Water ingress is Sydney's most common and most costly building defect. Moisture penetrating a structure doesn't just cause damp patches and staining — it accelerates concrete deterioration, corrodes reinforcement, rots substrate materials, drives mould growth, and creates long-term liabilities for owners and strata committees. At Atomic Projects, our waterproofing remediation service starts with finding the source — not guessing at it — and ends with a tested, warranted, and documented repair.
We work to AS 4654.2 (Waterproofing of Wet Areas within Residential Buildings) and manufacturer specifications for all membrane systems, including liquid-applied membranes, sheet membranes, and hybrid systems applied to balconies, podium decks, roofs, basements, and wet areas.
How We Approach Waterproofing Remediation
- Source investigation before any works begin: Identifying where water is coming from is not always straightforward — it often travels horizontally through the structure before appearing at the point of entry. We use flood testing, dye testing, moisture mapping, and thermal imaging to accurately trace the source before recommending any repair methodology.
- Strip to substrate where required: Effective waterproofing remediation often means removing the existing failed system entirely. We strip back to the structural substrate, inspect the condition of the slab or masonry, address any concrete defects, and prepare the surface correctly before any new membrane is applied.
- Compliant membrane specification: We specify and install membrane systems appropriate to each substrate, exposure class, and traffic loading condition. For balconies and podium decks, we apply robust systems with reinforcement at critical junctions and falls correction screeds where drainage has been compromised by movement or poor original installation.
- Correct detailing at terminations and penetrations: Most waterproofing failures occur at details — around penetrations, at sheet junctions, at floor/wall upturns, and at threshold transitions. We give these areas disproportionate attention in both specification and installation.
- Flood testing on completion: Every waterproofed area is flood-tested before tiling, paving, or other finishes are reinstated. We photograph and document test results as part of the project handover pack provided to the strata committee or building owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my building has a waterproofing problem?
Common signs include water staining on ceilings or walls below balconies or roofs, bubbling or lifting tiles, rust staining from concrete soffits, recurring wet patches in car parks or basement areas, or musty smells in common areas. If you're seeing any of these, a waterproofing investigation is warranted. Our Leak Detection & Mapping service can identify the source and extent of water ingress before works are scoped.
Can waterproofing be repaired without removing tiles?
Sometimes, but rarely with long-term results. Injection systems and surface sealants can provide temporary relief for minor failures, but they cannot address membrane delamination, compromised upturns, or failed penetration details. For meaningful, warrantied waterproofing remediation, stripping the existing system and reinstating a compliant membrane is almost always the correct approach.
What warranty do you provide on waterproofing works?
We provide product manufacturer warranties on the membrane systems we install, typically 10–15 years for quality liquid-applied and sheet membrane systems. In addition, Atomic Projects provides a workmanship warranty on the installation. All warranties require that the installed system is not disturbed or penetrated after completion without our knowledge.
How disruptive is waterproofing remediation for residents?
Disruption depends on the scope and location of works. Balcony waterproofing typically requires temporary loss of balcony use for 2–4 weeks per level. Roof or podium deck works are generally managed without impacting residents. We prepare resident communication plans and work with strata managers to stage works and minimise amenity disruption throughout the project. See our Balcony Remediation service for more detail on how we manage strata waterproofing projects.
Do you handle insurance-related waterproofing claims?
Yes. For buildings where water ingress has caused significant damage and an insurance claim is in place, we prepare insurer-ready investigation reports, scopes of work, and costings. We work directly with loss adjusters to ensure the claim is supported by proper documentation and that the proposed repair methodology meets insurer requirements. See our Major Loss Insurance Works service for more information.
Related Services
Ready to get started? Atomic Projects is a Class 2 Registered Builder with over 10 years of experience in waterproofing remediation across Sydney strata, commercial, and heritage buildings. We find the source, fix it properly, and back the work with documentation and warranties.
📞 Call Us: 0410 515 509 | ✉️ Email Us: hello@atomicprojects.com.au
— Ben Tran, General Manager, Atomic Projects
