Linear grates and channel drains — balcony waterproofing

System Description

Schlüter KERDI-LINE is a stainless steel linear channel drain system designed for threshold and edge drainage on tiled balconies, terraces, and external deck areas. The system features an adjustable-height channel body that allows the drain to be positioned at the correct finished floor level after the screed has been applied, eliminating the critical height-setting tolerances required with fixed-height linear drains. This is a significant advantage on balcony remediation projects where existing screed surfaces may be irregular. The KERDI-LINE is available with a tile insert grate — allowing a cut tile to be placed in the drain cover for an architectural finish — or with stainless steel slot grates in various formats. The system is compatible with the Schlüter KERDI bonded waterproofing membrane, and with liquid-applied polyurethane and hybrid waterproofing systems where compatibility is confirmed with the membrane manufacturer. The channel body provides a continuous flange for membrane lapping at the drain perimeter. KERDI-LINE is available in multiple lengths from 300mm to 1200mm and in standard and extended-height configurations. Confirm the correct length, height configuration, grate format, and load class with Schlüter Australia before specifying. For threshold drainage positions between internal and external areas, confirm the correct threshold transition detail with Schlüter technical before ordering.

System Description

ACO Building Drainage manufactures a comprehensive range of stainless steel linear channel drains for residential, commercial, and industrial applications in Australia. For balcony and terrace waterproofing remediation, ACO stainless linear channel drains are specified where a continuous linear drainage element is required at the perimeter, threshold, or edge of a tiled external deck area. The ACO stainless channel body is available in fixed-height and adjustable-height configurations, and in multiple lengths to suit standard balcony and terrace widths. The channel flange provides a continuous bonding surface for liquid-applied membrane systems — the membrane is lapped up onto the flange and bonded per the membrane manufacturer's requirements. For torch-on sheet systems, confirm heat-bonding compatibility with ACO technical before specifying. ACO stainless channels are available in Grade 304 for standard inland applications, and Grade 316 for coastal and marine-exposed locations. Grade 316 is strongly recommended for external balconies within 5km of the coast or in marine-affected environments. ACO is one of the most widely stocked linear drain brands in Australia, and distributor support is available through plumbing merchants and specialist waterproofing suppliers.

System Description

Infinity Drain manufactures high-specification architectural linear drain systems used in premium residential and hospitality applications. The tile insert linear drain allows a full-length cut tile to be placed in the drain cover along the entire drain length, creating a near-invisible continuous drainage line in the tiled floor — a premium architectural finish outcome increasingly specified on high-end apartment balcony and terrace remediation in Australian Class 2 strata buildings. The Infinity Drain system features an adjustable-height stainless steel channel body with a continuous membrane flange. The channel is compatible with liquid-applied polyurethane and hybrid waterproofing systems where the membrane is lapped and bonded onto the drain flange per the manufacturer's requirements. The tile insert tray accepts a cut tile that extends the floor tile pattern continuously through the drain location. Infinity Drain products are primarily distributed through specialist tile showrooms and high-specification bathroom and architectural drainage suppliers. Confirm current Australian availability and distributor with Infinity Drain before specifying. The tile insert length and tile format must be confirmed against the proposed tile layout before ordering — the drain length and tile module must be coordinated to achieve a full tile insert without exposed cuts or trim tiles.

System Description

Geberit CleanLine is a stainless steel linear shower channel system available through the Geberit Australian plumbing merchant network. The CleanLine is primarily used in internal wet area applications but is also specified on external balcony and terrace remediation where liquid-applied waterproofing membranes are applied and a stainless slot grate drain is required at a threshold or perimeter position. The CleanLine features a Grade 316L stainless steel channel body and a continuous slot grate cover in brushed stainless finish. The channel is a fixed-height drain — the screed depth must be established accurately before the drain is set, and the top of the drain must align with the finished tile surface after tile laying. The drain body provides a flange that the liquid-applied membrane laps onto and bonds at the drain perimeter. The CleanLine is available through Geberit's Australian plumbing merchant network and is widely stocked. Confirm the selected CleanLine model is rated for external balcony exposure — not all Geberit CleanLine variants are approved for continuously wet external conditions. Confirm membrane compatibility with the membrane manufacturer before applying a liquid-applied system at the CleanLine flange.

System Description

PVC channel drains are the lower-cost linear drainage option for residential balcony and threshold applications where a liquid-applied waterproofing membrane system is being applied and a stainless steel architectural finish is not required. The PVC channel body is set into the screed at the low point or perimeter drainage position, and the liquid-applied membrane is lapped and bonded onto the PVC flange in the same manner as for a PVC puddle flange. PVC channel drains are available from a range of manufacturers and suppliers, typically with a PVC body and either a PVC or stainless steel slot grate. The PVC body is compatible with liquid-applied polyurethane, hybrid, and cementitious waterproofing membranes — confirm chemical compatibility between the PVC body and the specific membrane product being applied. PVC channel drains are not suitable for torch-on sheet membrane systems — torch-on heat-bonding cannot be performed to a PVC surface without risk of deformation or failure. For torch-on sheet systems, specify a stainless steel channel drain. PVC channel drains are typically a fixed-height product — confirm screed depth and drain height carefully before setting. Confirm AS/NZS 3500 compliance of the specific product with the supplier before specifying.

System Description

HDPE channel drains are used on podium slabs, communal terraces, and commercial deck areas where Class B, C, or D load ratings are required and where the drain must accommodate higher drainage volumes than a standard residential balcony floor waste or PVC channel can provide. The HDPE channel body is resistant to the chemicals in most waterproofing membranes and can be used with both liquid-applied and some cold-applied sheet membrane systems. HDPE channel drains on podium and large terrace applications are typically specified by the hydraulic engineer as part of the drainage design, and the drain body and grate load class must be confirmed against the expected pedestrian and vehicle loading before specifying. On communal podium areas of Class 2 strata buildings, pedestrian loading can be significant, and the incorrect load class drain can fail structurally under repeated loading. Confirm with the supplier that the HDPE channel body is compatible with the specific waterproofing membrane system being applied. Confirm whether the product is approved for use with torch-on sheet membrane systems — HDPE bodies can typically be solvent-welded to cold-applied sheet membranes in some systems, but torch-on heat-bonding should not be applied directly to HDPE surfaces without specific product and system approval. Confirm AS/NZS 3500 compliance with the supplier.