Gripset BRW-HD: A Technical Overview
Gripset BRW-HD is a self-adhesive butyl rubber sheet membrane laminated with a high-strength HDPE facing for subterranean and multi-layered waterproofing. The high-tack butyl backing delivers instant sealing and high bond adhesion to porous and non-porous substrates in cold to hot conditions (–30 °C to 80 °C). Cold-lay installation eliminates torching and cure delays, so areas can return to service immediately after completion. The membrane provides puncture/impact resistance, vapour resistance, and chemical/ground salt resistance, with no bleed or yellowing common to bitumen systems and no solvent primers emitting hazardous fumes. It is AS 4858 and AS 4654.1 compliant for internal and external wet areas.
Core Features & Specifications
- Self-adhesive, cold-applied membrane — no torching or heat welding; instant waterproof seal.
- High bond adhesion on porous and non-porous substrates; retains adhesion in cold application temperatures.
- HDPE-reinforced sheet for dimensional stability, high tear strength, puncture and impact resistance.
- Excellent waterproofing and vapour resistance; handles continuously ponding water.
- Chemically resistant to ground salts and common agents; no solvent or hazardous primers.
- Outstanding low-temperature flexibility without cracking; operating/service range –30 °C to 80 °C.
- Primerless on clean metals, plastics and glazed surfaces (when suitably prepared, sound and clean).
- Continuity at overlaps via in-built edge sealing strip; BRW FG Tape used for end-of-roll seals.
- Compliance: AS 4858 (PASS), AS 4654.1 (PASS); Membrane Class: Class III.
The Gripset BRW-HD Advantage
- Faster programs: instant seal with no drying — reduce downtime and keep trades moving.
- Cold-lay safety: eliminate hot-works permits and torches; safer basements and plant rooms.
- Broad substrate compatibility: concrete, masonry, CFC, plywood, metals, plastics and glazed surfaces.
- Pro-grade durability: HDPE face resists puncture/impact and movement for long-term reliability.
- Australian compliance: suitable for internal/external wet areas under AS 4858 / AS 4654.1.
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Installing over insufficiently primed porous surfaces
Potential Outcome: Reduced bond leading to edge lift or water tracking at terminations.
Adheseal Best Practice: Prime porous/absorbent substrates with Gripset GP Primer at approx. 1 L/8–10 m², allow to dry tack-free, then apply the sheet with firm pressure at edges and terminations.
Scenario: Exposed vertical terminations left unprotected
Potential Outcome: Edge damage or moisture ingress at exposed sheet edges.
Adheseal Best Practice: Protect exposed vertical terminations and follow BRW Installation Manual details. Use BRW FG Tape at end-of-roll joins and protect vertical edges in retaining/planter/basement walls.
Scenario: Counter-gradient overlaps on graded decks
Potential Outcome: Ponding at laps and potential water tracking against flow.
Adheseal Best Practice: Start at the lowest point near drainage and lay upslope so laps aid drainage; keep runs straight with string/laser lines.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Waterproofers (Specifier/Engineer): Retaining & Basement Walls
The Professional's Challenge
Design-compliant below-grade waterproofing with reliable lap integrity, chemical resistance and vapour control, installed without hot works.
The Adheseal Solution
Prime porous concrete with GP Primer (~1 L/8–10 m²). Lay sheets vertically; for planter/basement wall to floor, extend wall sheet a minimum 150 mm over the floor sheet. Use the in-built edge sealing strip for side laps; seal end-of-roll joins with BRW FG Tape with ~25 mm overlap onto the tape and 300 mm overlap when starting the new roll.
Best Practice Note
Press laps firmly with a handheld vinyl roller to drive butyl into the underlying sheet; protect exposed vertical terminations per BRW Installation Manual details.
For Builders (On-site Applicator): Podiums, Terraces & Plaza Decks
The Professional's Challenge
Cold-applied waterproofing over large areas with graded falls and drains, requiring rapid turnaround and reliable overlaps.
The Adheseal Solution
Start laying from the lowest point near drains and progress upslope so laps aid drainage. Tack the first 100–200 mm, then unroll while removing release paper and flattening bubbles. For floor wastes, lay over the waste and flange, then cut an aperture to reveal the waste so the interface is bridged and sealed.
Best Practice Note
Keep runs straight using string/laser lines; firm pressure along edges and terminations prevents water tracking.
For Remedial Contractors (Business Owner): Mixed Substrates & Damp Conditions
The Professional's Challenge
Retrofitting over varied surfaces — some damp — with minimal downtime and strong adhesion without solvent primers.
The Adheseal Solution
Use Gripset E60 on green/damp surfaces (1–2 coats at ~1 L/3 m²/coat). For non-porous metals/plastics/glazed surfaces, primer is generally not required when properly prepared. Press all overlaps with a handheld vinyl roller.
Best Practice Note
Where needed on non-absorbent substrates, use Gripset OP Primer (~1 L/12 m²). Always protect exposed vertical terminations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a primer before installing BRW-HD?
On porous/absorbent substrates use Gripset GP Primer (~1 L/8–10 m²). On non-porous substrates use Gripset OP Primer (~1 L/12 m²). On green/damp substrates use Gripset E60 (1–2 coats at ~1 L/3 m²/coat). Metals/plastics/glazed surfaces generally don’t require primer if clean and sound.
How should I treat side laps and end-of-roll joins?
Use the in-built edge sealing strip for side laps and roll firmly with a handheld vinyl roller. For end-of-roll joins, use BRW FG Tape, overlapping the sheet ~25 mm onto the tape and starting the new roll with a 300 mm overlap onto the existing sheet.
Is BRW-HD suitable for UV exposure or direct traffic?
No. BRW-HD is not for UV-exposed applications and not a trafficable surface. It must be covered/protected and is not for direct application of finishes unless detailed with system capping products per the Installation Manual.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Underground retaining & basement walls | Cold-lay, instant seal; chemical and vapour resistance; edge-sealed laps | Waterproofers, Builders |
| Planter boxes & roof gardens | High bond adhesion; puncture/impact resistant HDPE face; must be UV-covered | Waterproofers, Remedial |
| Podiums, terraces & plaza decks | Rapid application from low points upslope; reliable laps for drainage | Builders, Waterproofers |
| Unbonded screeds / multi-layer with BRW-PFN | System build-up capability; continuity with sealing strip and FG Tape | Waterproofers |
| Under pedestal paver finishes | Immediate service after waterproofing; robust sheet resists point loads (must be UV-covered) | Builders, Waterproofers |
Applying Gripset BRW-HD: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
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Surface Preparation
Clean, sound, smooth and dry substrates. Remove contaminants and repair defects. Observe minimum cure times (concrete ~28 days; render/screed ~7 days).
Mechanical Prep
Grind or abrasive blast to remove laitance, curing compounds and weak layers; point masonry flush.
Moisture Management
Use E60 on green/damp surfaces (1–2 coats at ~1 L/3 m²/coat); remove standing water before priming.
Timing: Observe substrate cure; allow primers to dry tack-free prior to sheeting.Pro Tip: Use string/laser lines to keep runs straight and parallel for consistent laps. -
Priming
Prime per substrate: GP Primer (~1 L/8–10 m²) for porous; OP Primer (~1 L/12 m²) for non-porous as needed; E60 for green/damp (1–2 coats at ~1 L/3 m²/coat).
Timing: Allow primers to dry per TDS before applying membrane.Pro Tip: On clean metals/plastics/glazed surfaces, BRW-HD can be applied primerless when suitably prepared. -
Sheet Laying (Floors & Walls)
Tack 100–200 mm while positioning, then unroll and remove release paper progressively. Press out air with a flat trowel/heavy roller; ensure firm pressure at edges and terminations.
Floors
Start from the lowest point near drains and work upslope so laps aid drainage.
Walls
Install in vertical patterns; ensure first run is straight. Where wall sheet overlaps floor sheet, maintain a minimum 150 mm overlap.
Pro Tip: Use a handheld vinyl roller to press laps so the butyl keys into the underlying sheet. -
Laps, Joints & Penetrations
Use the in-built sealing strip for side laps. At end-of-roll joins use BRW FG Tape; overlap the sheet ~25 mm onto the tape and begin the next roll with a 300 mm overlap. For penetrations, cut and slide the sheet over, trim, then patch with BRW-HD sections or BRW-HD Tape where needed.
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Terminations & Protection
Use BRW FG Tape detail at base/horizontal terminations when no subsequent overlap occurs. Protect exposed vertical terminations (retaining/basement/planter walls) per Installation Manual.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Not for applications subject to UV exposure; the membrane must be covered/protected.
Not to be used as a trafficable surface; not suitable for direct finishes without system capping per Installation Manual.
Not for use over expansion joints.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and protective clothing during surface preparation and installation.
Ventilation Requirements
Ensure adequate ventilation during surface preparation and priming steps.
Fire & Handling Precautions
Cold-lay installation avoids torching/heat. Follow good practice for storage/handling; keep rolls upright in dry internal conditions.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Rinse cautiously with water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Skin:
Wash with soap and water after handling or surface prep.
Inhaled:
Move to fresh air and seek advice if symptoms persist.
Swallowed:
Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.
Refer to the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and seek medical attention for serious exposure.
Gripset BRW-HD Application Guide
Concrete / Screed / Masonry
Surface Preparation
Clean, sound, smooth and dry. Remove laitance, curing compounds and contaminants; repair voids and non-structural cracks; allow concrete to cure ~28 days and cement renders/screeds ~7 days.
Primer Requirements
Primer required on porous substrates
Apply Gripset GP Primer at approx. 1 L/8–10 m² by brush/roller. Allow to dry tack-free before laying membrane.
Gripset GP PrimerMetals / Plastics / Glazed Surfaces
Surface Preparation
Ensure substrates are clean, sound and free of oils, release agents and residues. Light abrasion where required.
Primer Requirements
Primer generally not required
When in doubt or for critical interfaces, use Gripset OP Primer at ~1 L/12 m².
Gripset OP PrimerGreen/Damp Surfaces & External Floors
Surface Preparation
Remove standing water; surface must be clean and structurally sound.
Primer Requirements
Moisture-tolerant primer required
Apply Gripset E60 in 1–2 coats at ~1 L/3 m² per coat by brush/roller; allow to dry per TDS guidance.
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