have practical tips to stop your jobs from freezing; plan for cold and talk to your trades, extend scheduling times, increase air flow and heat indoor rooms.

Scheduling for the cold
Plan for concrete, cement, and coatings to take longer to dry and set than is listed on the technical data sheets (TDS).  TDS specify the expected dry time for ambient conditions found in the laboratory being 23˚C and 50% relative humidity (RH).  In winter (colder temperatures) or on rainy days (higher RH) builders should allow for extended dry times between trades. Wet-seal™ Waterproofing Systems are tile ready at 48 hours at ambient conditions of 23˚C and 50% RH.

Heating the room
Liquid applied waterproofing including acrylic, latex and cement membranes and epoxies are typically specified on the TDS to be applied between 10˚C to 30˚C.  Wet-seal™ Enviro-coat membranes can be applied between 5˚C and 30˚C.  Temperatures below these ranges can be managed by heating.  It is important to check the substrate temperature too, as this is often colder than the ambient temperature.  Freezing temperatures need to be avoided as they can cause efflorescence in concrete, or paints and membranes to crack.  Heaters can be used to warm a room and substrate to within range before application.

Get the air moving
In cold weather, water tends to sit for longer periods.  Using fans over a membrane creates a dry layer of air that helps to move water out so membranes can dry.  Bathrooms and showers often have low natural air flow so improving ventilation always helps.  It is important to use cold air fans because heated air can skin the surface and trap moisture in the membrane.  There are many industrial fans and air movers available and are good to have on site.

Battery fan being used to dry tanking in bathroom doorway.

Toilet substrate being dried with fan before waterproofing.

Electric fan being used to dry shower after Wet-seal™ waterproofing.

Wet-seal™ have almost 40 years’ experience of waterproofing across New Zealand and Australia.  Wet-seal™ Franchisees have practical recommendations that will assist your build to continue smoothly through the cold.  Get in touch with your local Wet-seal™ Franchisee by clicking on the following link to find out how to get the job done in the most efficient way this winter – Find Your Local Franchisee

Or for further information regarding winter drying times, please contact Wet-seal’s Technical Team on 0800 436 000 or via email at technical@wet-seal.co.nz

Wet-seal’s Technical Team have sought to help you by pulling together a Substrate Guide that summarises the answers you need for all the common substrates where waterproofing is concerned.

The Guide is available for you to download by clicking on the following link:

Wet-seal Substrate Guide

The Guide will enable you to get your head around having each substrate correctly installed to meet the Standards on your job.

This enables the high risk waterproofing component to take place without you losing any time due to the job not being ready.

Manufacturer requirements are summarised for:

• Tile adhesives and tile fixing
• Villaboard
• Plywood
• Strandboard
• CFC Sheet
• GIB Board
• Concrete
• AAC Block

Wet-seal’s Technical team is committed to assist with ensuring your substrates are correct, so we can waterproof to meet the manufacturers specifications.

For further information regarding the Substrate Guide, please contact Wet-seal’s Technical Team on 0800 436 000 or via email at technical@wet-seal.co.nz

In winter the setting rate of screeds, concrete, cement tile adhesives and levelling compounds slows down.  So does the drying rate of paints, coatings and waterproofing membranes. Planning with trades can help manage the job site through the cold months.  Wet-seal Franchisees have practical tips to stop your jobs from freezing; plan for cold and talk to your trades, extend scheduling times, use tarps to keep out dew, use tarps on decks and balconies, increase air flow and heat indoor rooms.

Tarping out dew and rain
Dew falls early in cold weather reducing the working hours for application of coatings outside.  Dew forming on the surface of a coating means that the coating can no longer dry out. Wet-seal Franchisees recommended putting up tarps over decks and balconies as a simple way to create a covered space where the Wet-seal Franchisees can continue to get the work done, even when it is raining!

Scheduling for the cold
Plan for concrete, cement and coatings to take longer to dry and set than is listed on the technical data sheets (TDS).  TDS specify the expected dry time for ambient conditions found in the laboratory being 23˚C and 50% relative humidity (RH).  In winter (colder temperatures) or on rainy days (high RH) you should allow for extended dry times between trades.  Wet-seal™ Waterproofing Systems are tile ready at 48 hours at ambient conditions of 23˚C and 50% RH.

Heating
Liquid applied waterproofing including acrylic, latex and cement membranes and epoxies are typically specified on the TDS to be applied between 10˚C to 30˚C.  Wet-seal™ Enviro-coat membranes can be applied between 5˚C and 30˚C.  Temperatures below these ranges can be managed by heating.  It is important to check the substrate temperature too, as this is often colder than the ambient temperature.  Freezing temperatures need to be avoided as they can cause efflorescence in concrete, or paints and membranes to crack.  Heaters can be used to warm a room and substrate to within range before application.

Get the air moving
In cold weather, water tends to sit for longer periods. Using fans over a membrane creates a dry layer of air that helps to move water out so membranes can dry. It is important to use cold air fans because heated air fans can skin the surface and trap moisture in the membrane. There are many industrial fans and air movers available and are good to have on site.

Tarped off balcony being heated with a space heater before waterproofing.

Wet-seal™ Enviro-coat Deck system drying on a tarped off balcony.

Wet-seal™ have almost 40 years’ experience in waterproofing across Australia and in New Zealand.  Wet-seal™ Franchisees have practical recommendations that will assist your build to continue smoothly through the cold.  Get in touch with your local Wet-seal Franchisee by clicking on the following link to find out how to get the job done in the most efficient way this winter – Find Your Local Franchisee

Or for further information regarding winter drying times, please contact Wet-seal’s Technical Team on 1800 025 081 or via email at technical@wet-seal.com.au

What is it?

Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging camera to view and gauge thermal energy emitted from an object.  Thermography cameras can identify problem areas that cannot be seen with the naked eye when trying to detect water leaks.  The Testo 872 can be used in multiple areas within the building industry such as electrical fault finding, thermal bridges, structural defects, moisture ingress and insulation defects.

Wet-seal’s investment in the Testo 872

The Testo 872 is the ideal thermal imaging camera that has an infrared resolution of 320×240 pixels that can extend out to 640×480 pixels via integrated Super Resolution Technology which delivers the highest image quality.  The devices comes with a software app that connects to your wireless device such as a phone or tablet, to give even greater viewing area and help identify the origin of the leak.

Wet-seal’s Technical Team have been using the camera’s for over twelve months now and are seeing huge productivity gains and cost savings.  We can establish leak causation in many instances without any invasive investigation necessary and can have a ready-made report available within 30 minutes.

Spot the leak quickly and powerfully

The images shown of the Testo in action in a bathroom / shower investigation, clearly identify the leak occurring due to the Tiler incorrectly spot fixing the tiles.  The water has travelled along the glue cavities and out of the shower area.

The way forward for your business?

Wet-seal^TM have been so impressed with these cameras in use, we have become an authorised Testo distributor.

For further information regarding the Testo 872 thermal cameras and how they can save you valuable time and money, please contact Wet-seal’s Technical Team on 0800 436 000 or via email at technical@wet-seal.co.nz

What is it?

Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging camera to view and gauge thermal energy emitted from an object.  Thermography cameras can identify problem areas that cannot be seen with the naked eye when trying to detect water leaks.  The Testo 872 can be used in multiple areas within the building industry such as electrical fault finding, thermal bridges, structural defects, moisture ingress and insulation defects.

Wet-seal’s investment in the Testo 872

The Testo 872 is the ideal thermal imaging camera that has an infrared resolution of 320×240 pixels that can extend out to 640×480 pixels via integrated Super Resolution Technology which delivers the highest image quality.  The devices comes with a software app that connects to your wireless device such as a phone or tablet, to give even greater viewing area and help identify the origin of the leak.

Wet-seal’s Technical Team have been using the camera’s for over twelve months now and are seeing huge productivity gains and cost savings.  We can establish leak causation in many instances without any invasive investigation necessary and can have a ready-made report available within 30 minutes.

Spot the leak quickly and powerfully

The images shown of the Testo in action in a bathroom / shower investigation, clearly identify the leak occurring due to the Tiler incorrectly spot fixing the tiles.  The water has travelled along the glue cavities and out of the shower area.

The way forward for your business?

Wet-seal^TM have been so impressed with these cameras in use, we have become an authorised Testo distributor.

For further information regarding the Testo 872 thermal cameras and how they can save you valuable time and money, please contact Wet-seal’s Technical Team on 1800 025 081 or via email at technical@wet-seal.com.au

Correct use of tile adhesives can help prevent wet area leaks.  Spot fixed tiles allow water to track behind tiles and are often the cause of wet area leaks.  Correct application of the tile adhesive is to back butter any tiles over 400mm x 400mm, using a 12mm notch trowel.  This will prevent water tracking and leaking from the wet area.

Selection of the correct tile adhesive for the job is critical.  Tile adhesives are classified based on their composition, curing method and tensile adhesive strength.  For instance, a C2 adhesive is cement based and improved to have greater tensile strength.  To determine the best tile adhesive for the job, check with tile adhesive manufacturers.

Installation Points
Back butter tiles greater than 400mm x 400mm using a 12mm notch trowel.

Installing tiles over a set height requires the addition of mechanical fixing.  Check with the tile adhesive manufacturer and Australian Standards for requirements.

Limitations
Do not ‘Spot Fix’ or ‘Dot Fix’.  Tile adhesive manufacturers do not recommend this type of fixing nor does the Australian Standards.

Do not tile over the water stop in the shower recess.  A minimum of 5mm above the tile is required.

Do not place chicken wire within the tile adhesive.

Australian Standards
Refer to AS3958 for complete tiling standard.

If you have any questions regarding tile adhesive issues, please contact Wet-seals Technical Team to discuss possible solutions.  Wet-seal’s Technical Team can be contacted on 1800 025 081 or via email at technical@wet-seal.com.au

Alternatively, please speak with your local Franchisee directly.  Details of how to contact your local Franchisee can be found at Find A Franchisee

Correct use of tile adhesives can help prevent wet area leaks.  Spot fixed tiles allow water to track behind tiles and are often the cause of wet area leaks.  Correct application of the tile adhesive is to back butter any tiles over 400mm x 400mm, using a 12mm notch trowel.  This will prevent water tracking and leaking from the wet area.

Selection of the correct tile adhesive for the job is critical.  Tile adhesives are classified based on their composition, curing method and tensile adhesive strength.  For instance, a C2 adhesive is cement based and improved to have greater tensile strength.  To determine the best tile adhesive for the job, check with tile adhesive manufacturers.

Installation Points
Back butter tiles greater than 400mm x 400mm using a 12mm notch trowel.

Installing tiles over a set height requires the addition of mechanical fixing.  Check with the tile adhesive manufacturer and BRANZ Good Tiling Practice Guide for requirements.

Limitations
Ensure full adhesive coverage is achieved (no adhesive voids, as the void will allow water to migrate behind the tiles and build up quickly, leading to water escaping the shower cubicle or room).

Always refer to the manufacturers specific installation manual instructions and the BRANZ Good Tiling Practice Guide.

Do not tile over the water stop in the shower recess.  A minimum of 5mm above the tile helps maintain a vessel type area within the shower cubicle.

BRANZ Good Tiling Practice Guide
Refer to the BRANZ Good Tiling Practice Guide for complete tiling standard.

If you have any questions regarding tile adhesive issues, please contact Wet-seal’s Technical Team to discuss possible solutions.  Wet-seal’s Technical Team can be contacted on 0800 436 000 or via email at technical@wet-seal.co.nz

Alternatively, please speak with your local Franchisee directly.  Details of how to contact your local Franchisee can be found at Find A Franchisee

Moisture vapour barriers prevent damage caused by water migrating from outside, through the concrete slab and into the dwelling.  Most new concrete slabs use a moisture vapour barrier under the concrete which normally consists of 200 µm builders plastic, but if that fails moisture may be drawn up through the porous concrete which could then cause mould to grow along with other building defects.  A moisture vapour barrier on top of the concrete will stop the water entering the dwelling.

Using a moisture barrier coating can prevent:

• Mould growth – which in turn leads to heath issues
• Flooring failure – carpet, vinyl’s and levelling underlays
• Decay of the building structure
• Timber cupping

Wet-seal’s waterborne epoxy moisture vapour barrier systems effectively prevent these issues occurring.  Wet-seal manufacture systems locally that provide a permanent moisture barrier to protect you and your assets.

Wet-seal’s Top-Coat 300 and MVP (Moisture Vapour Primer) are both waterborne epoxies that when applied as a 2 coat system, offer superior performance and provide an excellent basis for waterproofing and flooring products to be applied over.

If you have any questions regarding moisture related issues, please contact Wet-seals Technical Team to discuss possible solutions.  Wet-seal’s Technical Team can be contacted on 1800 025 081 or via email at technical@wet-seal.com.au

Alternatively, please speak with your local Franchisee directly.  Details of how to contact your local Franchisee can be found at Find A Franchisee