Product Overview

Summary: This Standard Operating Procedure sets out best-practice waterproofing techniques specifically for brick construction in Australian conditions. It provides a clear, repeatable method to prevent moisture ingress, protect structural integrity, and reduce costly rework and defects on residential, commercial, and civil projects.

Waterproofing failures in brick construction are one of the leading causes of building defects, client complaints, and expensive rectification works across Australia. Driving rain, wind load, rising damp and moisture-laden soil can all compromise brickwork if detailing, materials selection and installation are not carefully controlled. This SOP provides a structured, step-by-step approach to planning, installing and verifying waterproofing systems in brick walls, retaining structures, and below-ground brickwork, tailored to Australia’s diverse climates and building practices.

The document standardises how your team designs and executes flashing, damp-proof courses (DPCs), cavity drainage, sealants, membranes and terminations around high-risk interfaces such as windows, doors, balconies and slab junctions. It clarifies responsibilities between bricklayers, waterproofers and site supervisors, embeds quality checkpoints, and aligns with relevant Australian Standards and NCC requirements. By adopting this SOP, businesses can significantly reduce water ingress issues, protect the building’s structural performance, maintain aesthetic finishes and safeguard their reputation with clients, certifiers and insurers.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of water ingress, efflorescence, mould growth and long-term structural damage in brick buildings.
• Standardise waterproofing methods across projects, improving build quality and reducing variability between crews and subcontractors.
• Minimise costly call-backs, warranty claims and insurance disputes arising from moisture-related defects.
• Support compliance with the NCC and relevant Australian Standards, providing documented evidence of due diligence and quality control.
• Improve coordination between bricklayers, waterproofing specialists and site supervisors through clearly defined roles, interfaces and inspection points.

Who is this for?

• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Bricklayers
• Waterproofing Technicians
• Building Contractors
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Building Inspectors
• Estimators
• WHS and Compliance Coordinators
• Apprentice Bricklayers and Trainees

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions, Terms and Abbreviations (DPC, flashing, cavity, weep holes, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Bricklayers, Waterproofers, Site Supervisors, QA Inspectors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Codes and Australian Standards
• 5.0 Pre-Construction Planning and Design Review
• 6.0 Materials Selection and Acceptance Criteria (membranes, flashings, sealants, mortars)
• 7.0 Site Preparation and Substrate Requirements
• 8.0 Installation of Damp-Proof Courses (DPCs) and Flashings
• 9.0 Cavity Construction, Weep Holes and Drainage Provisions
• 10.0 Waterproofing to Below-Ground and Retaining Brickwork
• 11.0 Junctions with Windows, Doors, Balconies and Slab Edges
• 12.0 Sealant Application and Movement Joint Detailing
• 13.0 Quality Control, Inspection and Testing (checklists and hold points)
• 14.0 Management of Common Defects and Rectification Procedures
• 15.0 Documentation, Records and Handover Requirements
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Review of the SOP

Legislation & References

• National Construction Code (NCC) – Volumes One and Two (Performance Requirements for damp and weatherproofing)
• AS 3700: Masonry structures
• AS 4773.1: Masonry in small buildings – Design
• AS 4773.2: Masonry in small buildings – Construction
• AS 4654.1: Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use – Materials
• AS 4654.2: Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use – Design and installation
• AS 3740: Waterproofing of domestic wet areas
• AS/NZS 3500: Plumbing and drainage (for interface with stormwater and subsoil drainage)
• Guide to Standards & Tolerances (relevant state/territory version)