How Much Does Waterproofing Cost?

The waterproofing price for selected areas of your home can cost more than what some homeowners feel is necessary. However, any future cost of fixing water damage can be substantial compared to the initial work.

Costs in Australia

Depending on where you live, hiring a professional in waterproofing can fluctuate. Here is an example of the average prices in different regions:

City	Average Reported Cost (m2)
Sydney	$30 – $45
Melbourne	$35 – $50
Brisbane	$40 – $50
Canberra	$30 – $40
Perth	$40 – $55
Darwin	$40 – $50
Adelaide	$40 – $55

What Does Waterproofing Do?

Waterproofing is any protective treatment of a home to prevent water or moisture from getting inside. History has taught us that without proper techniques and materials, moisture can break through to weak areas of the home. Australia has standards that set minimum requirements in whether or not a specific area needs waterproofing.

Why is Waterproofing Necessary?

When water finds its way into a structure, it can weaken the foundation, and many other structural integrates along the way. The damage may stay hidden behind walls and under roofs for years. Still, eventually, mould and mildew, weakening of joints or rebuilds become necessary. This is when you realise the cost of waterproofing is minimal compared to respiratory health issues or replacing walls and floors.

What Areas of your Home Need Waterproofing?

Not every area of your home is susceptible to moisture or water.

Some of the most common areas where water can gain access are:

• Bathroom
• Swimming Pool
• Deck
• Roof
• Basement
• Balcony
• Chimney
• Laundry room

A small bathroom waterproofing cost averages $500. There could be an adjustment to waterproof doors for bathrooms price, depending on the layout of the space. A typical balcony waterproofing cost is approximately $350. A home waterproofing cost is not a lot of money to spend on the security of your home and family.

It may sound simple to determine the approximate waterproofing cost per square metre of space. Still, there are many factors that can come into play.

Size of Project

A small bathroom may seem simple enough to waterproof. Still, when a plumber or expert waterproofing company discovers another moisture problem behind the walls, treatment could change in a hurry. For instance, beams that are damp could lead up to an unprotected chimney or a rip in the roof. Spending extra time on tracing the problem and designing a new way to waterproof another area will add to existing costs. Building a new deck can also create a new waterproofing cost per sqm. Not every area will be the same in what is required by the standards and building codes in Australia.

Location in Australia

Certain conditions may exist in different areas of Australia to cause a difference in pricing. There are different classifications of membrane systems, depending on what city you live in. Studies have been done to rate areas by time, humidity, water, chemical resistance, tensile and adhesive bond strengths, abrasion and puncture resistance, and ultra-violet (UV) testing. For example, a house on the beach may have a different set of circumstances with water than that of a further property inland.

Material Used to Waterproof

Coating cement surfaces is the easiest and very effective way of protecting basement walls and foundations. It is applied as a liquid and turns into rubber once dried. This is only one form of waterproofing used for a particular structure. Bituminous membranes are made from asphalt and perfect for coating roofs. Only after a professional is contacted will you know the best material for your specific need.

The price of waterproofing materials will vary according to the type of application needed.

Liquid Membrane Waterproofing – One retailer in Brisbane offers extra flexible membrane waterproofing that is fully accredited by CSIRO AS485858; (item 8 below fully authorised by CSIRO AS4858) for $250. This is regarded as a total for small bathroom waterproofing costs, minus any complications.

Polyurethane Waterproofing – The polyurethane waterproofing price may seem extreme if you are considering a 1200 square foot basement. However, cracks in concrete can also be patched with just a little polyurethane waterproofing product. This type of membrane is useful for coating concrete surfaces, masonry and flat roofs.

Bitumen waterproofing – This material has the advantage of being protective and an excellent sealer for low-sloping roofs and concrete walls. Made of asphalt or coal-tar pitch, this material is flexible. Bitumen waterproofing prices can run as high as $150 for a 5-gallon container. However, the extra protection is worth every penny. Chimney waterproofing cost is usually included in roofing work.

Cementitious waterproofing – A type of liquid membrane, cementitious waterproofing is very easy to apply to concrete walls. It can keep the waterproofing exterior basement walls cost at a minimum. This cementitious waterproofing price for product runs around $300 per 5-gallon containers.

Sheet Membranes – Sheet membranes are mainly used for underground installation and are tedious and expensive. The lapping of each sheet is a potential for water to enter. Most waterproofers no longer use this method, but it is still a material option.

A waterproofing bathroom cost can vary depending on what type of material you choose for walls and flooring. For example, a waterproof laminate flooring price is higher than that of tile on a cement floor. Water can get under laminate flooring and breed bacteria so it must be waterproofed. Tile on cement uses is not as easily penetrated.

Shower walls are a definite place where waterproofing needs to be added before installing walls. The floors and surrounding area also needs to be waterproofed according to code. The toilet area is also required to have waterproofing done as the equipment is subject to sweating. Waterproofing price per square metre can run $30 to $60 depending on the company that you are using.

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

Waterproofing is a learned skill and one that has to be certified by the construction industry. Two years of an internship is also needed before certification is granted. Always make sure that you receive quotes from qualified individuals. Your construction company will have a good idea of the best waterproofers in your area. Always get more than one estimate that list:

• Areas to be treated
• Type of material
• Hours to complete

Licensing and Qualifications

Always ask for proof of certification from potential waterproofers. This could vary from state to state. Your contractor will know who to contact for specific details. A contractor may have the qualifications of a licensed waterproofer. Plumbers often receive this training. Never use an individual or company that cannot provide the following information:

• Current proof of licensing
• List of references
• Number of years in waterproofing
• Testing and quality assurance to be performed
• Warranty on work

 

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources