Test Sania
A waterproof membrane coating is a flexible, elastomeric layer applied directly to exterior surfaces — most commonly concrete, render, masonry, and balcony substrates — to prevent water ingress. Unlike standard paint, a waterproof membrane is specifically engineered to bridge hairline cracks, accommodate slight structural movement, and create a continuous barrier against moisture penetration.
In a strata building, unmanaged water ingress is one of the most damaging — and expensive — problems an owners corporation can face. Moisture that penetrates exterior walls or balcony decks can cause spalling concrete, structural corrosion, internal damp, and significant remedial costs. A correctly specified and applied waterproof coating, incorporated into a planned maintenance schedule for strata buildings, is a far more cost-effective approach than reactive repair.
The most commonly specified systems in NSW strata projects include Dulux Elastomeric, Emer-Clad, and Murobond membranes — all of which can be applied as part of a full exterior repaint program. Premier Painting applies these and other major brand systems across strata buildings in Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, and Wollongong.
Waterproof Membrane Application vs. Waterproofing Work
Not all waterproofing work is the same, and this distinction matters significantly when scoping strata projects. There are two broad categories:
- Waterproofing membrane application — the application of elastomeric or membrane coatings to exterior walls, balcony facades, and above-ground masonry surfaces. This is within the scope of an experienced, accredited painting contractor.
- Licensed waterproofing works — including wet area waterproofing (bathrooms, showers, internal floor membranes, below-ground tanking), which require a licensed waterproofer under NSW regulations.
Premier Painting specialises in waterproofing membrane application to exterior walls, balconies, and above-ground building surfaces as part of a comprehensive painting and protective coating scope. We do not perform licensed plumbing waterproofing works such as internal wet areas or below-ground waterproofing. If your project requires those elements, your strata manager or building consultant can recommend a licensed waterproofer to work alongside us.
Where Is Waterproof Membrane Coating Typically Needed in a Strata Building?
During a pre-paint inspection of a strata building, our Project Managers routinely assess a range of surfaces that may require membrane treatment before painting. Common areas include:
- Exterior balcony soffits, facades, and parapets exposed to driving rain and UV degradation
- Masonry and rendered exterior walls showing cracking or moisture bleed
- Retaining walls and exposed concrete columns at ground or podium level
- Expansion joints and capping details susceptible to water tracking
- Carpark entry ramps and exposed structural elements where waterproof coatings provide both protection and a finish
In many strata repaints, the protective coating work and the decorative painting scope are planned as a single, integrated program — which is the most efficient and cost-effective approach for owners corporations. A well-scoped project avoids the cost and disruption of returning to site to address waterproofing issues that were not identified upfront.
Australian Standards for Waterproof Membrane Coatings
The primary Australian Standard governing waterproofing membranes is AS 4858, which specifies requirements for wet area membranes used in buildings. For above-ground exterior membrane applications in a painting context, the relevant standard for the underlying paint and protective coating system is AS/NZS 2310, which covers painting specifications for buildings and structures. Product-specific standards and manufacturer specifications also apply to the particular membrane system being used.
Strata managers should confirm with their painting contractor that the membrane system proposed is appropriate for the specific substrate, exposure conditions, and project requirements — and that the application method follows the manufacturer’s technical data sheet. As a Dulux Accredited contractor, Premier Painting applies Dulux membrane systems including Dulux Elastomeric in strict accordance with manufacturer specifications, ensuring the integrity of both the protective coating and any applicable manufacturer warranty.
Signs Your Strata Building May Need Waterproof Coating Work
