FAQ's
Aqua Seal – Comprehensive Waterproofing & Caulking Solutions

1. WHAT IS WATERPROOFING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Waterproofing is a critical step in construction that provides resistance to water infiltration, safeguarding your building from potential damage due to hydrostatic pressure, capillarity, and other external forces.

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2. WHAT IS INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WATERPROOFING?

• INTERNAL WATERPROOFING: As per Australian internal waterproofing standard code AS3740, waterproofing is mandatory for internal wet areas like bathrooms, en-suites, laundries, and toilets. This includes floors, walls, junctions, tap penetrations, showers, under and over screeds, bathtubs, pools, and spas.

• EXTERNAL WATERPROOFING: The Australian external waterproofing standard code AS4654 mandates waterproofing for external areas like balconies, decks, rooftops, retaining walls, and for both positive and negative side waterproofing applications.

 

3. HOW DO I MEASURE A WATERPROOFING JOB AND ASK FOR A QUOTE?

Most waterproofing jobs are measured in square meters. Measure the required area's length and width, and then multiply them to get the total area. If unsure, contact Aqua Seal at www.vicaquaseal.com.au for a free onsite measurement and written quote.

 

4. WHAT DOES 'FLOOD TEST' IN WATERPROOFING MEAN?

After a waterproofing job is completed and the membrane has cured, it is filled with water for generally 24 hours. This flood test checks for any water loss, ensuring the job's quality and the membrane's efficacy. Any defects detected are rectified by the waterproofer before proceeding further. Remember, this is an additional service and may come at an extra cost.

 

5. HOW CAN I ENSURE THE WATERPROOFING JOB IS DONE PROPERLY?

Request a compliance report from the waterproofing company detailing the work process, materials used, and membrane thickness. Prior to tiling, ask for a flood test. Alternatively, Aqua Seal provides both compliance and waterproofing warranty certificates to ensure customer satisfaction.

 

6. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHEET MEMBRANE AND LIQUID MEMBRANE?

Both types serve the purpose of leak prevention. However, sheet membranes are more durable with a lifespan of around 15 years but are costlier. Liquid membranes are about half the cost of sheet membranes with a typical warranty period of 10 years.

 

7. WHAT IS CLEAR WATERPROOFING?

Clear waterproofing is a newer, cost-effective solution ideal for remedial work. It permeates tiles or substrates to seal and halt leaks without requiring full renovations. Aqua Seal is qualified and certified in this domain, having saved clients substantial amounts.

 

8. DOES AQUA SEAL WATERPROOF OVER EXISTING TILES?

Yes. Clear waterproofing over existing tiles doesn’t alter their appearance. It forms a protective film without affecting the tile's look or the grout.

 

9. WHAT IS A WATERPROOFING CERTIFICATE AND ITS IMPORTANCE?

Issued by a certified company, a waterproofing certificate confirms adherence to Australian standards (AS3740 or AS4654). It reassures clients of correct waterproofing processes. Aqua Seal's certificate provides details about the products and techniques used.

 

10. WHAT IS CAULKING AND ITS IMPORTANCE?

Caulking prevents water leaks and moisture ingress between surfaces. It prevents mold growth, ensuring structural and aesthetic integrity.

 

11. WHERE IS CAULKING REQUIRED ON MY PROPERTY?

Areas include Kitchens, Bathrooms, Laundries, Stone & Marble, Mosaic Tile Caulking, Wet Areas, Splashbacks, Floor, Skirtings, Window Frames, Brickwork, Expansion joints, and more.

 

12. WHAT SHOULD I PROVIDE FOR A CAULKING QUOTE?

Provide rough area estimates, photos, work-related hazards, color specs, and timelines. If unsure, contact Aqua Seal for an onsite consultation.

 

13. WHY IS CAULKING MEASURED POST-COMPLETION?

Gaps sometimes require more silicone than estimated. Any extra measurements are minimal and won't vastly differ from the initial quote.

 

14. WHEN SHOULD I RE-CAULK WET AREAS?

Typically, re-caulking is recommended every 4 years for optimal sealing.

 

15. WHY IS RE-CAULKING EXPENSIVE?

Removal of old caulk is labor-intensive and time-consuming. For instance, a medium-sized bathroom might take 3-4 hours just for caulk removal.

 

16. PREPARATIONS BEFORE RE-CAULKING WET AREAS?

Cease water usage 24 hours before and after re-caulking. Especially for submerged areas like showers, allow 24 hours for silicone curing.