Achieve instant, heavy-duty, and resilient waterproofing for subterranean and critical external structures. Safeguard against water ingress, structural movement, continuous ponding, and harsh environmental conditions. All without curing delays. This is the heavy-duty membrane that provides an immediate, reliable seal in demanding environments.

Why this product exists

Gripset BRW HD is a self-adhesive butyl rubber sheet membrane engineered for subterranean waterproofing and multi-layered applications. It is designed to provide instant sealing with its high-tack butyl backing and a high-strength HDPE film facing. This combination ensures outstanding adhesion to both porous and non-porous surfaces across a wide temperature range. The membrane delivers a waterproofing system that resists vibration, movement, and flexing. This overcomes the common limitations of traditional bitumen self-tack and heat-applied sheet membranes. It forms an instant waterproof seal, eliminating drying or curing times, allowing for immediate service upon installation.

The numbers that matter

  • 1mm thickness: This heavy-duty profile provides superior puncture and impact resistance, crucial for below-ground and high-stress external applications where membrane integrity is paramount.
  • Service temperature -30ºC to 80ºC: The broad temperature range ensures the membrane maintains its flexibility and adhesion in extreme Australian conditions, from freezing winters to scorching summers.
  • Tensile strength >3 MPa and elongation <300%: These figures reflect a robust, flexible membrane capable of handling significant structural movement and vibration without compromising its waterproof integrity.
  • Water vapour transmission 1 g/24h/m²: This low vapour transmission rate protects sensitive subterranean structures from moisture penetration, preventing long-term degradation.

What it's like to use

BRW HD offers a cold-lay, self-adhesive application, eliminating the need for torching, heat welding, or hazardous primers. This means no drying or curing time, providing an instant waterproof seal upon application. Prepare surfaces by ensuring they are clean, sound, smooth, and dry, removing any contaminants. Mechanically remove structurally unsound layers. Masonry surfaces require pointing flush and filling all defects. Concrete must cure for 28 days and screeds for 7 days.

Priming is generally required for porous/absorbent surfaces with Gripset GP Primer and non-porous/non-absorbent surfaces with Gripset OP Primer. For green or damp surfaces, or external floors, Gripset E60 is specified. Non-mineral based surfaces like metals and plastics typically do not require priming if suitably prepared.

Install by unrolling and cutting lengths, then slowly removing the release paper while pressing the sheet firmly onto the substrate with a flat trowel or roller. Ensure overlaps are properly sealed using the in-built sealing strip on sheet edges for vertical joints. For horizontal overlaps and end-of-roll connections, use BRW FG Tape to create a permanent seal. Detail pipes, penetrations, and floor wastes by cutting the membrane to fit and ensuring a tight, bonded seal. For perimeter detailing and internal/external corners, use BRW HD Tape, placing it centrally over the joint to create a bond breaker and additional protection.

Where this product excels

  • Underground retaining walls and basement/lift pit walls: Its resistance to ground salts, chemical agents, and continuous ponding water makes it ideal for critical subterranean structures.
  • Planter boxes and roof gardens: The HDPE face offers puncture and impact resistance against root systems and growing media. Its ability to handle continuous ponding water is essential for these applications.
  • Plaza decks, podiums, and terraces: Providing a robust, instant waterproof layer under pedestal paver finishes or unbonded screed systems, ensuring protection for occupied spaces below.

How it fits in a real system

Gripset BRW HD functions as the primary waterproofing membrane in demanding below-ground and external systems. In below-ground waterproofing, it is commonly applied after Everflex VBS, providing the main barrier against moisture before sealant work with products like Adheseal PU25. For external planter boxes, it acts as the initial heavy-duty layer, often followed by Gripset BRW-PF for enhanced, multi-layered protection. Its self-adhesive nature and instant seal facilitate rapid progression through project stages, minimising delays caused by curing times.

Choose this when

  • When the job demands instant, heavy-duty waterproofing for subterranean or critical external structures such as retaining walls, planter boxes, or basement walls.
  • When seeking a membrane that provides superior resistance to structural movement, vibration, continuous ponding water, and chemical agents.
  • When the project requires rapid application and immediate service, avoiding the delays associated with drying or curing times of liquid membranes.
  • When needing a robust, puncture-resistant membrane with outstanding adhesion across a wide range of temperatures.

Don't use this when

  • Not for: Applications exposed to UV radiation. Prolonged UV exposure will degrade the membrane. Ensure it is covered and protected if used in an external setting.
  • Not for: Applications requiring overlaid finishes, tiles, paints, or decorative coatings directly on the membrane. It is not designed to support these finishes.
  • Not for: Use as a trafficable surface. It is a waterproofing membrane and will not withstand pedestrian or vehicular traffic without protection.
  • Not for: Application over expansion joints. These require specific detailing and products designed for continuous, high-movement joint sealing.

Gripset BRW HD complies with AS4858 and AS4654.1 for internal and external wet areas. This compliance confirms its suitability for a range of critical waterproofing applications in the Australian building environment.

Choosing between Gripset BRW HD and traditional bitumen membranes

Gripset BRW HD stands apart from traditional bitumen self-tack and heat-applied membranes. It provides instant sealing without the need for torching, heat welding, or extended drying times. This eliminates the fire hazards associated with torch-applied systems and the application delays inherent in many liquid or bitumen-based products. Unlike bitumen products, BRW HD also avoids issues of 'bleed' or 'yellowing', ensuring a cleaner application without discolouration. For projects requiring multi-layered, high-performance systems, BRW HD integrates effectively with Gripset BRW-PFN, offering enhanced protection where continuous ponding water, structural movement, and vibration resistance are critical. This allows for a tailored approach to complex waterproofing challenges, leveraging the strengths of both products in a cohesive system.