Gripset BRW HD: A Technical Overview
Gripset BRW HD is a self-adhesive butyl rubber sheet membrane laminated with a high-strength HDPE film for exceptional subterranean and multi-layered waterproofing performance. It delivers instant waterproof and vapour-resistant sealing with no curing time, bonding strongly to both porous and non-porous substrates across a broad temperature range (−30 °C to 80 °C). The high-tack butyl layer provides outstanding adhesion, while the HDPE face offers dimensional stability, tear strength, puncture resistance, and chemical resilience. Cold-applied with no torching or solvents, BRW HD complies with AS4858 and AS4654.1, making it a reliable choice for high-performance waterproofing in critical environments.
Core Features & Specifications
- Self-adhesive butyl backing forms an instant seal—no curing required
- Performs in extreme conditions: service temperature −30 °C to 80 °C
- Complies with AS4858 and AS4654.1 for internal and external wet areas
- High bond adhesion to porous and non-porous surfaces, even in cold applications
- Outstanding flexibility without cracking at low temperatures
- Chemical and salt resistance for durability in aggressive environments
- Dimensional stability with high tear, puncture, and impact resistance
- Cold-lay application—no heat welding or torching
- Integrated sealing strip ensures overlap continuity
- Solvent-free and non-toxic, safe for confined or sensitive environments
The Gripset BRW HD Advantage
- Reduces installation time—ready for backfilling or covering immediately
- Eliminates downtime due to drying/curing delays
- Provides a consistent, defect-free waterproof layer without complex equipment
- Maintains adhesion in varying site temperatures, ensuring reliability year-round
- Suitable for integration into multi-layered high-performance membrane systems
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Applying to dusty or contaminated surfaces
Potential Outcome: Loss of adhesion and compromised waterproof integrity
Adheseal Best Practice: Mechanically clean and prime surfaces per substrate type—use GP Primer for porous, OP Primer for non-porous, and E60 for green/damp surfaces.
Scenario: Poor overlap sealing
Potential Outcome: Moisture ingress at sheet joins, leading to system failure
Adheseal Best Practice: Use the in-built sealing strip for side overlaps and BRW FG Tape for end laps to create permanent, watertight seals.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Waterproofers (Specifier/Engineer): Retaining Wall Waterproofing
The Professional's Challenge
Retaining walls require robust, continuous waterproofing resistant to ground salts and hydrostatic pressure while meeting AS4654.1 compliance.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Gripset BRW HD bonds strongly to concrete and masonry, resisting salts and chemicals. The integrated overlap sealing ensures a monolithic barrier, enabling backfill immediately after installation.
Best Practice Note
Always apply the correct primer for substrate conditions, ensuring complete coverage to achieve full bond strength.
For Builders (On-site Applicator): Podium and Deck Waterproofing
The Professional's Challenge
Waterproofing podium slabs requires a system that avoids weather delays and provides an immediate seal for follow-on trades.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
The cold-applied BRW HD membrane installs quickly without curing, allowing screed, insulation, or protective layers to be applied immediately, maintaining construction momentum.
Best Practice Note
Lay sheets from the lowest drainage point upwards on slopes, ensuring overlaps direct water flow towards drains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gripset BRW HD require curing before backfilling?
No. Gripset BRW HD forms an instant waterproof seal upon application, allowing immediate backfilling or covering without curing delays.
Is primer always required before applying Gripset BRW HD?
Priming is required for most porous or damp surfaces—use Gripset GP Primer for porous, Gripset OP Primer for non-porous, and Gripset E60 for green/damp surfaces. No primer is needed for clean, sound non-porous surfaces like metals and glazed tiles.
Can Gripset BRW HD be left exposed to sunlight?
No. BRW HD is not UV stable and must be covered or protected after installation to prevent degradation.
Is Gripset BRW HD suitable for use under tiles or decorative finishes?
Not directly. BRW HD is not designed to support overlaid finishes. Refer to Gripset BRW PF TAPE and the installation manual for capping details enabling surface finishes.
What is the service temperature range of Gripset BRW HD?
Gripset BRW HD performs reliably between −30 °C and 80 °C, retaining flexibility and adhesion in both cold and hot climates.
Can it be used for expansion joints?
No. BRW HD is not designed for expansion joint movement. Use a compatible flexible joint system for those applications.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Retaining walls & basement structures | Instant waterproof seal with high resistance to salts and ground chemicals | Waterproofers, Builders |
| Planter boxes & roof gardens | Cold-applied with no curing delays; safe for confined space application | Waterproofers, Landscapers |
| Podiums, plaza decks & balconies | Provides immediate protection for follow-on trades; supports multi-layer systems | Builders, Waterproofers |
| Tunnels, culverts & underground infrastructure | Performs in extreme temperatures from −30 °C to 80 °C with excellent adhesion | Civil Contractors, Waterproofers |
| Water tanks & water-retaining structures | Non-toxic and solvent-free; safe for sensitive environments | Waterproofers, Civil Contractors |
| Over existing epoxy-coated surfaces | Bonds directly to clean, sound coatings without removal | Waterproofers, Builders |
Application Guide
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1. Surface Preparation
Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and structurally sound. Remove dust, laitance, curing compounds, oil, grease, moss, algae, and any loose or friable material. For uneven surfaces, fill voids and repair defects to create a smooth, even substrate.
Refer to the Adhesion Profile for substrate-specific preparation requirements.
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2. Priming
- Concrete, screed, masonry: Prime with Gripset GP Primer (~1 L/8–10 m²)
- Non-porous surfaces (metals, glazed tiles, stone, plastics): Apply primer-less if clean and sound, or Gripset OP Primer (~1 L/12 m²) for enhanced bond
- Damp/green surfaces: Use Gripset E60 (1–2 coats, ~1 L/3 m² per coat)
Allow primers to become tack-free before laying membrane.
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3. Membrane Placement
Unroll Gripset BRW HD and cut to the required lengths before application. Always lay from the lowest point upward on vertical surfaces, ensuring overlaps face away from the direction of water flow.
Peel back the release liner gradually, pressing the membrane firmly onto the primed substrate using a roller or hand pressure to eliminate air pockets and wrinkles.
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4. Overlaps & Joints
Side laps: Ensure a minimum 50 mm overlap onto the integrated sealing strip; roll firmly for full bond.
End laps: Overlap by minimum 75 mm and seal with Gripset BRW FG Tape for watertight continuity.
Corners, penetrations, and terminations should be detailed using compatible tapes, sealants, or Gripset flashing components.
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5. Detailing Critical Areas
- Use Gripset Elastoproof Joint Band or BRW FG Tape at wall/floor junctions and internal corners
- Seal pipe penetrations and outlets with Gripset P10 Polyurethane Sealant
- Reinforce upturns and cappings with Gripset BRW PF Tape
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6. Protection & Backfilling
BRW HD is not UV-stable—cover with protection boards, geotextile fabric, drainage cell, screed, or other suitable coverings immediately after installation.
For retaining walls, backfill as soon as the membrane is installed and protected, avoiding sharp aggregates against the membrane.
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7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to dusty, wet, or contaminated surfaces without proper priming
- Failing to roll overlaps firmly, leading to moisture ingress
- Leaving membrane exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods
- Not detailing terminations, penetrations, and corners adequately
Limitations
- Not UV-stable — must be covered or protected after installation
- Not suitable for use as an exposed trafficable surface
- Not designed for use as a standalone expansion joint system
- Do not apply over weak, friable, or contaminated surfaces without adequate preparation
- Avoid application to wet substrates unless primed with Gripset E60 for green/damp conditions
- Do not use in direct contact with solvent-based adhesives or coatings
- Not suitable for potable water storage without additional lining or certification
Safety & Handling
- Wear gloves when handling to avoid skin contact with butyl adhesive
- Ensure adequate ventilation in confined spaces
- Avoid contact with eyes — in case of contact, rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Dispose of waste membrane and release liners according to local regulations
- Refer to the Gripset BRW HD Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full safety information
Gripset BRW HD Application Guide
Concrete / Screed
Surface Preparation
Surfaces must be clean, sound, smooth, dry and free of dust, oil/grease, wax, laitance, curing compounds, release agents, moss/algae and protrusions. Mechanically remove weak layers by grinding or abrasive blasting. Allow new concrete to cure ≥28 days and sand–cement screeds ≥7 days; point/patch voids and undulations before priming.
Primer Requirements
Primer required
Gripset GP Primer at ~1 L / 8–10 m² by brush/roller. For green/damp or external floors, use Gripset E60 (1–2 coats at ~1 L / 3 m² per coat).
Gripset GP Primer or Gripset E60 (per site conditions)Concrete Block & Masonry
Surface Preparation
Point joints flush; fill holes and pitted sections. Remove dust/contaminants and ensure a smooth, even plane to avoid bridging. Repair non-structural cracks and level undulations before membrane.
Primer Requirements
Primer required
Apply Gripset GP Primer ~1 L / 8–10 m². Where substrate is damp/green, use Gripset E60 (1–2 coats, ~1 L / 3 m² per coat).
Gripset GP Primer / Gripset E60CFC Sheeting / Timber Sheeting / Structural Plywood
Surface Preparation
Fix sheets per manufacturer and relevant standards. Ensure surfaces are clean, smooth and dry; sand high spots, and fill joints/voids. Screw heads flush; remove dust.
Primer Requirements
Primer required
Prime with Gripset GP Primer ~1 L / 8–10 m². For external/wet or damp conditions, use Gripset E60 (1–2 coats at ~1 L / 3 m² per coat).
Gripset GP Primer / Gripset E60Metals (Galvanised, Zincalume, Stainless, Copper, Aluminium)
Surface Preparation
Remove oils, oxidation and residues. Abrade lightly if needed for key; wipe clean. Ensure surface is dry and sound.
Primer Requirements
Primer typically not required
For clean, sound non-porous metals, BRW HD can be applied primer-less. If extra assurance is desired, prime with Gripset OP Primer at ~1 L / 12 m².
Gripset OP Primer (optional)Glazed Tiles / Marble / Granite / Ceramics
Surface Preparation
Degrease and clean thoroughly; abrade glossy faces lightly where possible and remove all dust. Ensure a flat, debris-free plane.
Primer Requirements
Primer typically not required
On clean, sound glazed/stone surfaces, apply BRW HD primer-less. Optionally use Gripset OP Primer (~1 L / 12 m²) for enhanced bond.
Gripset OP Primer (optional)Rigid & Soft Plastics / PVC / DPC Films
Surface Preparation
Clean to remove mould release, plasticisers on the surface, dust and contaminants. Ensure dry, stable, and well-supported substrate.
Primer Requirements
Primer typically not required
BRW HD can be installed primer-less to clean plastics/PVC/DPC. If in doubt, prime with Gripset OP Primer (~1 L / 12 m²).
Gripset OP Primer (optional)Over Existing Epoxy Coatings
Surface Preparation
Ensure coating is well-bonded, clean and free of surface chalking or contamination. Lightly abrade if glossy and vacuum.
Primer Requirements
Primer typically not required
Apply primer-less to clean, sound epoxies. Use Gripset OP Primer (~1 L / 12 m²) if additional bond is required.
Gripset OP Primer (optional)Green/Damp Surfaces & External Floors (Condition)
Surface Preparation
Remove standing water; surface may be damp but must be clean, stable and free of contaminants. Ensure falls to drainage are established.
Primer Requirements
Special primer required
Apply Gripset E60 at 1–2 coats (~1 L / 3 m² per coat) by brush or roller. Allow to dry to tack-free between coats before laying BRW HD.
Gripset E60
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