Repair Systems — 01
Liquid-applied polyurethane and hybrid balcony membranes
Technical product reference for liquid-applied polyurethane and hybrid waterproofing membranes used in balcony and terrace remediation on Australian Class 2 strata apartment buildings. Covers product type classification, system selection, brand comparisons and procurement sources.
What are liquid-applied polyurethane and hybrid balcony membranes?
This category covers liquid-applied polyurethane and hybrid waterproofing membranes used in balcony and terrace waterproofing remediation. These systems are typically used below tiles, screeds, pavers, pedestal systems, artificial grass finishes, or protected balcony finishes. Product selection must consider substrate preparation, primer compatibility, reinforcement at corners and junctions, wet film/dry film thickness, curing time, flood testing, UV exposure, tile adhesive compatibility, and whether the system is designed for exposed trafficable use or protected use only.
Product Reference
10 products — 6 brands — PU and PU-hybrid membranes only — scroll to view all
ARDEX WPM 157
Pure polyurethane
One-component water-based polyurethane waterproofing membrane — balcony and wet area use
System Description
ARDEX WPM 157 is ARDEX's primary single-component water-based polyurethane waterproofing membrane for balcony and wet area use in Class 2 strata remediation. Apply by roller or brush in two coats to primed concrete substrate. Embed ARDEX fibreglass reinforcing tape at all corners, junctions, drain surrounds and penetrations before second coat. Flood test minimum 24 hours before tiling or screed. Suitable for use under tiles, screeds and protected balcony finishes.
Technical Properties
- Pure polyurethane chemistry — higher elongation and crack-bridging than PU-hybrid or cementitious alternatives
- AS 4858 compliant — meets Australian wet area membrane standard for Class 2 balcony waterproofing
- Water-based — low VOC — suitable for enclosed or poorly ventilated balcony spaces
- One-component — no mixing required on site — eliminates batching error
- Suitable for use under tiles, polymer-modified screed and pedestal paver systems
Limitations
- Primer mandatory on all substrates — confirm primer selection with ARDEX technical before application
- Two-coat minimum to achieve required dry film thickness per AS 4858 — single coat insufficient
- Not suitable for direct trafficable exposure without a protection layer
- Confirm tile adhesive compatibility with ARDEX before applying adhesive directly to cured membrane
- Confirm current product name and specification with ARDEX Australia — product range subject to periodic revision
ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid Plus
Pure polyurethane
One-component rapid-setting polyurethane waterproofing membrane — programme-critical applications
System Description
ARDEX WPM 155 Rapid Plus is a rapid-setting one-component polyurethane membrane developed for programme-critical balcony waterproofing projects on occupied strata buildings. Significantly faster recoat and through-cure times than standard WPM 157 — reducing the gap between membrane application and tile or screed commencement. Same application method: roller or brush, two coats, with reinforcing tape at all junctions. Primer required. Flood test before tiling.
Technical Properties
- Rapid set — significantly reduced recoat and through-cure time — major programme advantage on occupied strata
- Pure polyurethane chemistry — maintains good elongation and crack-bridging performance at full cure
- AS 4858 compliant for wet area and balcony membrane applications
- One-component — no mixing — eliminates site batching error
- Suitable for use under tiles, screeds and pedestal paver systems
Limitations
- Primer mandatory — confirm ARDEX primer selection with technical representative
- Rapid set reduces working time — plan application sequence carefully on large areas
- Two-coat minimum — fast set does not compensate for insufficient film thickness
- Confirm tile adhesive compatibility with ARDEX before tiling
- Confirm current product specification with ARDEX Australia before specifying
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
ARDEX WPM 130 Builders Express
Polyurethane-acrylic hybrid
Single-component polyurethane-acrylic hybrid membrane — domestic and light commercial balcony use
System Description
ARDEX WPM 130 Builders Express is a single-component polyurethane-acrylic hybrid waterproofing membrane for domestic and light commercial balcony and wet area use. Product type is PU-acrylic hybrid — do not specify as a substitute for pure polyurethane where high elongation or active crack bridging is required. Suitable for protected balcony finishes under tiles or screed. Apply by roller or brush in two coats with ARDEX primer and reinforcing tape at all junctions.
Technical Properties
- PU-acrylic hybrid — easier to apply than solvent-based PU — suited to domestic and light commercial use
- AS 4858 compliant for wet area and balcony waterproofing
- One-component — no mixing on site
- Water-based — low VOC
- Suitable under tiles and screed in standard balcony remediation
Limitations
- PU-acrylic hybrid — lower elongation than pure polyurethane — not suitable where significant substrate movement or active cracking is anticipated
- Do not substitute for pure PU where Class III or high-elongation specification is required
- Primer and reinforcing tape mandatory at all junctions — same installation requirements as higher-grade systems
- Confirm current product specification and classification with ARDEX Australia before specifying
Sika Sikalastic-487
Pure polyurethane
One-component water-based polyurethane waterproofing membrane — 20 L pail
System Description
Sika Sikalastic-487 is a one-component water-based polyurethane waterproofing membrane widely used in Australian Class 2 strata balcony remediation. Apply by roller in two coats with Sika primer. Embed Sika Reemat Premium reinforcing fabric at all corners, coves, drain junctions and penetrations before second coat. Suitable for use under tile, screed and pedestal paver systems. Flood test minimum 24 hours. Confirm current product specification with Sika technical.
Technical Properties
- Pure polyurethane — good elongation and crack-bridging — suitable for substrates with thermal movement
- AS 4858 compliant for balcony and wet area waterproofing in Class 2 buildings
- Water-based — low VOC — suitable for enclosed or poorly ventilated balcony spaces
- One-component — no mixing — reduces site batching error
- Compatible with Sika tile adhesive systems after full cure — confirm with Sika technical
Limitations
- Sika-approved primer mandatory on all substrates — confirm primer selection with Sika technical
- Two-coat minimum at specified wet film thickness — single coat insufficient
- Not suitable for directly trafficable exposure — requires screed, tile or protection board
- Confirm tile adhesive compatibility before specifying — not all adhesive systems are compatible
SikaTile-110 Secure Proof
Polyurethane-acrylic hybrid
Polyurethane-acrylic hybrid undertile waterproofing membrane — direct-to-tile system
System Description
SikaTile-110 Secure Proof is a polyurethane-acrylic hybrid membrane designed as a direct-to-tile undertile waterproofing system for balcony and wet area remediation. Product type is PU-acrylic hybrid — do not specify as a pure polyurethane substitute where high elongation is required. Apply by brush in two coats. Embed reinforcing mesh at corners and junctions. Suitable for Class 2 balcony remediation under tile finish. Confirm current product details with Sika Australia technical before specifying.
Technical Properties
- PU-acrylic hybrid — designed as undertile system compatible with direct tile adhesive application
- One-component — no mixing required — simpler site application than two-component systems
- Water-based — low VOC
- Suited to domestic and light commercial balcony and wet area waterproofing
Limitations
- PU-acrylic hybrid — lower elongation than pure PU — not for substrates with significant movement or active cracking
- Do not specify as equivalent to pure polyurethane where Class III or high-elongation performance is required
- Confirm current product name, specification and compliance with Sika Australia before specifying — product names subject to change
- Confirm reinforcing and primer requirements with Sika technical before application
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Davco K10 Plus
Hybrid liquid membrane
Single-component polymer-modified hybrid liquid waterproofing membrane — wet area and balcony
System Description
Davco K10 Plus (Laticrete) is a single-component polymer-modified hybrid liquid waterproofing membrane widely used in Australian Class 2 strata residential and light commercial balcony remediation. Product type is classified as a hybrid liquid membrane — confirm exact polymer chemistry with Davco/Laticrete technical before specifying as a pure PU substitute. Suitable for use under tiles and screeds. Apply by brush in two coats with reinforcing tape at all junctions. Flood test before tiling.
Technical Properties
- AS 4858 compliant — meets Australian wet area membrane standard
- One-component — no site mixing required
- Water-based — suitable for occupied strata with ventilation limitations
- Widely stocked nationally through Davco/Laticrete network and trade suppliers
- Suitable for use under ceramic and porcelain tile systems after full cure
Limitations
- Hybrid liquid membrane — confirm polymer type with Davco technical before specifying as a PU equivalent — may be acrylic or PU-acrylic chemistry
- Lower elongation than pure polyurethane — not suitable where active substrate cracking or significant movement is anticipated
- Confirm primer requirements with manufacturer — primer may be required on some substrates
- Confirm current product specification and classification with Davco Australia
Bostik Dampfix PU
Pure polyurethane
Single-component polyurethane waterproofing membrane — balcony and wet area use
System Description
Bostik Dampfix PU is a single-component polyurethane waterproofing membrane for balcony and wet area waterproofing in Class 2 strata buildings. Apply by brush in two coats. Embed reinforcing fabric at all corners, drain surrounds and penetrations before second coat. Suitable for use under tiles and screeds. Flood test before tiling. Part of the Bostik Dampfix waterproofing system — confirm compatible primer and accessories with Bostik technical.
Technical Properties
- Pure polyurethane — good elongation and flexibility — suitable for substrates with thermal movement
- AS 4858 compliant for balcony and wet area waterproofing
- One-component — no mixing required
- Water-based — low VOC
- Suitable under tile and screed protection systems
Limitations
- Primer mandatory — confirm Bostik-compatible primer selection before application
- Two-coat minimum to achieve required dry film thickness
- Not suitable for direct trafficable exposure without protection layer
- Bostik distribution network may be smaller in some regions — confirm local availability
- Confirm current product specification with Bostik Australia before specifying
Bostik Dampfix Platinum
Polyurethane-acrylic hybrid
High-performance polyurethane-hybrid waterproofing membrane — commercial and strata balcony use
System Description
Bostik Dampfix Platinum is a high-performance polyurethane-hybrid membrane positioned above Dampfix PU in the Bostik range — suitable for commercial and strata balcony waterproofing where enhanced elongation and chemical resistance are required. Suitable under tiles, screeds and pedestal paver systems. Apply by brush in two coats with Bostik primer. Embed reinforcing tape at all junctions. Flood test before tiling.
Technical Properties
- PU-hybrid — enhanced performance over standard hybrid products — confirm elongation rating with Bostik technical
- AS 4858 compliant for commercial and residential balcony waterproofing
- One-component — suitable for use on Class 2 strata balcony remediation
- Compatible with pedestal paver systems after full cure — confirm with Bostik technical
- Water-based — low VOC
Limitations
- PU-hybrid — confirm elongation and crack-bridging performance against project specification before selecting
- Primer and reinforcing tape mandatory — same requirements as standard Dampfix PU
- Confirm tile adhesive and screed compatibility with Bostik technical
- Confirm current product specification with Bostik Australia before specifying
Tremco Vulkem 350R
Pure polyurethane
One-component polyurethane waterproofing membrane — remediation grade balcony and deck use
System Description
Tremco Vulkem 350R is a one-component solvent-based polyurethane membrane positioned as a remediation-grade system for balcony and external deck waterproofing. Part of the Tremco CPG waterproofing system — warranted when used with compatible Tremco primer and system components throughout. Apply by roller or brush in two coats with Tremco primer. Embed reinforcing fabric at all junctions. Flood test before tiling.
Technical Properties
- Pure polyurethane — good elongation for balcony substrates with thermal movement
- AS 4858 compliant when applied at specified wet film thickness
- One-component — no site mixing required
- Part of a complete Tremco CPG system — primer and membrane from same manufacturer
- Remediation grade — suited to overlay on prepared existing substrates
Limitations
- Solvent-based — adequate ventilation required during application — risk in enclosed spaces without forced air extraction
- System warranty requires use of Tremco-compatible primer and system components throughout — do not substitute
- Tremco distribution network is smaller than ARDEX or Sika — confirm local availability before specifying
- Confirm current product name, specification and AS compliance status with Tremco CPG Australia before specifying
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Gripset P39
Pure polyurethane
Single-component polyurethane waterproofing membrane — Australian manufactured — balcony and terrace use
System Description
Gripset P39 is an Australian-manufactured single-component water-based polyurethane membrane by Gripset Industries — an Australian waterproofing specialist with a strong track record in Class 2 strata remediation. Apply by roller or brush in two coats with Gripset-compatible primer. Embed reinforcing fabric at all corners, junctions and drain surrounds. Suitable under tiles, screeds and pedestal paver systems. Flood test before tiling.
Technical Properties
- Pure polyurethane — AS 4858 compliant — suitable for balcony and terrace waterproofing in Class 2 buildings
- Australian manufactured — Australian technical support and supply network
- Water-based — low VOC — suitable for occupied strata environments
- One-component — no site mixing required
- Suitable under tiles, polymer screed and pedestal paver systems on balconies and terraces
Limitations
- Primer mandatory — confirm Gripset primer selection before application
- Two-coat minimum to achieve AS 4858 dry film thickness requirements
- Not suitable for direct trafficable exposure without protection layer
- Confirm current product specification and availability through Gripset Industries directly
Brand Equivalents
PU and PU-hybrid membrane equivalents across brands active in Australian Class 2 strata remediation. * Confirm product chemistry with manufacturer.
| System type | ARDEX | Sika | Davco | Bostik | Tremco | Gripset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pure PU — 1C water-based — standard | WPM 157 | Sikalastic-487 | — | Dampfix PU | — | P39 |
| Pure PU — 1C water-based — rapid set | WPM 155 Rapid Plus | — | — | — | — | — |
| Pure PU — 1C solvent-based — remediation | — | — | — | — | Vulkem 350R | — |
| PU-acrylic hybrid — undertile | WPM 130 Builders Express | SikaTile-110 Secure Proof | K10 Plus* | Dampfix Platinum | — | — |
Do not confuse PU/hybrid liquid membranes with:
- Cementitious flexible membranes (e.g. ARDEX 8+9, Mapei Mapelastic Foundation) — two-part cement-based systems, not polyurethane
- Heat-welded sheet membranes — factory-manufactured sheet products, not liquid-applied
- Torch-on bitumen membranes — SBS/APP bitumen sheet systems applied with a gas torch
- Acrylic-only membranes — water-based acrylic systems without a polyurethane binder
- Crystalline waterproofing — penetrating cementitious systems, not membrane-forming
- Trafficable coating systems without a waterproofing membrane specification — surface coatings are not a substitute for a classified membrane system
Disclaimer
Information is general only. Product selection must be confirmed against project requirements, substrate condition, exposure class, manufacturer technical data sheets, NCC requirements, and Australian Standards including AS 3740 and AS 4858. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional engineering or waterproofing consultant advice.