Strata waterproofing Sydney

In strata, water rarely stays in one lot. A failed balcony membrane in Unit 12 becomes the ceiling claim in Unit 8. Common-property rooftops, planter boxes and podium decks sit on the owners corporation’s side of the ledger — and so does the defect when they fail.

Sydney Waterproofing Services works with strata managers, building managers and owners corporations across Greater Sydney on remedial waterproofing for common property and related wet areas. Balconies, rooftops, planters, bathrooms where the scheme’s scope includes them, and the junctions that actually move water between lots.

We’re based in Seven Hills (Factory 29, 6 Abbott Road). Since 2016 we’ve quoted and delivered membrane work that committees can approve from a clear scope — not a vague “waterproofing allowance.”

What we do for strata

• Inspect common-property balconies, podiums, rooftops, planter boxes and retaining interfaces
• Document findings with photos suitable for committee packs and building managers
• Separate lot vs common property issues where the boundary is obvious on site (final determination sits with the scheme’s rules/advice — we don’t play lawyer)
• Scope staged works — one elevation, one stack, or priority “wettest first” programs when budgets are phased
• Remembrane and detail to suitable systems (liquid, sheet, torch-on as the build-up needs)
• Coordinate tiling reinstatement where we’re carrying finishes
• Work around occupied buildings — access, protection, communication with managers

Trade membranes from systems we use site-wide (Ardex, Bostik, Mapei, Gripset, Crommelin, Soprema, Drizoro and others as specified). Wet-area work references AS 3740. External membranes scoped with AS 4654 in mind where applicable.

Common property failures we see

• Balcony membranes past service life; door thresholds leaking into living areas below
• Blocked balcony drains / missing overflows
• Podium decks under planters with failed liners
• Rooftop membranes aged out around plant and penetrations
• Expansion joints and upstands never detailed for movement
• Patch-on-patch silicone history hiding a dead membrane
• Bathroom stack leaks where lots and common pipes interact (scope clarified per scheme)

Committees sometimes approve the cheapest patch for three AGMs running. Then the concrete repair line item arrives. Early remembrane on the right balconies is usually cheaper than waiting for structural advice.

Process (strata-friendly)

1. Brief — manager or OC contact, access notes, any existing reports.
2. Inspection — prioritised areas; moisture indicators; drainage checks.
3. Report-style quote — what’s failed, recommended system, inclusions/exclusions, staging options.
4. Approval — we hold for committee / vote as required.
5. Works — site protection, resident notices via manager, membrane program, QA checks.
6. Handover — completion docs, guarantee terms as quoted, maintenance notes (drains, joints).

We don’t flood your inbox with marketing. You get the scope, the price basis, and a crew that shows up when booked.

Materials & compliance

Product selection follows substrate, exposure and traffic finish. Balcony recoveries and rooftop recovers often differ. We don’t force torch-on onto a detail that wants a flexible liquid system — or the reverse.

Compliance certificates and workmanship guarantees are issued on completed scopes as agreed. ABN: 81 656 401 455. NSW contractor licence: 389766C.

Sydney strata / climate notes

UV, summer storms and poor falls on older balconies are a constant across the metro area — Eastern Suburbs units, Western Sydney townhouses, CBD podiums, Hills District blocks. Shared drainage means one blocked outlet can wet three lots. Coastal salt air is harder on coatings and metal flashings.

If your scheme already has an engineer’s defect list, send it through before the visit so we inspect against it rather than starting from zero.

When to call

• Recurring lot claims for ceiling damage under balconies
• AGM papers listing waterproofing defects
• Pre-sale building reports lighting up common-property membranes
• Planter boxes on podiums staining soffits
• Rooftop plant level leaks into top-floor lots
• Need a staged budget for the next 12–24 months of remediation

Strata managers: call 1300 949 191 or email info@sydwaterproofingservices.com.au with the site address, access contact and any reports.

FAQ

Can you quote from photos only?

Photos help triage. Common-property membrane work still needs a site inspection before a firm scope.

Do you attend committee meetings?

On request for larger programs — usually after a written scope exists so the discussion isn’t abstract.

Will you work to an engineer’s specification?

Yes when a spec is provided. We can also propose a system where the brief is performance-based.

How do you handle resident access?

Through the strata manager or building manager. We plan noisy/strip-out stages and keep communication in one channel where possible.

Lot owner balcony vs common property — can you still quote?

Yes. Clarify who engages us (lot owner vs OC). We’re practical about the boundary; scheme by-laws decide responsibility.

Do you only do balconies?

No — rooftops, planters, wet areas and remedial packages tied to the same building often sit in one program.