Committee representatives needed for new joint waterproofing membranes standard
We seek committee representatives to help shape a new standard. AS/NZS 4654.1 will set out requirements for waterproofing membranes for use in internal and external above ground wet areas in all classes of buildings.
An inspector tests waterproof membrane. NRCgov CC BY 2.0
Can you contribute towards AS/NZS 4654.1:202X Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use, Part 1: Materials? This standard was previously published as Australian-only standards, however, through this revision, New Zealand has been invited to participate and adopt it as a new joint standard. This move is supported by stakeholders within industry with commissioning of New Zealand’s involvement supported by the regulator Building Performance.
Why is this standard needed?
Waterproofing membranes used in buildings in Australia and New Zealand need to be tested and confirmed to AS/NZS 4858 for use in internal wet areas, and AS 4654.1 for use in external above ground wet areas. Most test methods used in these standards are virtually identical, with the exception that the specimen shape used in the testing is different in each standard.
Neither of these standards tests whether a waterproofing membrane is actually waterproof and prevents water transmission through it. Osmosis is a recurring problem, especially in external waterproofing membranes of certain chemistries. The standards also do not address the likely different requirements for sheet membranes, including fully bonded, partially bonded, or mechanically fixed. Additionally, the current test methods and classifications are also not suitable for the various sheet membrane chemistries, for example, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and bitumen.
A new standard to benefit our built environment
The application and installation of products not fit for purpose contributes to the failure of waterproofing systems and this is among the most common building defects reported. A new fit for purpose standard can help avoid waste of materials, time and other resources. This has the potential to benefit consumer, building practitioners, building contractors, manufacturers, building surveyors and regulators through a reduction in cost, reduction in duplication and reduction in costly reworks and rectifications.
The new joint standard will incorporate the following elements:
- combination of scope from AS/NZS 1185 and AS 4654.1;
- definitions for membrane systems, including liquid applied, sheet applied, bonded, partially bonded, mechanically fixed;
- classification of bonded membranes;
- classification of unbonded or partially bonded membranes;
- performance requirements depending on use;
- table(s) listing the performance requirements for membrane systems based on the application;
- list of test methods;
- requirements for reporting; and
- requirements for labelling and marking of products.
Do you have the expertise to contribute?
This project is estimated to last around 28 months and the BD-038 committee will be made up of around 18 representatives from diverse Australian organisations with interests across the sector. This is a great opportunity for at least two New Zealand representatives to share knowledge, learn from others and be part of a legacy towards a new standard. There is no fee for participation and all we ask is your time and commitment to the project. If you are interested, please email joints@standards.govt.nz by 15 March.