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Everflex Aqua-ban: A Technical Overview
Everflex Aqua-ban is a high-performance, single-component Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) liquid membrane engineered for ultimate reliability in under-tile waterproofing applications. Formulated with integrated micro-fibres, it cures to form a tough, durable, and fully bonded seamless barrier that provides Class III flexibility and long-term water immersion resistance without re-emulsification. Critically, it has been independently tested and verified by BRANZ to meet the stringent requirements of AS 4858:2004 for wet area membranes, ensuring full compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) for both internal and external projects. Its low VOC, water-based formula offers rapid recoat times and easy cleanup, making it the superior choice for professionals seeking efficiency, compliance, and guaranteed performance.
391%
Class III Elongation at Break (AS 4858), accommodating high-movement joints and substrate shifts to prevent membrane failure.
Core Features & Specifications
- AS 4858:2004 Class III Certified: Independently tested by BRANZ, guaranteeing high extensibility (391%) and compliance for critical waterproofing applications.
- Rapid Recoat Time: Achieves touch-dry status in 2-4 hours, allowing for earlier tiling and significantly reducing project timelines.
- Micro-Fibre Reinforced: Self-reinforcing technology enhances tensile strength and durability, creating a tougher, more robust membrane.
- Low Water Vapour Permeability: With a transmission rate of just 3.92 g/m²/24h, it's an effective barrier suitable for use over timber floors and other sensitive substrates.
- Permanent Water Resistance: Cures to form a fully bonded barrier that will not re-emulsify or break down, even with prolonged water immersion, ensuring long-term asset protection.
- Low VOC Formula: With a VOC content of less than 1 g/L, it meets Green Star environmental criteria and is virtually odourless for safer application in enclosed spaces.
The Everflex Aqua-ban Advantage
- De-Risk Your Compliance: Using a BRANZ-tested, AS 4858 compliant system eliminates guesswork and ensures your work meets the highest Australian standards and NCC requirements.
- Increase Job Site Efficiency: The single-pack, ready-to-use format combined with fast drying times means you can complete waterproofing and move on to tiling faster, improving labour productivity.
- Deliver a Defect-Free System: The membrane's exceptional flexibility and permanent bond strength prevent the most common causes of waterproofing failure, reducing costly call-backs and protecting your reputation.
- Achieve System Compatibility: Guaranteed compatibility with Adheseal primers and a wide range of approved tile adhesives (including RLA & Gripset) for a complete, warrantable system.
- Work Cleaner and Safer: The water-based, non-toxic formula allows for simple cleanup with water and improves air quality for applicators and clients.
Best Practices: Do's & Don'ts
Do
- Ensure substrate is sound, clean, dry, and properly prepared before starting.
- Always use a recommended primer (Everflex WBP/VBS) for optimal adhesion.
- Apply a suitable sealant or bond breaker in all internal corners and joints.
- Apply a minimum of two coats at right angles to achieve the required DFT.
- Use a wet film gauge to verify minimum thickness (1mm DFT internal, 1.3mm DFT external).
Don't
- Apply in temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C.
- Use as a final, permanently exposed trafficable surface. It must be tiled or topped.
- Apply to damp, contaminated substrates or if rain is imminent.
- Use in areas subject to negative hydrostatic pressure or rising damp.
- Attempt to span dynamic cracks or expansion joints without a reinforcing system.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Waterproofers & Tilers: New Bathroom Installation
The Engineering Challenge
Ensuring a fully compliant, flood-proof seal in a high-movement area like a shower recess, with multiple substrate transitions (e.g., plasterboard to screed) and critical penetrations.
The System-Based Solution with Everflex Aqua-ban
Apply a fillet of Adheseal PU sealant to all internal corners and sheet joints. Prime surfaces with Everflex WBP. Apply the first coat of Aqua-ban, embedding polyester reinforcing fabric at joints and penetrations. Apply a second coat at a right angle to achieve the required 1mm minimum Dry Film Thickness (DFT), ensuring a pinhole-free, monolithic barrier.
Best Practice Note
Use a wet film thickness gauge during application to guarantee a minimum of 0.75mm per coat. This ensures the final cured system meets the 1mm DFT required for AS 4858 compliance and warranty.
For Builders & Remedial Specialists: Balcony Rectification
The Engineering Challenge
Rectifying a failed external membrane on a balcony exposed to thermal cycling and structural movement. The solution must provide long-term UV resistance before tiling and bond tenaciously to the prepared substrate to prevent future water ingress.
The System-Based Solution with Everflex Aqua-ban
After thorough substrate preparation, prime with Everflex VBS for superior adhesion on external surfaces. Apply Aqua-ban in two coats to achieve a minimum 1.3mm DFT for external applications. The membrane's 391% elongation handles the greater thermal movement on balconies, while its durable cured properties withstand site conditions prior to tiling.
Best Practice Note
Ensure waterstops are installed at all external doorways and sealed with Adheseal PU or Hi-Flex MS sealant prior to membrane application to comply with NCC requirements and prevent driven rain ingress.
Performance Benchmark: Everflex Aqua-ban vs. Standard Acrylics
| Metric | Everflex Aqua-ban (SBR) | Standard Acrylic Membrane | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elongation (AS 4858) | 391% Class III | ~150-250% (Class II) | Superior flexibility handles significantly more substrate movement and thermal cycling without failing. |
| Water Resistance | Does not re-emulsify Permanent | Can re-emulsify | Ensures long-term performance and integrity even in permanently damp conditions under tiles. |
| VOC Content | <1 g/L Ultra Low | ~20-60 g/L | Virtually odourless, safer for applicators in confined spaces and meets Green Star criteria. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Everflex Aqua-ban fully compliant with Australian Standards?
Yes. Everflex Aqua-ban has been independently tested by BRANZ and certified to meet all requirements of AS 4858:2004 Wet Area Membranes as a Class III (high extensibility) membrane. It also complies with AS 4654.1 for external applications, ensuring it meets National Construction Code (NCC) standards.
How long before I can tile over Everflex Aqua-ban?
Allow approximately 48 hours to cure at 25°C and 50% humidity before commencing tiling. Recoat time between coats is typically 2-4 hours after becoming touch-dry. Please note that cooler temperatures, higher humidity, or poor ventilation will extend these times.
What is the required thickness for Everflex Aqua-ban application?
A minimum of two coats is mandatory. For internal wet areas, you must achieve a minimum Dry Film Thickness (DFT) of 1mm. For external applications like balconies, a more robust minimum DFT of 1.3mm is required for full system compliance and warranty.
Do I need to use a primer with this membrane?
Yes, priming is always recommended to ensure optimal adhesion and system performance. Use Everflex WBP for general internal applications and Everflex VBS for external applications or more demanding substrates. Always apply the primer according to its own Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
Can I use Everflex Aqua-ban for areas with negative hydrostatic pressure?
No. Everflex Aqua-ban is not suitable for areas subject to negative hydrostatic pressure or rising damp, such as retaining walls or below-ground tanks. It is designed as a positive-side membrane to be applied to the surface closest to the water source, typically under tiles.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Wet Areas (Bathrooms, Showers, Laundries) |
Class III flexibility and NCC compliance prevents leaks in high-use, high-movement areas. | Waterproofers, Tilers, Builders, Plumbers |
| External Balconies & Decks (Under tiles or toppings) |
High elongation (391%) withstands thermal cycling and structural movement common in external applications. | Waterproofers, Tilers, Remedial Contractors |
| Podiums & Terraces | Creates a durable, monolithic barrier that protects structural slabs and occupied spaces below. | Builders, Commercial Waterproofers |
| General Tiled Areas (Kitchens, Patios) |
Rapid drying time allows for faster project completion. Inhibits mould growth for a healthier finish. | Tilers, Builders, Renovators |
| Timber Flooring Substrates | Low water vapour permeability (3.92g/m²/24h) protects moisture-sensitive timber from damage. | Tilers, Flooring Contractors, Builders |
Applying Everflex Aqua-ban: Professional Guide
-
Step 1: Surface Preparation & Detailing
Ensure all substrates are structurally sound, stable, dry, and clean. All contaminants like dust, oil, and curing compounds must be removed. Rectify all non-structural cracks and holes.
Joints & Corners
Apply a 12mm fillet of Adheseal PU or Hi-Flex MS sealant to all internal corners and over sheet joints to act as a bond breaker.
Penetrations & Drains
Rebate floor wastes and puddle flanges into the floor. Seal all gaps and perimeters with Adheseal PU or Hi-Flex MS sealant.
Pro Tip: For dynamic cracks or expansion joints, always use an appropriate system like Adheseal Elastoband or Butyl Tape before membrane application. Aqua-ban is not designed to span live gaps. -
Step 2: Priming
Priming is a mandatory step for system integrity. Select the appropriate primer for the substrate and environmental conditions.
Internal Applications
For most internal substrates like cement sheeting and screeds, apply one coat of Everflex WBP primer.
External & Timber Applications
For external balconies, roof decks, and timber floors, apply one coat of Everflex VBS for superior adhesion and vapour barrier properties.
Timing: Allow the primer to become touch-dry before applying Everflex Aqua-ban. The membrane must be applied within 24 hours of priming. -
Step 3: Membrane Application
Thoroughly mix Aqua-ban before use. A minimum of two coats is required to achieve the specified Dry Film Thickness (DFT).
First Coat
Using a brush or roller, apply an even and consistent first coat at approximately 0.75mm wet film thickness. If specified, embed reinforcing fabric into the wet first coat over corners and joints.
Second Coat
Once the first coat is touch-dry (approx. 2-4 hours), apply the second coat at a right angle to the first, again at 0.75mm wet film thickness, to ensure a pinhole-free finish.
Pro Tip: Verify wet film thickness with a gauge to ensure a minimum DFT of 1mm (Internal) or 1.3mm (External) is achieved. This is critical for compliance and long-term performance.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Do not apply in temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C, or if rain is imminent.
Not suitable as an exposed membrane. Must be covered by tiles or another protective topping as it has limited long-term UV resistance.
Not suitable for areas subject to negative hydrostatic pressure or rising damp (e.g., retaining walls, cellars).
Do not apply over damp, wet, or contaminated substrates. Ensure surfaces are dry and properly prepared before application.
The product is not designed to span dynamic cracks or expansion joints without a separate reinforcing system like Adheseal Elastoband.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Always wear safety glasses with side shields (or chemical goggles) and chemical-protective gloves (e.g., PVC) when handling the product.
Ventilation Requirements
Use in a well-ventilated area to ensure vapours can dissipate. Mechanical ventilation may be required in confined indoor spaces.
Handling & Storage
Store in original, securely sealed containers in a cool, dry area between 10°C and 35°C. Keep away from foodstuffs. Avoid contact with moisture before use.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Rinse cautiously with fresh running water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If irritation persists, get medical advice.
Skin:
Immediately remove all contaminated clothing. Flush skin and hair with running water and soap if available. Seek medical attention in the event of irritation.
Inhaled:
If fumes or aerosols are inhaled, remove from the contaminated area to fresh air. Other measures are usually unnecessary.
Swallowed:
Immediately give a glass of water. First aid is not generally required. If in doubt, contact a Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) or a doctor.
Substrate & Adhesion Guide
Concrete & Screeds
Surface Preparation
New concrete must cure for a minimum of 28 days. Sand/cement screeds must cure for at least 4 days. All surfaces must be sound, clean, dry, and free from dust, laitance, curing compounds, and other contaminants.
Primer Requirements
Primer required for all applications
Use to seal porous surfaces, prevent pin-holing and consolidate the substrate for maximum bond strength.
Everflex WBP (Internal) / Everflex VBS (External)Cement Sheeting & Plasterboard
Surface Preparation
Ensure all sheets (Villaboard, Blue Board, Wet Area Plasterboard) are fixed according to manufacturer's specifications. All joints and corners must be treated with a suitable bond breaker or reinforcing fabric system.
Primer Requirements
Primer required for all applications
Priming prevents moisture from the membrane being absorbed too quickly into the sheet, ensuring proper film formation.
Everflex WBPStructural Plywood (Type A)
Surface Preparation
Ensure plywood is Type A PAA JAS-ANZ certified and installed to meet building code requirements for deflection. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of any oils or treatments. All sheet joints must be properly supported and sealed.
Primer Requirements
Primer required for critical applications
Priming is essential to seal the timber grain and provide a consistent surface for membrane adhesion.
Everflex VBSMasonry & Render
Surface Preparation
New render must cure for a minimum of 4 days. Brickwork and blockwork must be flush-pointed and free of all loose material. Surfaces must be clean, dry, and structurally sound before application.
Primer Requirements
Primer required for all applications
Due to the high porosity of these substrates, priming is critical to prevent water loss from the membrane and ensure a tenacious bond.
Everflex WBP / Everflex VBS
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.