Proofex TPO meets complex waterproofing demands of prestige Canberra residence Canberra

A complex architectural vision requires a versatile, durable waterproofing solution

Located on sought-after Mugga Way in Canberra’s Red Hill, this four-storey family home on a sloping block was ambitious in both its scale and design vision.

Constructed predominantly from architecturally designed precast concrete, the home required a high-performance waterproofing solution capable of integrating with its complex design. While large-scale areas such as the roof required an efficient yet durable system, careful detailing was also required around features such as planter boxes, garden beds, windows and doors.

Before the waterproofing could begin, areas of the concrete substrate also required adjustment and remediation to create the required drainage falls and prepare raised edges and junctions.

Preparing for waterproofing

Before waterproofing could begin, Fosroc's Cemtop® Screed and Renderoc® Rapid were used to prepare the home’s concrete substrate. Cemtop Screed is a durable cementitious screed that is ideal for correcting falls in concrete substrates prior to the application of waterproofing membranes, while Renderoc Rapid is a rapid strength cementitious repair mortar that offers abrasion and weather resistance and will accept traffic within just 1 – 2 hours.

“Both products were quick to install and provided a fast turnaround. They proved particularly valuable on a project that needed to stay on schedule through changing Canberra weather conditions, and worked together to provide a suitable substrate for the subsequent waterproofing works," said Fosroc ANZ Southern New South Wales Account Manager, Geoff Owen.

Renderoc® FC was also used as a fairing coat across exposed concrete areas to achieve the finish required before a Dulux mineral stain was applied.

Why Proofex TPO?

Fosroc's Proofex® TPO waterproofing range comprises Proofex® ORG and Proofex® OFB – advanced Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) sheet waterproofing membranes designed for applications including roofs (sloping or flat) and balconies.

Proofex TPO products provide superior resistance to weathering and UV exposure, fast application and welded joints for maximum watertightness. The membranes are environmentally friendly, contain no VOCs or plasticisers and are recyclable. TPO is also approximately 25% lighter than traditional PVC membrane and can be welded at lower temperatures.

For this project, the speed of installation was particularly important.

“Unlike liquid-applied waterproofing systems, the sheet membrane did not require lengthy curing periods between coats – an important advantage during Canberra's colder months,” said Geoff.

With a firm deadline for the residence to be completed before Christmas 2025, reducing delays associated with curing helped keep the waterproofing works and the entire construction program moving.

Fast, efficient installation wins applicator praise

Proofex TPO is particularly suited to roofing applications, with its flexible sheet format accommodating flat, sloping and complex roof geometries.

“We found Proofex TPO really easy to work with and very user-friendly," said Paul Grant from PMG Remedial.

"The welding was excellent, and having used multiple waterproofing systems in the past, we found the Proofex TPO welded better than PVC. It worked really well across the roof and also the balcony areas.”

“Being UV stable, Proofex TPO ticks a lot of boxes. Unlike other systems that need to be protected from UV exposure, you don’t have to cover it over, which is a real advantage.”

On-site training builds applicator confidence

For the applicators at PMG Remedial, this project was the team’s first experience installing Proofex TPO. To support a successful installation, Fosroc ANZ's Training Manager, Craig Simmons, travelled to Canberra to conduct on-site training and provide technical assistance to the applicator team, while Geoff maintained regular involvement throughout the project.

The combination of product training and ongoing site support gave the PMG Remedial team confidence in the system and helped ensure correct installation on this high-profile residential project.

“The support from Fosroc has been fantastic. Craig came down from Sydney and spent a few days on site with us, working through all the details and making sure everything was right. If I ever need anything or have a question, Geoff and Craig are always there and very responsive, Paul said.

PMG Remedial's experience has led to further use of Proofex TPO.

“Having seen how easy it is to work with Proofex TPO and how well it performs, we’re already using it on another project and it’s working really well there too.”

The system advantage

According to Geoff, the availability of compatible repair and waterproofing solutions from Fosroc was an important advantage on this project.

“Proofex TPO is the crucial waterproofing membrane and the main product, but it was a bonus on the project to be able to provide the right concrete repair products to prepare the substrate first,” Geoff says.

In addition, Geoff coordinated with the wider Dulux team (in Australia, Fosroc distribution is licenced to Parchem, a DuluxGroup business) to provide Porter’s Mineral Stain, which was applied to all exposed concrete after it had been prepared with Renderoc FC.

“That’s where Fosroc differs a bit from other construction product suppliers. As well as our comprehensive range of waterproofing and concrete repair products, we can provide a ‘whole of project’ solution that extends to protective and decorative coatings,” said Geoff.

“One of the great things about working with Fosroc is the broad range of products available," said Paul from PMG Remedial. "It helps us diversify on site and do more for the client without having to source multiple brands. Having everything under the one banner also works really well from a warranty perspective.”

A successful outcome

The completed Proofex TPO waterproofing system provides protection to approximately 700m² of roof, balcony and external entertaining areas, while the broader suite of repair and preparation products helped achieve the finish required for this architect-designed concrete residence.

“The builder, homeowner and client are very happy with the outcome,” Geoff said.

For Fosroc, the project also demonstrates the advantages of combining repair, substrate preparation, waterproofing technology, coatings and on-site technical support within one coordinated solution.

Find out more

• Read more about Proofex TPO
• Find out more about Fosroc waterproofing solutions
• Contact your local Fosroc ANZ specialist using the form at the bottom of this page