Introduction of Waterproofing Specifications under APAS

[23-May-2023]: Introduction of Waterproofing Specifications under APAS

 As reported by Australian online magazine Insurance Business Australia, Chubb (the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurer) there has been a 72% rise in the size of property-related claims for the past five years by Australian homeowners due to internal water damage, with average water damage claims increasing from $17,627 in 2014 to $30,361 in 2018. This report also showed that water damage now accounts for 34% of all Chubb property-related claims, compared to 16% for fire and 9% for burglary.

Water damage usually occurs from three main sources: internal building sources (plumbing, fire suppression, drains and gutters), external sources (rain, doors, window openings and groundwater) and construction defects. One of the most effective ways to prevent water damage in the construction phase of building is the use of suitable waterproofing materials that are expertly applied to the areas that require them.

CSIRO has listened to the concerns of the building industry and consulted widely with the major stakeholders over the past 12 months.

We are pleased to announce that the Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS) has introduced a series of Waterproofing specifications to address currently unregulated waterproofing products and materials and, in conjunction with its sister program, the Painting Contractor Certification Program (PCCP), has developed new classes under which PCCP accredits applicant contractors.

The specifications are:

Specification No.	Title:	Based on:
AP-S4000 V0	Waterproofing Membranes for above ground use (External)	AS 4654.1 Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use – Part 1: Materials
AP-S4001 V0	Pliable Building Membranes – Vapour / Water Control	AS/NZS 4200.1 Pliable building membranes and underlays – Part 1: Materials
AP-S4002 V0	Damp-proof courses and flashings	AS/NZS 2904 Damp-proof courses and flashings
AP-S4003 V0	Waterproofing Membranes for wet areas (Buildings)	AS/NZS 4858 Wet area membranes

A copy of the above specification can be obtained by clicking the above link or downloading directly from the Specification Section of the APAS website.

For enquiries on any of the specifications listed above and/or further clarity on what it means to be a Participating Manufacturer or Reseller, please Contact APAS.