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Choosing the right waterproofing system doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re repairing a leaking roof, waterproofing a caravan, sealing a concrete water tank or waterproofing over existing tiles, we’ve answered some of the questions we’re asked most often.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team is always happy to help.
The best product depends on what you’re waterproofing and the type of surface you’re working with.
If you’re unsure which system is best, contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Yes. If the existing tiles and grout are sound and well bonded, VersEseal Crystal Clear SXL allows you to waterproof over the existing surface while retaining the original tiled appearance.
If you’d prefer to change the look of the surface, VersEseal Multiflex or VersEseal Rapid Build Liquid Rubber can also be applied over suitably prepared tiles and finished with VersEseal TopGrip to create a durable, coloured, non-slip surface.
Where the existing tiles are being removed and new tiles will be installed, VersEseal IWP100 Undertile is designed to be applied beneath the new tiled finish.
No. Different applications have different performance requirements. For example, a caravan roof, a drinking water tank and a tiled shower each require a different solution. That’s why VersEseal offers a range of specialised waterproofing systems rather than a one-product-fits-all approach.
Some surfaces require a primer to achieve the best adhesion.
Porous surfaces such as fibre cement, compressed sheet and masonry often require VersEseal Porous Primer. Non-porous surfaces such as tiles, glass and many plastics may require VersEseal Non-Porous Primer.
The correct primer, if required, is listed in each application guide.
No. Silicone sealants prevent proper adhesion and must be completely removed before applying any VersEseal coating.
In many cases, yes. Existing coatings should be clean, sound and firmly bonded. Any loose or flaking material must be removed before waterproofing.
Some existing coatings may bleed solvents or plasticisers, which can affect adhesion or performance. If you’re unsure whether your existing coating is suitable, contact us for advice.
Yes. Concrete is one of the most common surfaces we waterproof, and VersEseal systems are suitable for a wide range of concrete applications including concrete decks and balconies, concrete roofs, water tanks, ponds, reservoirs and other concrete structures.
The concrete should be clean, structurally sound and, if newly poured, generally allowed to cure for at least 28 days before waterproofing.
An important consideration with concrete is which side of the structure the water is coming from.
As a general rule:
This means the waterproofing membrane is applied on the positive hydrostatic pressure side — the side where the water is contacting and pressing the membrane against the concrete.
Applying a membrane to the opposite side, where water is already pushing through the concrete, exposes it to negative hydrostatic pressure. This pressure can push the membrane away from the substrate and cause loss of adhesion.
For this reason, VersEseal products are not suitable for treating rising damp or situations where groundwater or moisture is being forced through the concrete from behind or below the membrane.
If you are unsure which side of your concrete structure should be waterproofed, contact us before starting so we can help determine whether a VersEseal system is suitable.
Remove any loose, flaky or heavily corroded rust using a wire brush, scraper or other suitable mechanical method. The surface should be clean, sound and free from dirt, grease and loose material before treatment.
Any remaining surface rust should then be treated with VersEseal Rust Convertor and Primer. It reacts with and stabilises residual rust while also priming the surface ready for application of the appropriate VersEseal waterproofing membrane.
Where corrosion has resulted in small holes or deteriorated areas, these may sometimes be bridged and reinforced using VersEseal Geo Fabric as part of the waterproofing system. However, while the VersEseal system can provide a flexible, waterproof repair, it cannot recreate the structural integrity or strength of metal that has been lost through corrosion. Where structural strength is a concern, the underlying metal should be assessed and repaired as necessary before waterproofing.
The number of coats varies depending on the product, application and how heavily each coat is applied. The important thing is not the number of coats, but achieving the recommended total coverage rate (film thickness).
Every applicator naturally applies coatings at a slightly different thickness. Whether it takes two coats or ten, you should continue applying the product until the recommended amount for your project has been used. This ensures the membrane reaches the required thickness for long-term waterproofing performance and durability.
If you’re unsure how much product you need, contact us with the size of your project and we’ll calculate the correct quantity for you. Then simply keep applying the product until the recommended amount has been applied.
Always follow the relevant VersEseal application guide for your specific system.
Drying times vary depending on the product, weather conditions and coating thickness. Warmer temperatures and good airflow will generally reduce drying times.
Always allow the coating to cure as recommended before exposing it to water or heavy use. Please see the relevant application guide for minimum recommended drying times.
Yes. Most VersEseal systems are designed with DIY users in mind and can be applied using common painting tools such as rollers and brushes. Step-by-step application guides are available for all of our major applications.
The quantity required depends on the size of the area being waterproofed and the recommended application rate for the selected product.
If you send us your project dimensions, we’ll be happy to calculate the quantity you’ll need.
VersEseal Geo Fabric is recommended to reinforce areas that are more prone to movement or cracking. Embedding the fabric into the first coat of the waterproofing system helps strengthen these vulnerable areas and improves long-term performance.
Geo Fabric is typically used over:
For most applications, Geo Fabric is not required over the entire surface. It is generally only used to reinforce these critical areas before applying the remaining coats of the waterproofing system.
Always refer to the relevant VersEseal application guide, as the reinforcement requirements vary depending on the product and application.
The service life of a VersEseal system depends on the product selected, the application rate, surface preparation and ongoing exposure to weather and traffic. When applied in accordance with the relevant application guide, VersEseal waterproofing systems are designed to provide long-term waterproof protection. Always choose the product specifically recommended for your application.
Liquid-applied waterproofing systems remain flexible after curing and are designed to accommodate normal substrate movement. For larger cracks, movement joints or damaged areas, repairs should be carried out before waterproofing. Depending on the application, VersEseal Geo Fabric may also be recommended to reinforce joints, cracks and penetrations.
This depends on the product and the application.
Crystal Clear SXL is designed for foot traffic over existing tiled surfaces in showers and balconies.
Multiflex can be used on foot trafficable surfaces such as decks and balconies when finished with VersEseal TopGrip.
Some waterproofing systems, such as IWP100 Undertile, are designed to be covered by tiles and are not intended as the finished walking surface.
Always refer to the relevant application guide for your project.
VersEseal Rapid Build Liquid Rubber and VersEseal Top Coat have been independently tested and approved to AS4020 for contact with drinking water, making them suitable for use on roofs that collect potable water.
VersEseal Rapid Build Liquid Rubber is also suitable for lining potable water tanks. VersEseal Top Coat is not designed for permanent immersion or continuously ponding water and should only be used as a top coat on exposed surfaces, such as roofs.
Some can.
VersEseal Multiflex and Rapid Build Liquid Rubber can be overcoated with VersEseal Top Coat where a coloured, UV-resistant finish is required. For decks and balconies requiring a durable, non-slip finish, VersEseal TopGrip is recommended.
VersEseal membranes are designed to remain flexible to accommodate normal substrate movement. Many standard paints are too rigid and may crack or flake as the membrane moves beneath them. VersEseal Top Coat and TopGrip are specifically formulated to remain flexible and move with the membrane while providing a durable, long-lasting finish.
Products such as Crystal Clear SXL are designed to remain clear and retain the appearance of the existing tiled surface.
VersEseal Rapid Build Liquid Rubber and VersEseal Multiflex waterproofing membranes are currently available in black only.
Where a coloured finish is required, VersEseal Top Coat and VersEseal TopGrip are available in white, a range of Colorbond® colours, and selected custom colours (minimum order quantities may apply).
Please note that VersEseal Top Coat and TopGrip are designed for exposed applications and are not suitable for areas subject to permanent immersion or continuously ponding water.
Each application page on our website lists the products required for that project, along with coverage rates and step-by-step application instructions.
If you’d like a second opinion before ordering, simply contact our team—we’re happy to help.
Absolutely. Whether you’re planning a project, preparing your surface or part-way through an application, our team is available to answer your questions and help you achieve the best possible result.