Gripset 38FC: A Technical Overview
Gripset 38FC is a next-generation, water-based, fast-cure, fibre-reinforced SBR latex membrane engineered for rapid turnarounds without compromising durability. Designed for internal and external wet areas that will be covered with toppings, screeds or tile beds, it delivers elastomeric flexibility with low water vapour transmission for reliable crack-bridging and moisture control. Recoat in ~1 hour, tile in ~4 hours, and flood test after ~24 hours at 23 °C/50% RH. Apply by brush, roller or spray over correctly primed substrates, with junctions detailed using Elastoproof bands/collars, BRW PF Tape or RLA MAX SMP 25 to achieve compliant, seamless waterproofing to AS 4858 and AS 4654.1.
24 h
Flood-test readiness at 23 °C / 50% RH
Core Features & Specifications
- Fast-cure schedule: recoat ~1 h; tile/ toppings ~4 h; flood test ~24 h (23 °C, 50% RH) to compress program timelines.
- Fibre-reinforced SBR matrix improves tensile strength and workability for robust, seamless films on vertical and horizontal surfaces.
- Class III flexibility (elongation >300%) with tensile strength >1 MPa; Shore A ≈65 for durable crack-bridging.
- Low water vapour transmission (≈0.6 g/m²/24 h, ASTM E96 desiccant) assists vapour management under toppings.
- Water-based, solvent-free, non-toxic, non-flammable; suitable for occupied sites with appropriate ventilation.
- Coverage/film build: minimum 2 coats, ~1.5 L/m² total to achieve ≈1.0 mm DFT (≈750 µm WFT per coat).
- Primers: porous—Gripset GP Primer; non-porous—Gripset OP Primer; green/damp—Xpress Primer H2O Plus; rising damp—Gripset E60.
- Compatible with polymer-modified tile adhesives; use Gripset 11Y or C-Bed engineered screed for screeds/renders over membrane.
- Compliant to AS 4858 (internal wet areas) and AS 4654.1 (external above-ground).
The Gripset 38FC Advantage
- Same-day progress: waterproof and tile within a day to reduce labour overheads and site downtime.
- Engineered certainty: fibre reinforcement + Class III flexibility resist movement-related failures at junctions and corners.
- Vapour control under toppings: low WVT helps mitigate blistering and debonding risks in fast-track builds.
- Systemised detailing: integrates with Elastoproof tapes/collars and BRW PF Tape for consistent, compliant junctions.
- Versatile application: brush, roller or spray for consistent film build across complex geometries.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Tiling too early on cool or humid days
Potential Outcome: Entrapped moisture, whitening or adhesive performance issues.
Adheseal Best Practice: Verify tack-free status and target DFT prior to tiling. If ambient deviates from 23 °C/50% RH, extend intervals proportionally and confirm with field checks.
Scenario: Insufficient film build or missed junction reinforcement
Potential Outcome: Pinholing, weak corners/penetrations, localised leaks.
Adheseal Best Practice: Gauge 750 µm WFT each coat with a comb; pre-detail all junctions using Elastoproof B50/Collars or BRW PF Tape, or form sealant fillets with RLA MAX SMP 25.
Scenario: Using as an exposed or trafficable finish
Potential Outcome: UV degradation and premature wear.
Adheseal Best Practice: Always cover with screeds, toppings or tile systems; do not specify as a final exposed or trafficable surface.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Waterproofers (On-site Applicator): Balcony over occupied space
The Professional's Challenge
Deliver a fast turnaround membrane with low vapour transmission before a topping slab/tiles, while managing weather windows and QA.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Prime per substrate (GP for porous, OP for non-porous). Detail all junctions with Elastoproof B50/Collars. Apply two coats at ~750 µm WFT each to achieve ≈1.0 mm DFT (≈1.5 L/m²). Recoat ~1 h; tile after ~4 h; flood test after ~24 h at 23 °C/50% RH.
Best Practice Note
Stagger coat directions and record WFT readings per zone for handover QA.
For Builders (Business Owner-Operator): Rooftop terrace under screed
The Professional's Challenge
Maintain program certainty on a weather-exposed terrace requiring a sandwich membrane under a screed.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Prime with GP/OP/Xpress H2O Plus as conditions dictate. Install membrane to ≈1.0 mm DFT, then place screed incorporating Gripset 11Y as bonding/water-resistant additive or specify Gripset C-Bed engineered screed prior to tiling.
Best Practice Note
Confirm falls, outlets and waterstops before coating; protect membrane before screed placement.
For Remedial Specialists (On-site Applicator): Internal wet-area refurb
The Professional's Challenge
Achieve a same-day waterproof-and-tile cycle to minimise facility downtime.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
After surface prep and GP/OP priming, detail penetrations with Elastoproof Collars or BRW PF Tape. Apply 2 × ~750 µm WFT coats; tile after ~4 h using polymer-modified adhesive.
Best Practice Note
In cool/humid conditions, extend recoat/tile intervals and use air movement to assist drying.
Gripset 38FC – Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I tile over Gripset 38FC?
At 23 °C/50% RH, tiles can be installed approximately 4 hours after the final coat. Ensure the membrane is tack-free and the target dry film thickness has been achieved. Extend the interval in cooler or more humid conditions.
Is Gripset 38FC suitable for permanently exposed or trafficable areas?
No. It must be covered with a suitable topping, screed, or tile system. It is not designed for long-term UV exposure or direct traffic.
What primers should I use with Gripset 38FC?
Use Gripset GP Primer for porous substrates, Gripset OP Primer for non-porous surfaces, Xpress Primer H2O Plus for green or damp concrete, and Gripset E60 for rising damp applications.
Can I use Gripset 38FC as a vapour barrier under toppings?
Yes. Its low water vapour transmission rate (~0.6 g/m²/24 h) makes it effective for vapour control under toppings, reducing blistering or debonding risks.
How thick should the membrane be when finished?
A minimum dry film thickness of 1.0 mm is required, achieved in 2 coats at approximately 750 µm wet film thickness per coat (~1.5 L/m² total coverage).
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal wet areas (bathrooms, laundries) | Rapid recoat and tiling times reduce program delays in residential and commercial fit-outs. | Waterproofers, Tilers |
| Balconies, decks, podiums (to be covered) | Provides a Class III flexible, crack-bridging membrane to manage building movement and prevent leaks. | Waterproofers, Builders |
| Rooftop terraces under screeds/toppings | Low vapour transmission membrane helps prevent topping blistering and debonding. | Builders, Waterproofers |
| Sandwich membrane between slabs | Prevents water ingress between concrete pours while accommodating structural movement. | Builders, Concreters |
| Planter boxes (to be lined) | Resists constant damp conditions and root moisture ingress when covered by soil and lining. | Landscapers, Builders |
| Liquid vapour barrier under toppings | Controls moisture vapour emissions to protect adhesives and floor finishes. | Flooring Installers, Builders |
Application Guide
- Surface Preparation: All substrates must be clean, sound, and free from oils, grease, curing compounds, dust, loose material, and other contaminants. Remove laitance from concrete; fill surface voids with compatible repair mortar. Ensure correct falls to drainage points.
-
Priming:
Apply primer according to substrate type:
- Porous – Gripset GP Primer
- Non-porous – Gripset OP Primer
- Green/damp concrete – Xpress Primer H2O Plus
- Rising damp – Gripset E60
- Junction & Penetration Detailing: Reinforce all corners, wall/floor junctions, and penetrations with Elastoproof B50 tape, Collars, or BRW PF Tape. For movement zones, use RLA MAX SMP 25 as a sealant fillet before membrane application.
- Membrane Application: Apply Gripset 38FC by brush, roller, or spray. Use a minimum of 2 coats at approximately 750 µm WFT per coat to achieve 1.0 mm total dry film thickness (~1.5 L/m² total coverage). Apply coats at right angles to each other.
- Recoating: At 23 °C/50% RH, recoat after approximately 1 hour or when the first coat is tack-free. Extend times in cool or humid conditions.
- Tiling & Covering: At 23 °C/50% RH, tiles or toppings may be applied after approximately 4 hours. Ensure membrane is fully cured and tack-free before covering.
- Flood Testing: Conduct flood testing after approximately 24 hours curing at 23 °C/50% RH. For cooler or humid environments, extend curing time.
- Clean-Up: Clean tools and equipment immediately after use with water. Once cured, the product must be removed mechanically.
Note: Protect the membrane from damage prior to installation of toppings or coverings. Always follow AS 3740 and AS 4654.1 for compliant installation.
Limitations & Safety
Limitations
- Not designed for long-term UV exposure or as a final trafficable surface — must be covered with screeds, tiles, or other protective finishes.
- Do not apply in temperatures below 5 °C or above 35 °C.
- Avoid application during rain or when rain is imminent before curing.
- Do not dilute Gripset 38FC — apply as supplied.
- Ensure proper film thickness is achieved — insufficient build may compromise waterproofing performance.
- Not suitable for areas subject to negative hydrostatic pressure without appropriate substrate treatment.
Safety
- Water-based, solvent-free, non-flammable, and low odour — safe for use in occupied buildings with adequate ventilation.
- Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection during application.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes; in case of contact, rinse immediately with clean water.
- Do not ingest. If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
Adhesion Profile
Gripset 38FC bonds to a wide range of building substrates when correctly prepared and primed. Always ensure the surface is sound, clean, and free of contaminants before priming.
| Substrate | Surface Preparation | Recommended Primer |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (new, cured) | Remove laitance, dust, curing compounds; surface must be fully cured. | Gripset GP Primer |
| Green or damp concrete | Ensure surface water is removed; clean thoroughly. | Xpress Primer H2O Plus |
| Cement screeds & renders | Ensure fully cured, free of loose sand and contaminants. | Gripset GP Primer |
| Fibre cement sheeting | Clean surface; fix sheets as per manufacturer’s instructions. | Gripset GP Primer |
| Wet area timber flooring | Check sheet integrity, fixings and moisture content. | Gripset GP Primer |
| Masonry & blockwork | Remove dust, efflorescence, and friable material. | Gripset GP Primer |
| Plasterboard | Ensure joints are flush; remove dust. | Gripset GP Primer |
| Non-porous surfaces (e.g., metals, existing tiles) | Clean thoroughly; abrade if necessary. | Gripset OP Primer |
| Rising damp / residual moisture | Check moisture source and prepare substrate. | Gripset E60 |
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.