For internal and external wet areas with tight handover schedules, 38FC Membrane provides a fast-curing, fibre-reinforced SBR latex waterproofing layer. It allows tiling to commence just 4 hours after application and can be flood tested within 24 hours, helping installers complete waterproofing and tiling on substrates like concrete, compressed fibre cement sheeting, and wet area timber sheeting within a single day.
38FC Membrane cures to form a durable, seamless elastomeric barrier that accommodates normal substrate movement without cracking. Formulated with fibre reinforcement for enhanced tensile strength and workability, the SBR latex formulation withstands continuously wet environments and ponding water without re-emulsifying. It functions as both a liquid vapour barrier and a waterproofing membrane when sandwiching between concrete substrates or applied under screeds, toppings, and tiles on balconies, decks, and bathroom floors.
38FC Membrane is suitable for commercial, industrial, and residential applications on the following substrates:
Surfaces must be clean, dry, sound, and free of laitance, curing compounds, and contaminants. Concrete must cure for at least 28 days, and screeds or renders for at least 7 days. The membrane must be applied to primed surfaces using one of the following systems:
Before applying the overall membrane, all joints, junctions, penetrations, and cracks must be detailed:
You can tile or apply toppings over Gripset 38FC after just 4 hours, assuming ambient conditions of 23°C and 50% RH. This rapid cure profile allows for waterproofing and tiling to be completed within a single day, streamlining project timelines.
Yes, Gripset 38FC is engineered to withstand continuously wet environments and ponding water without re-emulsifying. It can be flood tested after 24 hours, providing confidence for applications such as balconies, decks, and roofs under toppings.
Yes, priming is a mandatory step for all surfaces to ensure proper adhesion of Gripset 38FC. The correct Gripset primer must be selected based on the substrate's porosity and moisture content to prevent adhesion failure.
No, Gripset 38FC is not designed to be a finished membrane exposed to UV radiation. It must be covered by screeds, toppings, or tiles to protect it from environmental degradation and ensure its long-term performance.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal wet areas (bathrooms, laundries) | Rapid waterproofing and tiling in a single day, compliant with AS 4858. | Tilers, Waterproofers |
| External balconies, decks, podiums, terrace floors | Withstands continuous wet environments, flood testable in 24 hours, compliant with AS 4654.1. | Builders, Waterproofers, Landscapers |
| Roofs and rooftop terraces (under screeds/toppings) | Acts as an effective liquid vapour barrier, provides flexible, fibre-reinforced protection. | Roofers, Waterproofers |
| Sandwiching between existing and new concrete substrates | Creates a durable, seamless barrier preventing moisture migration between layers. | Concreters, Builders |
Note: Protect the membrane from damage prior to installation of toppings or coverings. Always follow AS 3740 and AS 4654.1 for compliant installation.
Wear safety shoes, overalls, nitrile gloves for intermittent contact, and safety glasses to prevent eye contact. Always wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Natural ventilation is adequate under normal use conditions. Ensure a well-ventilated area during application to avoid inhalation of vapours.
Store in original unopened packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid freezing conditions and cold floors. Shelf life is 12 months. Dispose of material and containers in accordance with local regulations; wet product can be cleaned with water, dried product requires mechanical removal.
Proper substrate preparation and priming are critical for the long-term performance of Gripset 38FC and to prevent membrane failure.
Surface prep: Surfaces must be clean, sound, smooth, and dry, free from loose material, dirt, oils, and curing compounds. Concrete requires a minimum 28-day cure, and render/sand cement screeds a minimum 7-day cure. Fill all defects and level surfaces.
Primer: Required. For porous or absorbent surfaces, apply Gripset GP Primer (1L/8-10m²). For damp surfaces or those subject to rising damp, use Gripset E60 (1-2 coats at 1L/3m² per coat).
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, sound, and free from dust or contaminants. Joints and screw heads should be flush and stable.
Primer: Required. Apply Gripset GP Primer (1L/8-10m²).
Surface prep: Surfaces must be stable, clean, dry, and free of any coatings, grease, or loose particles. Ensure all structural requirements are met for wet area timber.
Primer: Required. Apply Gripset GP Primer (1L/8-10m²).
Surface prep: Panels and blocks must be clean, dry, and free from dust and loose material. Surface defects should be filled and levelled.
Primer: Required. Apply Gripset GP Primer (1L/8-10m²).
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | Viscous Liquid |
| Colour | Blue |
| Specific Gravity | 1.3 kg/litre |
| Shore A Hardness (ASTM D2240-97) | 65 |
| Elongation Classification (AS1145.3) | >300% Class III |
| Tensile Strength (AS1145.3) | >1 MPa |
| Water Absorption (AS 3558.1) | 1% |
| Water Vapour Transmission (ASTM E96 Desiccant method) | 0.6 g/m² /24 hours |
| Compliance to AS4858 | PASS |
| Compliance to AS 4654.1 | PASS |
| pH | 9.5 |
| Recoat Time | 1 hour |
| Tiling/Toppings Time | 4 hours |
| Full Cure/Flood Test | 24 hours |
| Minimum Dry Film Thickness | 1 mm |
Here are some common examples on where Gripset 38FC Membrane used by our customers.
